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RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet
This product has reached End of Life (EOL) status and is no longer in production. Manufacturer support, updates, and spare parts may be discontinued.
All information is provided for reference only. Availability cannot be guaranteed.
Please contact us to discuss current alternatives or recommended replacement models.
Designed for industrial fieldwork, the RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet provides reliable performance in harsh environments with an IP65-rated enclosure protecting against dust and water ingress. Its rugged chassis meets MIL-STD-810G standards, enduring drops up to 1.22 metres and resisting vibration, making it well-suited for continuous-duty applications. The tablet features a 10.1-inch WUXGA Gorilla Glass 3 display with 1000 nit brightness and a multi-touch screen supporting glove and stylus input, enhancing usability outdoors or in demanding conditions.
Powered by a Texas Instruments dual-core Cortex A9 processor, it supports a broad operating temperature range from -20°C to 60°C. Connectivity is robust, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GNSS, and optional cellular modules, ensuring constant communication capabilities. With TPM 1.2 security, this device safeguards data for industrial applications requiring reliable operation. Additional I/O options such as USB, Ethernet, RS-232, and micro HDMI enhance integration possibilities.
PA-501 Features
- IP65 rated enclosure
- MIL-STD-810G drop and vibration tested
- 1000 nit sunlight-readable 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen
- Wide operating temperature from -20°C to 60°C
- Multiple communication interfaces including Wi-Fi GPS Bluetooth LTE options
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Product Type
Manufacturer
Certifications & Standards
CE, IP65, MIL-STD-810G, RoHS
Ruggedness
Mounting Format
Screen Size
Processor
Operating System
Country Of Manufacture
Taiwan
Certifications
CE, RoHS compliant
Custom Options Products
Interface,Processor,Memory,Storage,Connections,Operating System
Dimensions
190.9 mm x 79.7 mm x 34.6 mm (7.5 x 3.1 x 1.3 in)
Humidity
90% relative at -30 C to +60 C; MIL-STD-810G 507.5 II
Operating System
Android
Operating Temperature
:-30 C to +60 C, MIL-STD-810G 501.5/502.5 I, II and III
Processor
Texas Instruments
Storage Temperature
:-40 C to +70 C, MIL-STD-810G 501.5/502.5 I, II and III
Accessories and Docking
5-pin USB connector
Camera
Front : 2MP Rear : 5MP with auto focus and LED flash
Data Capture
NFC 2D barcode reader (option) Smart card reader - CAC (snap-on, by request) Magnetic stripe reader (snap-on, by request)
Display
10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 WUXGA; 1000 nit sunlight readable 5-point capacitive touch supports glove touch, water rejection, palm rejection, 2mm hard tip stylus Gorilla Glass3
Drop Test
4'/1.22 m; MIL-STD-810G 516.6 IV
Functional Shock/Altitude
15,000'/4,500+ m; MIL-STD-810G 500.5 I, II and III
Integrated Communications
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n Bluetooth V4.0 GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou) Optional 3.5G or 4G LTE
I/O Interfaces
USB 2.0 type A x 1, Micro USB x 1 Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 ) x 1 RS-232 x 1 Micro SD slot x 1, Micro SIM slot x 1, Micro HDMI x 1 Audio jack (headphone/microphone combo) x 1 Speaker & microphone Dual RF pass-through connector for WLAN, GNSS, WWAN 12-pin do
Memory
1 GB RAM/4 GB iNAND Flash
MEMORY (Installed)
1GB
Operating System
Android 4.2
Power
External AC Power Adapter
Processor, Chipset
TI Dual Core Cortex A9 OMAP4470 1.5GHz 2GB LPDDR2 32GB eMMC (option 64GB)
Ruggedness/Durability
Shock & vibration : MIL-STD-810G Drop : 5 feet drop IP65 resistant design Operating temperature : -20 C to +60 C
Security
TPM1.2
Sound/Audio
Built in: Receiver, loud-speaker; mic
Storage
MicroSD, SDHC
Vibration
MIL-STD-810G, Method 514.6, Procedure I and II, Category 5
The RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet is designed and engineered for use in demanding environments where reliability, durability are essential. The PA-501 supports a wide range of industries and operational applications.
Common deployment industries include: Construction, Defence And Military, Emergency Services, Energy and Utilities, Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics And Supply Chain, Natural Resources and Mining, Oil and Gas.
Across these sectors, the PA-501 is typically used in applications such as Field Data Capture And Reporting, Health, Safety, And Compliance Inspections, Mobile Workforce Operations, Preventive And Corrective Maintenance, Process Control And Shop-Floor Monitoring, Route Planning And Navigation, Secure Communications And Command-And-Control, Surveying, Mapping, And GIS Data Capture.
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the PA-501 across both industry sectors and real-world operational use cases. Its suitability extends well beyond the scenarios listed above, making it a flexible solution for a broad range of requirements.
For further information, or to assess whether the PA-501 is appropriate for your specific application, please contact us.
The RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet comes with a Standard Manufacturers Limited Warranty + Option To Extend against defects in workmanship and materials, effective from the date of shipment (unless otherwise agreed in writing).
To receive service under this warranty, the eligible product, RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet, must be presented to RUGGED in the United Kingdom.
For more information about the RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet or to arrange repairs and services not covered by the warranty, please visit the warranty section on our website.
Do you need further details about the RuggOn PA-501 Rugged Tablet, or would you like to discuss a customised solution or demonstration?
At RUGGED, we recognise that every project has its own unique demands. If you have any questions about the RuggON PA-501 or need a custom Rugged Tablet solution designed specifically for you, our team of technical experts are ready to assist you.
Alternative Products
Explore alternative products offering comparable features, performance, and build quality to the model you are currently viewing.
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PX501
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- Hot-swappable batteries up to 23 hours
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- IP55 ingress protection
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- Glove-compatible resistive touch screen
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PM-521
- IP65 dust and water resistance
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- Versatile connectivity with USB 3.0 and GNSS

RuggVMC VM-521
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Having trouble finding what you're looking for?
Selecting the correct solution for your specific application and operating environment requires careful consideration.
At Rugged, our engineering and product specialists can advise on specifications, environmental suitability, mounting requirements, connectivity, and lifecycle planning to ensure the right fit for your deployment.
With extensive industry experience and a focus on reliability and performance, we help you select a solution aligned with your operational requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
RUGGED offers free technical support for the lifetime of products you purchase. This includes help with setup, troubleshooting, and integration. Support is available online or directly from the technical team
Rugged tablets are specifically engineered to endure challenging environments, and a key aspect of their versatility includes options for vehicle mounting. These devices are often used in sectors like logistics, field service, and emergency services, where secure in-vehicle operation is critical. Mounting solutions typically involve robust docking stations or cradles that not only hold the rugged tablet securely but also provide connectivity to vehicle power and external antennas.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged tablets that are compatible with various mounting systems. These systems ensure that the device remains stable and operational even when subjected to vibrations and impacts commonly experienced in moving vehicles. When considering a rugged tablet for vehicle integration, it’s important to look for models that offer purpose-built mounting accessories to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Rugged Limited provides a diverse range of rugged tablets, many of which are available with either Windows or Android operating systems to suit different operational requirements. This flexibility ensures that businesses can integrate a rugged tablet seamlessly into their existing IT infrastructure and software ecosystems.
For example, some of our rugged tablet models are equipped with Android for applications that benefit from its intuitive interface and broad app availability, while others feature Windows for compatibility with desktop software and enterprise management tools. When choosing a rugged tablet, considering the operating system that best supports your specific workflows is crucial.
Rugged Tablet models from Rugged Limited are often engineered with versatility in mind, allowing them to integrate seamlessly with numerous external accessories. This capability significantly broadens the application of a
Rugged Tablet
, making it suitable for diverse tasks and industries. Users can typically expect support for items such as docking stations, vehicle mounts, and external keyboards, which can transform a tablet into a more comprehensive workstation.
Furthermore, many Rugged Limited devices offer connectivity options for barcode scanners and payment terminals, proving invaluable for logistics, retail, and field service operations. The design often incorporates features like multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and sometimes even serial ports, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of specialised equipment. This focus on accessory support underscores the commitment to providing robust and adaptable solutions for professionals. For a comprehensive overview of available models and their functionalities, explore the Rugged Tablets category on the Rugged Limited website.
Many rugged tablets are indeed designed with a high degree of water resistance, making them suitable for use in challenging environments. This protection often comes in the form of an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which indicates how well a device is sealed against solids and liquids. A rugged tablet with a high IP rating, such as IP67 or IP68, signifies that it can withstand dust ingress and immersion in water to a certain depth for a specified period.
This critical feature ensures that even if a rugged tablet is exposed to rain, accidental spills, or needs to be sanitised, it can continue to operate reliably. Our range of rugged tablets at Rugged Limited are built to meet demanding environmental conditions, including liquid exposure, providing peace of mind for professionals working in fields such as construction, logistics, and emergency services.
Rugged tablets are specifically engineered to withstand harsh environments, making them a viable and often superior alternative to traditional laptops in various demanding sectors. Their robust construction provides protection against drops, shocks, vibrations, dust, and water, which are common hazards in field service, logistics, emergency services, and manufacturing.
Unlike standard laptops, a rugged tablet is designed for portability and ease of use in conditions where a laptop would quickly fail. They offer features such as sunlight-readable displays, extended battery life, and integration with specialised peripherals like barcode scanners and RFID readers, which are crucial for efficient operation in the field. These characteristics make them ideal for mobile workers who require reliable computing power and data capture capabilities in challenging outdoor or industrial settings.
Rugged Limited provides a range of rugged tablets that are built to meet these rigorous demands, ensuring consistent performance and data integrity where conventional devices cannot. Their design prioritises resilience and functionality, allowing users to maintain productivity without worrying about device failure due to environmental stress.
Rugged Limited’s tablets are engineered with advanced display technology that enables full functionality even when operating with gloves or wet hands. This feature is crucial for professionals working in industries such as construction, logistics, and field services, where removing gloves or ensuring dry hands is not always practical or safe. The responsive multi-touch screens are designed to accurately register inputs from various glove types, including thick work gloves, and maintain sensitivity when exposed to moisture.
This capability ensures uninterrupted workflow and enhanced productivity, allowing users to interact with their rugged tablet devices seamlessly, regardless of environmental conditions. From data entry to navigation and communication, the display’s resilience to water and glove contact makes Rugged Limited an indispensable tool for demanding work scenarios.
Yes, many rugged tablets are designed with integrated connectivity options, including both 4G and 5G capabilities. This ensures that users can maintain consistent communication and access critical data while working in the field, where traditional Wi-Fi might be unavailable or unreliable. The integration of 4G and 5G in a rugged tablet means enhanced productivity and operational efficiency across various demanding industries.
Rugged Limited provides a selection of rugged tablets that incorporate these advanced cellular technologies, offering dependable internet access and communication features essential for mobile workforces. This allows for seamless data syncing, real-time collaboration, and access to cloud-based applications, all crucial for operations that extend beyond typical office environments.
Rugged Limited provides purpose-built rugged tablets that are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of the healthcare sector. These devices are designed to withstand the harsh conditions often found in hospitals, clinics, and care homes, offering enhanced longevity and reducing the total cost of ownership compared to standard consumer devices.
Our rugged tablets feature toughened screens that can endure frequent cleaning with harsh disinfectants, helping to maintain stringent hygiene standards. They also come equipped with readily integrated accessories such as barcode scanners and smart card readers, which streamline administrative tasks and improve patient data accuracy.
Furthermore, the robust construction of a rugged tablet ensures that critical healthcare operations remain uninterrupted, even in the event of accidental drops or exposure to liquids. This reliability makes them an ideal choice for medical professionals who require dependable technology at their fingertips.











