Battlefield computers are getting smaller and tougher without compromising their performance. With the increase in portability with the introduction of rugged tablets, computers can now be easily carried to the field --- the outdoors, the airsoft milsim AO, or to an actual war zone. The new Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet promises to be all that.

With an 11.6-inch screen with outdoor-readable HD display, Dell says that Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet can perform reliably in the harshest conditions. This is not thinnest and lightest of tablets in the commercial market, but that's what is to be expected for tablets designed to go with the soldiers in the field. With all the Milspec standards they are to meet, it is not surprising that this table is thicker and heavier than what we are usually used to in tablet computers.

I am bit disappointed with the use of Intel Core M Processor which was chosen for battery life concerns rather than raw processing power. The tablet can take in up to 512GB in SSD storage and 8GB RAM. The touch screen can be used even with gloves on and with Windows 8.1 which is optimized for touch computing, many desktop applications can be run with it, save for the most intensive applications. For cooling things down and avoid overheating, it has Quad-Cool thermal management. With such internal specifications, the table is rated to run to up 12 hours with two fully-charged 2-cell batteries.

In terms of ruggedness, it is rated IP-65 for dust and water resistance, and MIL-STD-810G which means it meets the US Department of Defense testing standards such as temperatures, vibrations, humidity, etc. It can be used in extreme temperatures from -20°F (-29°C) to 145°F (63°C) and drops from over four feet.

Dell sees the Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet to be used by first responders, military, industrial companies, and for those whose work takes them the outdoors and rugged terrain. That also means that it can be used for airsoft events, especially Milsim events.

The Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet is expected to be released by the end of July with prices ranging from $1,600 to $2,000. It may sound expensive, but when compared to the Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Extreme notebook which will set you back by $3,649, then it is an affordable rugged computer. It has optional accessories such as keyboard cover and docking accessories for desktop  or vehicle use. At least you now have a tough tablet that you can use to play Angry Birds during breaks, or watch porn inside your tent while attending a milsim event.