DT Research 323MD Medical Tablet
ZDNET Highlights
- The DT Research 323MD tablet is available from CDW for $2,066.
- With an antimicrobial coating, hot-swappable battery, and exchangeable keyboard, this tablet is as durable as it is versatile.
- Its extreme durability is designed for the healthcare industry, and hence it is quite expensive.
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I’ve reviewed so many laptops, desktops, and tablets that it’s rare to see something on my desk that raises eyebrows. when I was contacted DT Research To review their latest rugged tablet 323mdI of course said “yes”, but assumed it would be more or less the same.
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I didn’t realize that this tablet is more than just a device that can take a beating and keep computing. 323MD Tablet Comes with durability specifically designed for healthcare environments, making other Android tablets I’ve tested pale in comparison.
What does that even mean?
To start with, the 323MD tablet has an anti-microbial coating, which means it’s safe in hygienic environments. This tablet also:
- ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 certified for antimicrobial coverings
- IP65 water and dust resistant
- MIL-STD-810H certified for vibration and shock resistance
- MIL-STD-461G certified for EMI and EMI tolerance
- Operating in extreme temperatures ranging from 14°F to 149°F
- NIST compliant
- Energy Star Certified
- EPEAT Bronze
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If you are in the healthcare industry, the above list will make a lot of sense; Otherwise, it will read like a bunch of acronyms. So, yes, this laptop is quite unique. However, the representative I spoke to also explained that these tablets are useful in the food industry because the coating will not allow dirt, oil, or other nasties to compromise the integrity of the device.
my experience
Suffice it to say I’m not in either of those industries, so rather than approach this review as if I were, I decided to review it as a device with a specific feature list, which includes:
- 13.3″ display
- Intel i5-1335U CPU (base model) or i7-1355U
- OS – Windows 11 IoT Enterprise or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
- Security – TPM 2.0 and NIST BIOS compliant
- Material – ABS + PC plastic with magnesium-aluminium alloy casing
- Optional keyboard, docking station and e-pen
- Attached handle for ease of carrying
Since this is a Windows tablet, I knew it would take a little time to set up. I had no idea the Microsoft passkey experience would be as bad as Google’s.
Luckily, I set up the tablet using domain authentication. However, I was surprised that Windows did not attempt to connect to a domain, but it did allow me to set up a local account (something that will not work in the near future).
Typing on an antimicrobial keyboard was a challenge for this writer with light fingers.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
As I review each tablet and desktop PC, the first thing I did was install Olama and Misty to see how well they could perform under heavy load.
I was sure the tablet would collapse under the weight of the local LLM, but I was pleasantly surprised. The 323MD couldn’t compete with my System76 Thelio, but the tablet actually performed quite well with a local LLM installed. Sure, other apps started lagging while it was churning out answers to my query, but that’s to be expected when dealing with a tool that requires serious overhead.
How is the security?
The tablet shipped with two different detachable keyboards: one with anti-microbial treatment and one without. I tried using an anti-microbial keyboard, but it proved very difficult (frustrating, even) to use.
Luckily, the company shipped a more standard keyboard, which made my life exponentially better. I was finally able to type like a writer, not like a chicken, poking around in the yard for food.
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Even though the 323MD runs Windows 11, I found it quite a pleasure to use. The attached keyboard folds up with magnets and locks into place, allowing you to grab the carry handle and take it anywhere.
Speaking of which, this is the first time I’ve used a tablet and not had to worry about things falling on it. The rubber-like coating actually prevents dust, debris, and liquid from reaching the internal parts. Although I didn’t find the antimicrobial keyboard suited for anything other than quick data, if I really needed to type, I could attach the standard keyboard and get on with it.
Finally, there is the dual-frequency RFID feature, which means employees are able to log in instantly via RFID-enabled badges.
If there’s one aspect of the 323MD that impressed me the most, it was the swappable battery and removable SSD.
Other (not included) accessories are:
- thin keyboard
- rubber keyboard
- digital pen
- Six-Bay Battery Gang Charger
- battery pack
- climbing the wall
- desktop charging cradle
- X-handstrap
- 13.3″ screen protector
ZDNET’s shopping advice
As far as price is concerned, I assumed the 323MD would cost a metaphorical arm and a leg, but I was surprised. you can buy DT Research 323MD Tablet On CDW for $2,066. If you need a tablet that can convert into a laptop with an optional antimicrobial keyboard, and you need it for a clean room, this tablet is hard to beat. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a traditional tablet or laptop, look elsewhere.
I can say that the 323MD is an impressive piece of tablet hardware, even though it’s designed for an industry I rarely interact with. It may not surprise you with the performance, but the protective coating, detachable keyboard and durability make it stand out.
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DT Research 323MD Rugged Medical Tablet Technical Specifications
- RAM – 8GB to 16GB
- Storage – 512GB to 1TB Flash
- 13.3″ display, LED-backlit, 1000 nits touchscreen
- Intel i5-1335U CPU (base model) or i7-1355U
- OS – Windows 11 IoT Enterprise or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
- Security – TPM 2.0 and NIST BIOS compliant
- Material – ABS + PC plastic with magnesium-aluminium alloy casing
- Optional keyboard, docking station and e-pen
- Attached handle for ease of carrying
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3
- Hot Swappable Battery – 3800mAh
- Dimensions 12.8″ x 10.7″ x 0.8″
- Weight – 3.81 pounds
- 2d barcode scanner
- Camera – 5MP front-facing camera
