Rugged Asus Android Tablet is Splash, Dust-Resistant

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Asus is launching a splash-resistant Android tablet over in Japan that's supposedly shock-resistant and dust-resistant too.

Impress Watch reports that Japanese carrier KDDI will include in its fall lineup a business-oriented Android 3.2 "Honeycomb" tablet that's shock-resistant, splash-resistant and and dust-resistant. The device will be manufactured by Asus, but so far there's no indication of when or if this durable tablet will find its way over to the States.

As for the tablet's promised "ruggedness," it will reportedly feature IPX4-grade splash-resistance -- meaning it can't be immersed (IPX7) or submersed (IPX8) in water. The Asus tablet will also feature IP5X-grade dust resistance and the ability to withstand a 2.5-foot drop onto concrete. Impressive.

The drawback, based on images provided by Impress Watch, seems to be that the tablet will be bulkier than typical 7-inch tablets on the market. The site said that the tablet measures approximately 8.46 x 5.19 x 0.78-inches overall, and 0.87-inches at is thickest point.

The Asus TOUGH-ETBW11AA is expected to arrive in Japan this November "or later" for an undisclosed price. Expect to hear more about the device in the coming months in regards to possible international shipments, as the CDMA support could mean that Verizon Wireless may offer this tablet at some point in the future. Or not.

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Kevin Parrish

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • jacobdrj
    I am sure the 'Just Works' crowd would like a splash/dust resistant iPad... Is there an app for that?
    Reply
  • alyoshka
    Cool.... now lets see if it is touch resistant too
    Reply
  • AIstudio
    you can make ANY tablet splash/dust resistant. Its called a clear plastic bag!!!!
    Reply
  • Pyree
    It will be interesting to see how they can strengthen the big touch screen.
    Reply
  • captaincharisma
    AIstudioyou can make ANY tablet splash/dust resistant. Its called a clear plastic bag!!!!
    yea good luck using a tablet problem free when its in a clear plastic bag!!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • Emerald
    great for small children.

    there are industries that are going to have use for that.
    Reply
  • jacobdrj
    emeraldgreat for small children.there are industries that are going to have use for that.Good for the medical crowd too...
    Reply
  • silver565
    Interesting that all the good comments are being voted down.

    I sense a troll...
    Reply
  • pacioli
    captaincharismayea good luck using a tablet problem free when its in a clear plastic bag!!!!!!!!
    I work on fishing boats all the time. Before I go out I pop my HTC Evo into a sandwich baggie and it stays nice and safe while I am getting covered in water, grunge and slime. I can still use it to do anything I want from the bag. It's a cheap easy solution.
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    In a market where waterproofing is default on all phones, that is a necessary feature.
    Reply