The GammaTech RS10A tablet pc proves, that technology, although ever changing, will always be surprising. GammaTech is well known for their ultra durable and tough “DuraBook” brand.  Much like the DuraBooks, the RS10A boasts the same patented toughness such as;

• Drop Resistance
• Shock Resistance
• Dust Resistance
• Water Resistance

While GammaTech tells you of their own tests and how their product passed, I tend to take my own approach with testing. Aside from the technical tests (will be explained later), the resistance testing was performed as follows;

• Drop Resistance
• 3 consecutive drops from 6” onto plush carpet, then hardwood floor, then concrete
• Shock resistance
• Dropped various articles weighing close to 1lb (3x on each  side)
• Dust Resistance
• Dumped freshly vacuumed dust on all surfaces of Tablet and then evacuated via canned air
• Water Resistance
• Took mister bottle and sprayed all surfaces with salted and un salted water. Also put tablet face up and face down in about 1/8” of water

After all those tests were done, with one push of the power button, the tablet was ready to go as if nothing ever happened.

The tablet was tested as delivered with XP SP2. While an older OS, I was happy to see a stable os to begin with. Three additional items (personally owned) were tested as well;

• Lexar ECHO MX Flash Drive
• External CD/DVD Drive
• Microsoft Life Cam

From start up to being connected to the internet, took less than 5 minutes, most of which was transcribing my 26 digit WEP security key in to the manually configured wireless settings.

If first impressions were a hint of what is to come, then I was thoroughly impressed. It was like having my own personal touch screen device on my lap or in my car, etc.

Like any computer, it handled several apps running at the same time, from industry standard office suites and web browsers, as well as email and a few third party add-ons.

I wanted to test its ability to plug and play USB devices. I hooked up the flash drive and the external cd rom and both were recognized and ready to use within seconds.

Battery level is advertised offered 3.5 hrs of time. As tested however, I got to 4 hours before the battery alert came on.

GammaTech is known for its military grade strength, etc within its products. This is no different. Its use could run the gamut, from construction sites, field operations (military and private), as well as Law Enforcement, when portability and power combined is a must. While it may be somewhat cost prohibitive for the typical household, I have come up with a small list of personal uses that might make its cost a bit more justifiable;

• Hunting/Camping/Fishing Trips
• Portable Dashboard cams for your vehicle
• Combined with a wireless camera, a portable baby/house monitor
• Hand held movies (either streaming or dvd)

Its fully integrated on screen keyboard has no user downtime, as it is just like the one you are already used to using. The keys are small enough to not be a burdensome look, but big enough that bigger hands can type with ease

You can learn more at http://www.gammatechusa.com/PRO/RS10A/