Industrial Android tablet for those with deep pockets
Getac ZX80: 30-second review
Getac has built a good reputation for making laptops ideal for challenging environments that have excellent accessories and come with specialist service contracts.
These devices are mostly based on Intel silicon, but the ZX80 (no, not that ZX80) tablet is something of a departure from the norm for this hardware maker.
The ZX80 is an 8-inch Android tablet, but sporting all the typical design choices that a laptop from this brand comes with. Those include a robust polycarbonate shell, water-resistant ports, specialist connectors for vehicle or workspace mounting, and modular features to add specific functionality.
The review model came with a module for barcode scanning, demonstrating that this hardware would be at home in a warehouse, but other modules can be mounted with various capabilities.
Its design differs even more significantly from typical rugged Android tablets in that it has two batteries, one of which can be hot-swapped out, enabling it to remain operational for prolonged periods.
As we’ll cover in the review, the ARM SoC at the heart of the ZX80 is much more potent than a typical Android tablet might receive. Conversely, the inbuilt cameras are lower specification than even entry-level phones get these days.
This feature set makes the ZX80 highly suitable for certain roles in the manufacturing and logistics sectors but not ideal for those where high-quality photography might be a requirement.
Those who might consider a device like this have one final hurdle to clear: the disturbingly high price of the machine and its accessories. A typical rugged Android tablet costs between $200-300, and even premium devices topping out at $500-600. Getac wants around $1500 for the machine and equally elevated prices for the extra batteries and other accessories. However, exact prices can vary since this is a solution where you contact a reseller and ask for a quote.Getac ZX80: Price and availability
How much does it cost? From around £1,300
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? From a Getac reseller
Unlike most tablets we cover here, the Getac ZX80 doesn’t have a quotable cost since each device is customised specifically for that customer.
A machine like the review hardware will likely cost more than $1500, but without any accessories, a service contract, or enhancements. Various sensor options, cradles, more batteries, and external chargers can significantly increase that number.
If your accounts department gets nervous at Apple iPad prices, it might need some preparation for an investment in this equipment.Getac ZX80: SpecsGetac ZX80: Design
Sturdy built
Unusual layout
High brightness screen
When picked up for the first time, the ZX80 exudes solidity with what appears to be a glass-reinforced plastic case and bold impact-resistant corners. At just 590g, it’s also much lighter than expected, given that this design has two batteries.
Instead of the typical edge buttons, Getac went with an alternative approach where all the buttons are on the face of the tablet, although they are so small that it hints this machine was made specifically to use a stylus.
The power button is only a few millimetres across, and pressing it with the tip of a finger isn’t straightforward.
Each side of the ZX80 has a purpose, with the exception of the right, which has no ports or capabilities.
