Goodbye Compromises? Getac's New Rugged Tablets Bring Windows 11 and AI Directly to the Field
Getac, an Italian company specialized in rugged technology for harsh environments, has announced the expansion of its 8-inch tablet lineup with the arrival of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, two solutions designed for mobile operators powered by Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC and Arm processors.
The new models are designed to meet the growing demand for fanless, energy-efficient solutions capable of offering the Windows ecosystem in particularly challenging professional contexts. The relevant sectors include defense, utilities, transportation, and logistics.
At the heart of the devices is the Qualcomm QCS6490 platform, a chip that emphasizes a balance between performance and energy efficiency. According to Getac, this architecture ensures a smooth user experience even during long work shifts away from power sources.
On the hardware front, both ZX80W and ZX80W-EX integrate 12 GB of LPDDR5 memory and 256 GB of UFS storage, a configuration that allows for the management of professional applications and multitasking activities without significant limitations.
One of the most significant aspects concerns the adoption of Windows on ARM in a compact rugged format. Getac highlighted that, in the past, full availability of the Windows environment in the field required platforms characterized by higher consumption. The energy and thermal efficiency of the ARM architecture has allowed for the creation of a compact, lightweight, and completely fanless device while maintaining full compatibility with Microsoft's operating system.
The new tablets also include functionalities based on edge artificial intelligence thanks to the sixth-generation Qualcomm AI Engine and the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. This configuration allows for executing visual recognition, real-time analysis, and automation directly on the device without being constrained by cloud infrastructure, enabling faster response times even with limited connectivity.
The company emphasized that such capabilities are particularly useful in scenarios such as drone monitoring in the utility sector, predictive maintenance of industrial assets, and the management of Electronic Logging Devices in the transportation and logistics sectors.
Like other rugged products in Getac's catalog, both ZX80W and ZX80W-EX are designed to operate in harsh environmental conditions. Both boast MIL-STD-810H and IP67 certifications, resist drops of up to 1.8 meters, support outdoor usage thanks to displays readable in direct sunlight, and operate in a wide temperature range.
Specifically, ZX80W can function between -29°C and +63°C, while ZX80W-EX supports temperatures ranging from -21°C to +55°C. Despite their reinforced construction, the weight remains manageable: 590 grams for ZX80W and 780 grams for ZX80W-EX.
The ZX80W-EX variant is intended for more critical environments and has ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 certification, an essential requirement for use in potentially explosive areas. The device also integrates a series of security-specific features, including a display glass thicker than 0.6 mm, a reinforced back cover, dedicated protections for connection ports, and mylar seals applied to exposed screws.
"An effective digital transformation requires extending the heart of business systems directly to the field," said James Hwang, President of Getac Technology Corporation. "The ZX80W series is designed to support this vision. By offering an 8-inch form factor with the proven efficiency of Windows on ARM, we support companies in bridging the gap between traditional IT infrastructure and field operations. From standard operational activities to hazardous environments, we provide our customers with a versatile tool that meets the rigorous business standards in terms of safety and performance."
Getac anticipates commercial availability of ZX80W and ZX80W-EX starting in June 2026. For further information on the two new tablets and the Getac catalog, which includes laptops to smartphones, we redirect you to the manufacturer's website.