Article
Which tablet is best for firefighting operations?

Daniela Obrecht, 05.02.2019
In the fire department, tablets with mission-relevant data are an important management aid. But which tablet is the best? There are different opinions on this, especially regarding iPads or Android tablets. Firetab supports both operating systems and the Azurito team thinks different tablets are cool.

The most important thing to say first: Whether a Firetab in the Azurito community chooses Android or iOS is not a decision for life, because it is possible to switch to another operating system at any time. A mix of devices and systems is also possible with Firetab. It is clear that hardware costs something and therefore you also want to use the purchased devices optimally.

Often the cadre or the commander decides which operating system and which tablet is used. This is based on personal preferences or recommendations from other fire departments. Those who love their Apple iPad in private will also love it in the field. Here with protective cover or with holder in the vehicle.

Apple's iOS operating system is only installed on Apple devices. The hardware selection is much smaller than for Android. In the Azurito community, the iPad Mini with 128 GB storage, the iPad with 128 GB storage and the iPad Pro with 256 GB storage are in use. They currently cost 570 CHF and 640 CHF and 840 CHF, respectively, whereby the protective cover still has to be purchased additionally at a price of around 80 CHF. Which display size you choose is on the one hand a question of cost, but also again a matter of habit. Some find it more practical to have a smaller display, others a larger one.

The possible memory expansions of the Android tablets are practical.

The Android operating system is freely available and can be customized by every tablet manufacturer. The selection of tablets is much larger here and the prices vary accordingly. The possibility of a generous memory expansion is practical.

In the Azurito community, we have the Samsung Tablet Galaxy Tab S3 with 64 GB memory, the RugGear Tablet RG910 with 64 GB memory and integrated protective case, and the Panasonic Tablet Toughpad FZ-A2 with 32 GB and integrated protective case in use. They currently cost 529.- CHF plus 80.- CHF for the protective case and 789.- CHF and 1670.- CHF, respectively.

The RugGear Tablet RG910 is about the same size as the iPad Mini, the Samsung Tablet Galaxy Tab S3 has a 9.7-inch display like the iPad, and the Toughpad is slightly smaller than the iPad Pro at 10.1 inches. On the other hand, its protective case is larger and sturdier.

iOS is known for good security settings

Android is said to have slightly larger security gaps than iOS. The apps of the iPads are strictly checked and the security settings are good. In the Azurito community, fire departments have had good experiences with both systems and all the tablets mentioned. Azurito does not sell hardware, so each fire department can buy the hardware from a local dealer of its choice or order it on the Internet from the cheapest provider.

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