What tablet/laptop for tree surveying?

[Wood-be]

Hi all,

 

I have bored my self to death looking for a "rugged" tablet/laptop. I am not an apple gimp, before all you start saying how amazing iPad are. 

 

I am looking for a durable tablet/laptop which works outside in all conditions and is stylus enabled (the use of a pen) to allow for easy map manipulation ECT. Windows or Android systems, not fussed.

 

Looking at a Samsung Galaxy active tab pro 5 tablet.at the moment as it seams to be a good mid ranged "rugged" tablet. 

 

What are people using at the moment onsite? 

 

Cheers Nick

[Logjam]

No longer involved in survey work but used different versions of the Galaxy Tab active range over the years, all did the job. Preferred a smaller 8.7" screen, easier to carry, either in a large pocket or waist pouch. Despite being water resistant, touch screens can be problematic in the rain.

[Chris at eden]

I use the active tab 3. You can pick them up refurbished for less than £200 and does the job.  As said previously though heavy rain can be an issue. Battery lasts about 6 hours but I just use a power bank to top up between jobs or at lunch time, it’s quicker that the car charger.   You could put the power bank in your pocket and connect to the tablet while using to top up as you work. That is why I bought it but have never had to use that way as it charges quick.  I think the active 5 lasts longer though. It’s worth getting the rugged case for about £25 it it has a strap to hang round your neck so frees your hands up when needed and it has a holder for the stylus, the tablet itself doesn’t. The GPS isn’t great, about the same as a phone. 2-4m.  You can get the archer 4 which is sub metre accuracy with the expansion pack but it’s mega expensive.