Modern technology has changed how law enforcement officers do their jobs, with police on computer work being more commonplace. Where you once had to write notes and file paperwork in the office, you can now use mobile computers to write reports on the scene. Those same computers give you real-time access to police databases, act as guidance tools to help you get to the scene, and serve as vital communicative tools.
You just need the right mobile computer for the job. For the computer-savvy officer in you, here are the top 15 mobile computers for law enforcement.
Top 15 Law Enforcement Mobile Computers
A mobile computer for police work needs to be rugged, powerful, and offer the applications you need to make you more efficient. Here are 15 of the best options for the modern police officer.
1 – DT Research DT301Y 10″ Tablet
A powerful rugged computer powered by the Windows operating system, the DT Research DT301Y 10″ Tablet has break-resistant hardware. Spills and jostles in the field won’t affect performance. Plus, the integrated touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through files and database entries to get the information you need.
Powered by Intel’s sixth generation of Core processors, the computer comes with a detachable keyboard and a swappable battery. The latter touch is ideal for officers on long beats. They can carry multiple batteries so they don’t have to worry about losing their access to a computer.
Key Features
- Water-resistant detachable keyboard
- Lightweight design
- 1920 x 1200-pixel high-definition screen
- Protective external bumpers guard the computer
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Compatible with a range of accessories
- The intel-powered processor makes it quite fast
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a USB-C port
2 – Honeywell CT60
With its Android operating system, the Honeywell CT60 will be familiar to anybody who has an Android smartphone. It’s tough too, carrying IP65 and IP67 ratings to certify that it’s protected against dust and water. The computer can withstand drops onto concrete from up to five feet.
However, it’s convenience that’s the true selling point of this mobile computer. At about the size of an iPhone 8 Plus, this handy computer is easy to carry and use.
Key Features
- Android-compatible and ready for updates
- High-resolution 1280 x 720 display
- Touch screen with finger and glove modes
- Six sensors built in
Pros
- Works with all varieties of 3G and 4G mobile broadband
- The handheld design makes it easy to take out on calls
- Tough sealing guards against dust and water
Cons
- No iOS compatibility yet
- Not ideal if you need to use a keyboard to type reports
3 – MC9300 Mobile Computer
Not all mobile computers need to be taken out on the beat. With the MC9300 Mobile Computer, you get a powerful barcode scanner you can use to track inventory or catalog evidence. The computer can also be made compatible with the barcodes that appear on most modern driving licenses.
With its virtually drop-proof design, the MC9300 Mobile Computer can handle eight-foot drops onto concrete. It also offers long-range scanning, making recording inventory a simple task.
Key Features
- Android-powered operating system
- Handy keypad
- Practically water and drop-proof
Pros
- Large 4.3-inch touchscreen
- Compatible with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Offers Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) walkie-talkie functionality
Cons
- Specialized design means it’s not suitable for creating police reports
4 – DT Research DT362GL
DT Research returns with a rugged mobile computer with a six-inch touchscreen. Running on Windows, this mobile computer syncs with most in-house police computers. It has a hot-swappable battery and built-in Wi-Fi, making it an effective portable solution for long hours on the beat.
An optional barcode scanner is available, which also makes this computer a good solution for inventory and evidence tracking.
Key Features
- Military-grade shock resistance
- Integrated smart card reader
- Energy-efficient processor
Pros
- Compatible with a wide range of accessories
- Exceptionally tough
- Portability is enhanced thanks to swappable batteries
Cons
- No audio functions
- Batteries don’t last as long as you may like
5 – Getac B360
If you need a practical and powerful laptop in the field, the Getac B360 is an excellent choice. With its 13.3-inch screen, the laptop offers a full-HD display despite being lightweight enough to easily carry. It can also host a pair of one-terabyte solid state drives (SSDs), meaning storage and speed aren’t problems.
Having a built-in keyboard is handy, too. However, it seems that the keyboard doesn’t quite match the build quality of the rest of the machine, as it can feel a touch wobbly.
Key Features
- Large screen
- Compatible with Windows operating systems
- 12-hour battery life means it should last for entire shifts
Pros
- Full HD-display
- Comes with a three-year warranty to cover accidental damage
- How-swappable batteries
Cons
- Slightly awkward keyboard
- Small touchpad
6 – Getac F110
Another Getac option, the Getac F110 is a tough mobile tablet featuring a case that can take a beating. The touch screen makes it easy to navigate the computer, with said screen also being usable with gloves.
As a 2-in-1 computer, you can use this as a table or connect a keyboard to transform it into a laptop. Plus, it has an IP66 rating, meaning it can withstand strong streams of water, though it’s not completely waterproof.
Key Features
- High-speed 256GB SSD as standard
- Compatible with portable keyboards
- Can withstand drops onto concrete
Pros
- IP66 rating makes it ideal for police work and other first responder roles
- Glove-compatible touchscreen
- Tough outer casing
Cons
- On the more expensive side for a mobile computer
- Though tough, it’s also heavy
7 – Datalogic Skorpio X5
For the police on computers in the field, the Skorpio X5 may not be the best option. But when it comes to tracking inventory and evidence, this handheld computer’s key-based design makes it ideal.
It features three keyboard options (47-key alphanumeric, 28-key numeric, and 38-key function) and a choice between 1D and 2D barcode scanners. Wireless communication comes via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, with a three-slot deck allowing you to connect it via ethernet cable.
Key Features
- IP65 sealing guards against dust and water jets
- Ideal for data collection
- Sharp 4.3-inch multi-touch display
Pros
- Withstands dust and water in the field
- Multiple keypad options
- Replaceable battery
Cons
- Not suited for notetaking or reports
8 – Getac X500
Even though it was introduced in 2011, the Getac X500 is still one of the toughest notebooks the company offers. Made for use by the military, the notebook looks like a powerful briefcase when closed, with a useful handle making it easy to transport.
Weighing almost 12 pounds, it’s one of the heavier mobile computers on this list. But it makes up for that with high-speed performance and a resistive touch display.
Key Features
- Military-level sturdy construction
- Multiple USB ports and PC card slots
- Full-scale keyboard
Pros
- One of the toughest mobile computers available
- Ideal for more intensive office work
- Useful handle
Cons
- One of the heavier mobile computers
- A touch pricey
- It’s starting to show its age compared to newer models
9 – Zebra VC8300 Vehicle Mount Computer
Leveraging Android technology for its operating system, this vehicle-mounted computer is ideal for keeping in your squad car. An integrated keyboard makes typing simple, allowing you to search for information when you’re on the go.
IP66 sealing guards against dust and water jets, with the computer being compatible with most types of vehicles.
Key Features
- The keyboard supports modern “green screen” apps
- Tough enough to handle fieldwork
- Large 8-inch screen
Pros
- Instant Android compatibility
- Rugged design to resist most conditions
- Multiple vehicle mounting options
Cons
- Not ideal if you need to take your computer out of your vehicle
- May not be compatible with Windows-based systems
10 – Honeywell RT10A
Combining a lightweight design with ruggedness, the Honeywell RT10A is a powerful tablet. It has a 10.1-inch high-definition display, along with a pair of cameras that are ideal for taking shots of a crime scene. Built-in GPS also makes it useful for getting to your location.
It’s also useful for inventory and evidence-tracking, with its FlexRange imager scanning from up to 35 feet.
Key Features
- Long-distance barcode scanning
- Compatible with keyboard and vehicle mounts
- High-resolution display
Pros
- Rigged construction with tough outer casing
- Built-in USB Type-C ports
- Weighs just 1.2 kilograms
Cons
- Fairly short battery life
11 – DT Research DT382GL
Armed with an Intel processor, the DT Research DT382GL is one of the more energy-efficient rugged tablets on the market. Its IP65 rating also means it resists dust and exposure to water, though it’s not fully waterproof.
It’s compatible with Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. Plus, the tablet supports digital pens, making note-taking simple.
Key Features
- Windows compatibility
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Built-in Common Access Card reader
Pros
- Tough casing guards the tablet
- Highly secure thanks to the Windows operating system
- Eight-inch capacitive touchscreen
Cons
- More suited to authentication than police work
12 – Datalogic Joya Touch
With its Android operating system, the Joya Touch is compatible with most handheld systems. Its 4.3-inch display offers a crystal-clear resolution, with memory options ranging from 1 to 4 GB of RAM.
You’ll get 12 watt-hours out of the battery, making it ideal for extended use before the need to recharge. The only issue is that this computer is better used for inventory tracking than it is for fieldwork.
Key Features
- Compatible with multiple accessories, including trolley holders and lanyards
- Your choice of memory
- Integrated barcode scanner
Pros
- Cisco CCX v4-compatible Wi-Fi system
- Simple and lightweight
- Removable and replaceable battery
Cons
- Requires additional protection for field use
- On the slower end of mobile computing technology
13 – Zebra WS50 Android Wearable Computer
A tough all-in-one mobile computer, the WS50 Android Wearable Computer comes with a wrist strap that allows you to wear it in the field. Ideal for inventory tracking, it also offers task management features.
Typing up reports isn’t an option with this computer. However, the WS50 provides a cost-effective solution to inventory and evidence-tracking issues.
Key Features
- Wearable on the wrist
- Android operating system
- Modular wearing style
Pros
- Three wearing options
- No-host wearable computer
- Push-to-talk compatibility
Cons
- Not suitable for report writing
- Clunky to wear in the field
14 – Getac S410
Serving as a middle ground between Getacs 360 and 500X models, the Getac S410 offers mobility and strength. It comes with a tough military-spec semi-rugged casing and uses removable SSD drives. The latter feature allows for the easy transfer of stored data between computers.
Connectivity comes from Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 integration. It’s also got a powerful graphics card for more intensive tasks.
Key Features
- Semi-rugged design
- Operates in temperatures ranging from -20.2 to 145.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Touchscreen compatible with fingers and digital pens
Pros
- Built-in multifactor authentication
- Compatible with vehicle docks
- Wide range of connectivity options
Cons
- Very heavy
- Low-quality keyboard
15 – Honeywell CN80G
As a Department of Defense-approved mobile computer, you can rest assured that the CN80G offers the security needed for sensitive work. It also has a rugged design, complemented by a 40-key QWERTY keyboard that is ideal for taking notes.
The computer is best used for inventory tracking, offering 1D and 2D scanning options. It can handle drops onto concrete from up to 10 feet and is IP67 rated to guard against water and dust.
Key Features
- A choice between QWERTY or numeric keypads
- Carries the Security Technical Implementation Guide designation from the Defense Information Systems Agency
- Scanning range up to 50 feet
Pros
- Extremely tough design
- Very portable handheld mobile computer
- Perfect for inventory and evidence tracking
Cons
- Not suitable for writing reports
Police Mobile Computer Accessories
The following accessories are ideal for mobile police on computer needs:
- Vehicle mount
- Portable keyboard
- Mobile charging cradles
- Wrist mount
- Replacement battery
- Rugged case
- Comfort pads
Required Specifications for Police Mobile Computer
Specific specifications vary depending on how you’ll use the mobile computer. However, the following are things to look for when making your choice:
- A rugged design with minimum IP65 certification
- Shock and drop resistance
- SSD storage for rapid access
- Compatibility with 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth V5.2
- USB ports, ideally Type-C
- Multi-point touchscreen
- Compatibility with portable keyboards
Talk to a Tech Expert
Choosing the right mobile solution for police work is a challenging task. You need to find tech that’s powerful enough for the job, as well as consider the specific uses for which each option is suitable. At Energy Electronics, we offer dozens of mobile computing solutions. Our tech experts can guide you to the right choice, so get in touch to discover the mobile computing solution that’s ideal for your police work.
