Tablet PC for Nuke Plant Work

[evilwookiefeet]

TL;DR @ End

Hello everyone!

I am a new engineer who wants to bring more attention to detail to my reports and show people that new tech can make a big difference in our jobs. I have talked to IT at the nuke plant I work at if I could get a Tablet PC for my own personal use (with my own money of course) when inside of the plant, they said I could and I was told I would be able to get USB access on it and my computer if I fill out some forms. So my quest to acquire a Tablet PC begins and I would really value your opinions, suggestions, concerns and helpful feedback!

I would like to get a Tablet so that I may better document, take photos / video record things that are broken / leaking at the source rather than bringing a camera and having to upload the video / pictures to a document and re-write the whole problem in a journal. I will be doing some walk down logs as I checkup on what maintenance has or has not done correctly.

I think that this would help out a lot with my inspections and walk downs. The goal here is to make better, more detailed reports that include either typed or handwritten notes with pictures or video included. Unfortunately I have not really looked at a tablet or what my options may be. I would like something a little on the inexpensive side (Incase it gets contaminated and I have to lose it), that I could put a decent case on so that it will not get damaged (generally outdoor weather, random water leaks / accidental water spurts from a pump or leaking ceiling, Suggestions welcomed with the case as well).

Kinda throwing out a random figure of $300 ~ $600ish for the Tablet.

I apologize if any of these features I would like are no-brainers or industry standards. I have not really looked into or kept up with tablets at all, until now.

Key features that I really would like is:

• 
  Note Taking Capability: Must be able to be integrated into MS Word, Excel and also be able to be become a PDF with hand-written or typed notes, I would love if it could also include the pictures and/or video within the notes / journal entries that I create.
  
  USB: I would really like a USB or have some way to be able to put my data on a USB thumb-drive so that I may transfer my report / video / pictures to my work laptop at my desk later on. My work laptop does not have a SDHC or any form of card reader, and I am not sure if I would be able to plug one into my computer. Basically I would love to have a regular USB drive on the device.
  
  Stylus: I have to be able to easily hand-write things as I would with a pen without lag or delay, as this is replacing a traditional clipboard, pen and paper and camera.
  
  Front Face Camera: It does not need to be perfect, I just want to be able to video record or take a picture of anything that may be odd or out of place in areas dark or light. I would like to include it in my report or show it to a fellow engineer incase I find something that doesn't seem right. Realistically it just needs to be better than the polaroid's I hear that some people still use here at the plant. 🙁
  
  Wifi: I would like one with Wifi at the very least so that I may possibly connect it to a Go-Pro camera for inspections in small areas and also have it connect to the internet / auto backup some files to my computer at home.
  
  Video: Again to be able to show to others on the screen what I found rather than drag a supervisor to the area because I cant describe it fully... or share that funny video of LolCatz on it.
  
  Attachable / add-on keyboard: I totally want one or a device that is able to have one snap one on. This would make editing easier when I get back to my desk.
  
  Case / Ease of carrying: Ideally I would like something light and easy to carry around, I don't know what case would be best and would like suggestions. I would like something that may protect it incase hit it against something (within reason), and would protect it from an accidental water drop / leak / co-worker sneezing / etc, while not interfering very much with the ability to take notes. Anything that has a hand grip or can be rigged to go on a belt would be neat. I have never seen a tablet able to be on a belt before though. Weather and random water are my concerns here. It will most likely be in a bag while I am outside, but just incase a few raindrops or some water falls on it, I don't want it to break.
  
  Decent Battery Life: My Mileage will vary, but I am looking for at least 6 hours of non-continuous usage life. It will probably be off most of the time, unless I am capturing a video or writing something down. I apologize because I am not sure how long these things last normally.

Now that you have seen the things that I think maybe key to a device that I am looking for, below are some over-the top things that I would love for it to have.

Wishful Features

• 
  Not super expensive / Replaceable: Don't well all want things to be in-expensive? Me too, Ha! But seriously, if this thing gets any kind of contaminate on it, it will basically be considered a hazard and will sorta.. kinda.. become confiscated if it cannot be cleaned or purged of contaminates (decontaminate it with fluids). I do understand this is my responsibility though and don't wish to make it a huge concern to you guys suggesting things on this post. I would be willing to flex a little more money into it if need be.
  
  Games: If I am bringing it home it would be neat to be able to play older games like Red Alert 2, Swat4, Starlancer and Guild Wars 2 on it, nothing fancy and its not a big deal if I can't. But it would be neat if I could bring it to an old-school LAN party.
  
  USB: I know I put this above in the key features, but if I cannot have a direct USB 3.0 / 2.0 port on it, can I use something to plug-into the device to make it have a USB 3.0 / 2.0 port? Think Mini-USB to Regular USB adapter or something? I never really looked into it. I really want to be able to use something like this: USB SNAKE CAM with it, that would be TOTALLY badass and SUPER helpful.
  
  Hard Drive Space: The more space the merrier, if I can toss a big drive in it somehow I would be pretty darn happy, this would be for videos, pictures, documentation and possibly a game or two. The primary purpose is work, entertainment is secondary, so I don't need a TON of space, but like I said, the more the merrier.
  
  Windows: It would be nice to have windows on it, because I would like it to be able to craft decent looking MS Word Journal Entries, connect via wifi to a Go-pro camera, do some very basic video editing and utilize some windows features such as Open Broadcast Software for On-Screen Recording steps and processes. I normally use windows 7 and am most comfortable with that, but I hear 8.1 is pretty neat for Tablets.
  
  Hook up to Monitor or Projector: This is pretty extreme and I doubt tablets can do this within a reasonable price range, but basically the ability to hook up to a monitor (Do they have HDMI Tablets?) or Projector / Screen to show some slides / video / image. Granted this is not necessary at all, I just figure it would be cool for games, or showing a video to someone. I am fairly certain that I would put the video or presentation on my work laptop via USB instead and share it that way.
  
  Save copies of things to home / work pc via Wifi: I am sure this is just a software related, but I would like to hear your input on it. I want it to be able to share and auto-backup the things I make / save (docs, pics ,vids) to my home computer when I get within Wifi range. Granted I can probably figure this out with windows 7's home group.
  
  Keyboard / Mouse / Stylus: I want a good Stylus that feels like a pen, and ability to use a mouse and keyboard.
  
  Decent Case / Protection: I saw the UPS guy with a tablet that strapped around his hand, the Verizon store people seem to have them too. Basically I am looking for something that would make it stable for me to hold steady and take notes without dropping it. Also I would like to protect it from water and the weather while still maintaining use-ability of the device. (EX: Stylus and being able to plug in a USB device) Note that I will probably have it in a small bag or something while outside the majority of the time, but just incase I would like to protect it from some raindrops, or a random leak.
  

TL;DR: I am looking for a Tablet PC to be used in the work (Power Plant) walking around and inspection setting that can be used to take notes, pictures, videos, and document findings. I would like it to be pretty robust and have a USB port and possibly have a Windows OS with the ability to have a keyboard and mouse as an input somehow. I am looking to spend around $300-600ish. Please help.

I hope this thread helps others, as well as myself, I will be responding to and updating this thread as I go through the process of finding a Tablet that suits my needs.

This thread was made on New Years Eve (12/14/2014) , so I wish everyone a safe and happy new years!

Thank you, I look forward to hearing your opinions and feedback.

 

[tachybana]

that is lots of wants for such little price (and even more so since you're saying this will be disposable if it becomes contaminated)

for $600 you're talking about a decent ipad 32gb to 64gb (reliable) or decent galaxy tab (then you're taking about investing another $100+ is cases etc etc and additional software.

or you see what your dream actually costs

http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughpad/us/windows-tablet-fz-g1.asp

Let me know your thoughts.

Best Luck

 

[USAFRet]

Nuke Plant Work

Another thing is...what devices exactly are allowed or disallowed inside the building. Many facilities such as yours do not allow anything with a camera, unless on the approved list.

"Save copies of things to home" ? Is this allowed?

"Games" ? This is a work device. Get something else to play games on. If you were my employee, there is no possible way a machine connected to the building network would also be allowed to have 'games' on it. What data is that game software sending out?
No way.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Nuke Plant Work

Another thing is...what devices exactly are allowed or disallowed inside the building. Many facilities such as yours do not allow anything with a camera, unless on the approved list.

"Save copies of things to home" ? Is this allowed?

"Games" ? This is a work device. Get something else to play games on. If you were my employee, there is no possible way a machine connected to the building network would also be allowed to have 'games' on it. What data is that game software sending out?
No way.

^
That.

I find it hard to believe that the IT Department (or Security Department) at any nuclear related facility would even allow personally owned equipment on the property, let alone allow it to connect to the network.

 

[USAFRet]

A nuke plant is NOT a BYOD environment.
I see two people looking for new jobs. You, and the IT fool who said it was OK.

Why yes, I think I will have fries with that.

 

[Tom Tancredi]

While TOTAL agreement with the mods (HAVE YOU HEARD OF STUXNET!!!!) honestly right off some of your requirements for ON the JOB "generally outdoor weather, random water leaks / accidental water spurts from a pump or leaking ceiling" AUTOMATICALLY puts it WAAAAYY beyond your budget. Ruggerized and WATERPROOFED electronic tablets START at $2000, typically Toshiba (famous for its series) is the manufacturer, and your LIMITED on the capabilities UNLESS you purchase the even MORE EXPENSIVE MILITARY GRADE models (which are typical for YOUR work environment, the Mods and I do know that from personal experience!) with numerous SECURITY standards to ensure 'that picture' of a deficiency isn't simply 'downloaded' when you stop at Starbucks by the other Al Qaeda members still in the U.S. whom been spying on you and now know EXACTLY where to cause a severe problem to the powergrid/nuclear systems.

 

[tachybana]

A nuke plant is NOT a BYOD environment.
I see two people looking for new jobs. You, and the IT fool who said it was OK.

Why yes, I think I will have fries with that.

When read the post, i was thinking of the simpsons all the way. Homer must be the chief at that nuclear plant

Cheers to that. Duff anyone?

 

[yumri]

well you could try the Mircosoft Surface Pro as it has all which you have said.
@USAFRet i know that if 1 thing goes wrong relateing to anything that the OP does that he / she / it will most likely be fired even if it is not his / her's / its fault. Also his / her / its idea is a good one though i imagine that the paperwork is going to be a mountain high with any device at allso why not go with a Microsoft Surface Pro with a big hard drive then DISCONNECT from the cloud as that is a huge security risk to leave it connected to the cloud inside of a high security area.
In that you should really ask the security department which are actually allowed as if they are allowing you too they most likely have a policy about what is and what is not allowed to be brought. In that the company also most likely has a way to have reports filed which will most likely include you writing a report detailing what you will have in the pictures and/or videos. The pictures and/or videos will help as a picture is worth a throsand words but still you will still have to write a report for the logs to record and document.

 

[evilwookiefeet]

Thanks for your concerns and suggestions. I believe some are overlooking the objective here which is to have something that can be used to take a picture and be used to write notes.

"Wishful" things is as it is.. wishful.. I mean really, is what you are getting from this that my intention is to have games on it? No, its for work. But I would like to know if tablets are capable of running them, perhaps I was not clear at all on that point. I do not know about tablets and would like to know more. I will not be able to connect to any cloud period and really have no desire to at all. And it has been clearly stated that we are able to bring certain documents home with us to read, review and edit... to what extent though, I do not know. That is a great question for me to investigate. I will have to check though about NDAs and what can and can not leave, you are right on that much.

To refocus here, I talked to two people about this from the IT side, and they said it would be alright. I mean, this may or may not work out at all. Worst case scenario, I have a Tablet laptop for myself. I however think overall it would save alot of paperwork and wasted time, as a device to write more efficient notes and take a picture or video of a malfunctioning piece of equipment.

As to clairfy with your discomfort to the workplace I am in, I am not going to be bringing this by any sensative or secured areas, nor will it be interfacing with or near any electronic equipment that is important what so ever. I am not asking for military grade or toughbook style equipment. I am asking for assistance on a decent case to protect it and possibly something like a screen protector to protect it from scratches or a water drops... Think like your phone's case and screen protector.. I dont think it is necessary that people need to get so sacastic and synical, all I want is some suggestions on some products. 🙁 I'm really just trying to learn more here and make better documented reports.


Anyways,
The Asus Transformer looks like it would fit my needs, as would a surface pro 2 I think.

 

[USAFRet]

Not trying to be sarcastic or cynical. But I still find this incredibly hard to believe.

What does your security office say?

 

[Tom Tancredi]

... I do not know about tablets and would like to know more. I will not be able to connect to any cloud period and really have no desire to at all.

... I am not asking for military grade or toughbook style equipment. I am asking for assistance on a decent case to protect it and possibly something like a screen protector to protect it from scratches or a water drops... Think like your phone's case and screen protector.....

Right and your trying to apply a 'cell phone' model to tablets and believe they are interchangeable, they are not for many reasons, especially as most of what you described was for cell phones NOT smart phones which are highly more sensitive to such additional conditions but still LESS sensitive than a laptop / tablet.

So to address this I use the 'piss test', so you can understand more clearly. It is parlance in the Phone Stores / Support lines for the most common reason (and embarassing) why someone needs their phone replaced. They bring the phone into the bathroom set it on the stall so they carry on the conversation as they take a piss and OOPS it falls in. Mind you this is 'water drops' not a toilet drowning it, do smart phone survive this - NO. The amount of moisture in the conditions you stated "generally outdoor weather, random water leaks / accidental water spurts from a pump or leaking ceiling", Smart Phones don't work in 'RAIN' nor in any of these other conditions, as they are not WATERPROOF (sealed specially in all parts especially the screen from any moisture). There is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standards to meet in order to LEGALLY be sold this way,
Commonly PCs sold as "Military Grade" or as you know of the Toughbook line, are WATERPROOFED (I used to take these apart for AZ State Police, whome use them IN THE SAME CONDITIONS your stating), also WEATHER PROOFED, further protected from INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS, such as excessive dust and dirt (say in the Metal Shop where they cut the pipes and other things making dirt and dust which kills computer parts) among other things.

Now your in a INDUSTRIAL situation, not 'home PC' consumer location. I GET TOTALLY your intentions (speeding up processes and using electronic devices to resolve a bureaucratic paper and pencil concept), but unless you plan to keep replacing this ever month due to your ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS being exactly what the WARNING LABEL says NOT to use the Asus/Surface/etc. in you will be killing these off and not 'understand' how your doing it. Tablets are NOT ruggerized (the generic consumer term) for bumps, drops, and so on, they break and damage very easily EVEN if they include a SSD, HDDs are worse because one good bump (think slapping the side of a pinball machine) and the heads slam into the platters damaging the HDD that can only be seen under a microscope (your talking 1/4 the width of a human hair). Never mind hot conditions, cold conditions, moist conditions (where moisture builds up on surfaces, that seems inside and causes rust / shorts/ etc. not 'visible' with the naked eye), and then the wet conditions you mentioned.
ALL OSes are moving to the SaaS model (aka Cloud), Apple already achieving it with how their devices all 'sync' because the data is stored on the cloud (aka iTunes - not just for music you know!). Windows 8.1 also created this situation that the first account to 'log in' to the computer has to be one registered to Microsoft LIVE services, and thus used to sync all the settings and data to the LIVE servers. In a couple weeks Windows 10 will be grandstanded out and we will see more of this most likely, as Microsoft has now pushed that Office will mainly be via Office 365 (Cloud based and stored) and companies by the bucket load have DROPPED desktop licensing costs to move to Office 365 (never mind all the colleges that do this 'offer' for the students as well, so they 'never' buy Office itself anymore).

In order to much of anything, including fixing issues, much less getting your Antivirus / AntiMalware updated REQUIRES you have to be on the Internet or your Corporate Network with your devices, so it is impossible TODAY to "not be able to connect to any cloud period and really have no desire to at all." It is a requirement, it is how things are done, it is the ONLY resource, and it is HOW YOUR TABLET IS BUILT AROUND.

I am sitting here with my very nice Lenovo ThinkPad 2, large screen, pair up with a Bluetooth keyboard (faster and more accurate then on the 'glass') and running Windows 8. Right off it is like a Smart Phone, swiping, two finger pinch / spread, drag and drop with my finger etc. because W8 was made for Tablets and to push Tablets to be the alternative to a Smart Phone (which are getting larger and larger just look at a Galaxy phone now!). But I have to take care, I can't take it out n this 25degree weather, it doesn't work in such cold, I can't have it outside in the summer when it is 102degrees either. Cant' be near any water, is hell not just on the SCREEN PROTECTOR I did put on touch glass (the water disrupts and spread the static electricity 'touch glass' uses) but already seen what happens when my coffee splashed across it and though OH F*** I just killed it. It runs on a VERY SMALL SSD like RAM (typical you can't get a LARGE drive so your stuck like a CELL PHONE on very LIMITED space, in my case only 32Gb left). Can't I just 'unscrew it and swap it out for a nice 256GB SSD'? - NO it doesn't have enough power capability to support a 'true' SSD drive AND the slimness of it affords NO ROOM for a SSD drive (look up M.2 to see the difference). It gets sluggish when I have more then 4 Chrome tabs going, because it is a ARM based CPU (though I am running a FULL Windows8 not the cheapo other one they stopped making) which is A-typical for Tablets.

Power, performance, space, limitations all come with Tablets, because your getting portability, instant 'start up', and full 'Internet' access like a desktop NOT like the 'mobility' Web on cell phones, that couldn't even Youtube not to long ago (much less try and open a PDF file to enter data into like what you want). If you want fuller more capability, then you need to spend the extra cash for squeezing a 'desktop' into a 'thin as paper' platform, nevermind if you need it for a INDUSTRIAL environment (Toughbook / Military class).

 

[USAFRet]

Windows 8.1 also created this situation that the first account to 'log in' to the computer has to be one registered to Microsoft LIVE services, and thus used to sync all the settings and data to the LIVE servers.

Actually, no. You can install and register Win 8.1 just fine with a local account. Just have to click the right box.