Law enforcement officers rely on technology to help them perform their duties efficiently and safely. Laptop and tablet devices are essential tools for accessing information, communicating with dispatch, and documenting incidents. To help find the right products, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 law enforcement laptops and tablets for police cars.
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- How to Choose Between a Laptop and a Rugged Tablet
- Required Device Specifications for Police Officer Computer
- Talk to a Tech Expert
Getac S410 Semi-Rugged Notebook
The Getac S410 laptop is a highly durable and lightweight option for your patrol car. It boasts a thin design and a clear, colorful screen that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight. This laptop can also operate in extreme temperatures, making it a reliable choice for law enforcement officers on the go.
Key specifications:
- 14” display with a responsive touchscreen
- Windows 10 Pro OS
- 8 GB memory
- Certified to MIL-STD-810H and IP53
- Hot-swappable batteries available
DT Research LT320 Rugged Laptop
DT Research LT320 is a high-performance laptop with a rugged design that makes it reliable to use in harsh environments. The screen is convertible and can transform from a laptop to a tablet.
Key specifications:
- 11.6” high-brightness (1000 nits) touchscreen
- MIL-STD-3009 Class B Night Vision screen
- Rated IP65 and MIL-STD-810G
- Dual RAM slots (up to 64 GB)
- Hot-swappable batteries
Getac B360 Fully Rugged Notebook
Getac B360 is a fully-rugged and portable computing powerhouse with complete security features (TPM 2.0, Kensington lock, smart card reader, fingerprint reader, HF RFID reader). It’s an ideal device for police officers in the field.
Key specifications:
- 13.3” wide viewing angle FHD display with protection film
- 8 GB DDR4
- 256 GB PCle NVMe SSD
- MIL-STD-810 H and IP66 certified
- Vehicle dock
DT Research LT330 Rugged Laptop
DT Research LT330 offers flexibility in use as it can be used as a laptop and tablet with superb computing performance. It’s built to handle work in tough environments.
Key specifications:
- A convertible 13.3” screen
- Full-size keyboard
- MIL-STD-3009 Class B Night Vision
- Certified IP65 and MIL-STD-810G
- Dual hot-swappable batteries, and full-HD camera
Getac X600 Notebook
If you’re looking for a rugged laptop with fast computing performance and a super large display, the Getac X600 is a good option. It makes multitasking easier in harsh environments.
Key specifications:
- 15.6” display with protection film
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 16 GB DDR4
- 512 GB SSD
- IP66 and MIL-STD-810H certified
- Windows 11 Pro OS
- Capacitive multitouch screen
- TPM 2.0
Getac V110 Rugged and Lightweight Laptop
Getac V110 uses magnesium alloy for its main chassis, which contributes to its rugged and lightweight design. It’s a great choice to enhance productivity in tough environments.
Key specifications:
- 11.6” Wide Viewing Angle display with protection film
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 8 GB DDR4
- 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- LED backlit membrane keyboard
- Dual mode touchscreen (multitouch and digitizer)
- IP65 and MIL-STD-810H certified
- Swappable battery technology
DT Research LT350 Rugged Laptop
The LT350 is known for its durability, high performance, and flexibility. It’s a great device to use in tough environments despite its relatively large size. The screen is convertible to transform the laptop into a tablet.
Key specifications:
- 15.6” high-brightness touchscreen
- 4K resolution
- MIL-STD-3009 Class B Night Vision screen
- Intel Core i5/i7 processor
- Windows 10/11 IoT Enterprise OS
- Backlit keyboard with multitouch pad
- IP65 and MIL-STD-810G certified
- Dual RAM and SSD slots
- Dual hot-swappable batteries
Getac F110 Fully Rugged Tablet
The Getac F110 tablet is an excellent choice for your squad car. It’s thin, durable, and lightweight, making it easy to use and transport. The large display provides better visibility and the touchscreen can work in the rain or with gloves.
Key specifications:
- 11.6” display with a responsive touchscreen
- Windows 10 Pro OS
- 8 GB memory
- Certified to MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461G
- Hot-swappable batteries available
Honeywell RT10 Durable Tablet
Honeywell RT10 is a rugged tablet that offers durability and versatility. It’s easy to use and enables rapid user adoption.
Key specifications:
- 10.1” display
- MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified
- 12 hours battery life
- Bridge battery for hot-swapping capability
Zebra ET85 Rugged Tablet
Zebra ET85 is a rugged 2-in-1 tablet with an optional robust keyboard (up to 120° opening angle). It enables efficient work in tough environments.
Key specifications:
- 12” QHD display
- Capacitive touchscreen with wet and glove modes
- IP65 and MIL-STD-810H certified
- 128 GB storage
Zebra XSLATE R12 Rugged Tablet
The XSLATE R12 rugged tablet is engineered to handle some of the toughest conditions. It offers flexibility as a mobile workstation and provides advanced security.
Key specifications:
- 12.5” FHD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- IP54 and MIL-STD-810G certified
- FIPS 140-2 grade security
- Lightweight magnesium frame
Getac K120 Rugged Tablet
Getac K120 is a high-performance tablet that offers adaptability for different needs and various work circumstances. It’s a great choice to support officers’ duties in the field as it also features a full-size keyboard that makes it easier for them to write reports or input data.
Key specifications:
- 12.5” wide viewing angle display with sunlight-readable technology
- IP66 and MIL-STD-810H certified
- 16 GB DDR4
- 256 PCIe NVMe SSD
- Attachable full-size keyboard
Zebra ET80 2-in-1 Tablet
Zebra ET80 is known for its durability, flexibility, and fast computing performance. With a universal dock, the tablet can transform into a police car’s mobile workstation.
Key specifications:
- 12” display with night vision mode
- Capacitive touchscreen with wet and glove modes
- Detachable keyboard
- Rated IP65 and MIL-STD-810H
- 128 GB removable SSD
Getac A140
Getac A140 is a durable and high-performance tablet that can help enhance mobile productivity in harsh environments. It also offers uninterrupted battery life with a hot-swappable dual-battery design.
Key specifications:
- 14” wide viewing angle display with protection film and Getac sunlight readable technology
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 8 GB DDR4
- 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- IP65 and MIL-STD-810H certified
DT Research 301Q Rugged Tablet
Flexible and durable, DT Research 301Q is capable of working in challenging environments. Officers in the field can make reports or input data easily due to its large display and detachable keyboard.
Key specifications:
- 10.1” high brightness display
- IP65 rated and MIL-STD-810G certified
- Hot-swappable battery pack
- Detachable keyboard
Zebra XSLATE L10 Rugged Tablet
Zebra XSLATE L10 is a rugged tablet that can work under extreme temperatures and offers faster wireless connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS, NFC).
Key specifications:
- 10.1” display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core 2.2 GHz
- Android/Windows OS
- Glove and wet touch modes
- Hot-swappable battery
- Rated IP65 and MIL-STD-810G
- Magnesium frame
Getac UX10 Rugged Tablet
Getac UX10 is a reliable tablet to support police officers in the field. It’s durable and has complete security features (TPM 2.0, Kensington lock, smart card reader, fingerprint reader, HF RFID reader).
Key specifications:
- 10.1” wide viewing angle display with protection film
- Optional dual-mode touchscreen (multitouch and digitizer)
- Intel Core i5 processor
- 8 GB DDR4
- 256 GB PCle NVMe SSD
- IP65 and MIL-STD-810H certified
Zebra ET56 Durable and Lightweight Tablet
Zebra ET56 is a thin and lightweight tablet with rugged construction. In the case of the operation, it provides three wearable modes: on a shoulder, on a belt (holster style), and cross-body.
Key specifications:
- 8.4” display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection
- Android 11 OS (upgradeable to Android 14)
- 32 GB storage
- IP65 certified
- Optional hot-swappable battery.
Getac T800 Rugged Tablet
Getac T800 is a rugged tablet with a thin and ergonomic design. It offers smooth performance with long battery life on a single charge. It also supports 4G LTE, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth v5.2.
Key specifications:
- 8.1” wide viewing angle with protection film and Getac sunlight readable technology
- Optional dual-mode touchscreen (multitouch and digitizer)
- 4 GB LPDDR3
- 128 GB storage
- IP65 and MIL-STD-810H certified
- TPM 2.0
DT Research 313Q Rugged Tablet
The 313Q is a powerful and durable tablet that integrates a high-brightness screen, rugged construction, and an energy-efficient processor. It also has a reliable camera, barcode scanner, GPS, and 4G connection that enable seamless information capture and transmission.
Key specifications:
- 13.3” FHD touchscreen, Qualcomm octa-core processor
- Android 9.0/10
- IP65 rated for water and dust protection
- MIL-STD-810G for vibration and shock protection
- 64 GB Flash storage
- Hot-swappable battery pack
How to Choose Between a Laptop and a Rugged Tablet
When choosing between a laptop or rugged tablet for law enforcement use in police cars, consider the following:
- Portability: Tablets are generally more lightweight and compact than laptops, making them easier to carry and use in the field.
- Durability: Rugged tablets are designed to withstand harsh environments, drops, and vibrations better than laptops.
- Battery Life: Tablets tend to have longer battery life than laptops, which is important for officers on extended shifts.
- Display: Both laptops and tablets offer a range of display sizes, but tablets often have touchscreens that can be used in diverse conditions, like rain or with gloves.
- Performance: Laptops are typically more powerful than tablets, making them better suited for heavy-duty computing tasks or running multiple applications simultaneously.
- Connectivity: Consider the types of ports and connections needed for peripherals like printers or scanners, and if the device has built-in Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
- Budget: Laptops tend to be more cost-effective than rugged tablets. Hence, it’s important to consider the department’s budget when making a decision.
Required Device Specifications for Police Officer Computer
A police officer’s computer should be durable and flexible for use in harsh environments. Specifically, it should meet MIL-STD-810G standards for drop resistance and be IP-rated for dust and water resistance. A large screen (preferably 8”-12”) with excellent outdoor viewability and touchscreen capability that supports wet and glove modes would be a great help for officers in the field.
The device needs to have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, fingerprint or facial recognition authentication, and full disk encryption for security. Additionally, it’s also important to have Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and/or 4G/LTE cellular connectivity for remote access and communication, with a minimum battery life of 8 hours.
For fast-computing performance, it’s a good idea to have at least an Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent, with at least 8GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage. Additionally, the device should support law enforcement-specific software, such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management systems (RMS), or other necessary analysis tools.
These required specifications are a good general guideline for selecting a reliable mobile computer to support law enforcement in the field. However, each police department may have different needs and budget constraints to consider. It’s essential to take into account the specific requirements of the department and the officers using the device.
Talk to a Tech Expert
While this list of top law enforcement laptops and tablets is a great starting point, it’s crucial to consider the specific needs of your police department before making a decision. Don’t hesitate to consult with tech experts at Energy Electronics to ensure that you get the correct solution.
They can help you navigate the many options available, as well as any regulations and policies that may affect the selection process, and find the best device to meet your requirements.
