Carlsbad Mobille Tablet-Computer

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The Carlsbad tetra mobile tablet PC for the police was designed to address a specific need: Allow the rich use of mobile data over the Tetra police radio network in the UK and Europe. This is one of the first Tetra radio equipped Tablet PCs. Beeching signed had to be organic, rugged and durable, and contain all the necessary components to allow Tetra radio access.

Dimensions & Packaging

Carslsbad is 185mm x 310 mm x 60 mm in overall dimensions. The strap adds 15mm to the thickness, increasing it to 75mm thick. The screen is 10.1in. The tablet PC runs on Windows 7. The Tetra modem and antenna is based on the Cassidian TETRA LTE radio system.

Tags

Security, Police, Emergency, Tetra, TabletPC

Production Technology

The device integrates several internal components inside plastic covers: a tablet PC, antenna, radio, and io ports. Many of these are fully certified modules, allowing a more streamlined path to market since they don't need further certifications nor bespoke manufacture. Tetra Modem components were created specifically for this device. The plastic covers and buttons are rtv molded urethane plastic. The hand strap is nylon fabric.

Design Challenge

The creative challenge was creating a professional high-tech electronic device look, while maintaining fit-for-purpose functionality of a police or emergency device. Without care, the device could look overly functional and military. Carlsbad has a hand filling rear form, aided by a strap and side finger grips for comfortable in-hand use.

Research

Carlsbad is the result of several previous tetra-tablet prototypes, created and evaluated in the field to allow the iteration into this device. Thin modern tablets were not durable enough, so additionally protective housing was added as rubber integrated into the form. Long use of a device carried in the hand was found to be uncomfortable, therefore forms were sculpted in clay to determine an ergonomic shape, then re-created in SolidWorks. To further increase positive grip, a hnad strap and finger grooves were incorporated in the form.

Inspiration

The Carlsbad tablet PC is the combination of 5 to 7 Tablet PCs aimed at the specific Market. The Carlsbad is a streamlined shape, made to feel comfortable in the hand and to not catch on clothing when in Mobile use. The integrated rubber bumper feature does not add bulky bumps nor give a military or power tool feel... rather it is a sleek form that presents as a high-end technological device. The overall form was created to fit comfortably in the hand while walking.

Project Duration

The project started in December 2010, in Bristol and Swindon, UK. The project was completed in April 2011 and went into limited production in June 2011.

Operation Flow

Carlsbad was designed for mobile, on-foot use. During a police patrol, the device would be used while walking and standing, while interacting with onscreen mobile data needs. It allows use of rich data, beyond what would be available on traditional text or audio Tetra radio transmission. In emergency situations, the device works on a government network, so it would not experience the same data overload issues as a public network.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Travis Baldwin, in hand, 2012.
Image #2: Designer Travis Baldwin, Carlsbad renderings, 2012.
Image #3: Photographer Travis Baldwin, in hand, 2012.
Image #4: Photographer Travis Baldwin, on tabel, 2012.
Image #5: Designer Travis Baldwin, Carlsbad renderings, 2012.