Rugged computing experts offer economically priced, full-featured, field-ready IP67-sealed 8-inch Android tablet
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Juniper Sytems introduced the Cedar CT8X2 Rugged Tablet running Android June 2021 as part its economy-priced line of Cedar branded mobile data collection and communication tools. The CT8X2 is a hardware and software tech update of Juniper's original CT8 tablet, and represents the company's ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art ruggedized Android-based field computing hardware.

The Cedar product line was launched by Juniper Systems a few years ago to meet the needs of customers who do not need ultra-rugged devices but aren't comfortable with entrusting their outdoor work to fragile consumer technology in a case. Cedar branded devices are built from the ground up for ruggedness, support the cell bands used in Juniper's target markets, have proper IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers for security, and have, of course, passed all the requisite governmental compliance testing.

The Cedar CT8X2 is an 8-inch class tablet running Android 10 with Google Mobile Services on a competent Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 processor. The display offers 1280 x 800 pixel (189 ppi) resolution. That's not quite "retina" level but sharp enough for the intended applications. Like virtually all contemporary handheld devices, the Cedar CT8X2 has quick and effortless capacitive multi-touch. Its LCD display uses IPS (In Plane Switching) technology for a solid, stable image with good contrast and perfect viewing angles from all directions.

Being a ruggedized device with prominent corner protection and a number of physical buttons (including two programmable ones), the CT8X2's 9.5 x 6 inch footprint is larger than that of consumer tablets with the same size display but minuscule (or missing) bezels. The generous margins around the display actually make the CT8X2 easier to hold and handle. For a rugged device, the CT8 doesn't weigh much either, just 1.2 pounds.

The tablet below shows how the upgraded CT8X2 differs from the original CT8.

Juniper Systems Cedar CT8X2 vs original CT8

Model	Cedar CT8X2	Cedar CT8
Introduced	2021	2019
OS	Android 10 GMS	Android 8.1
Processor	Snapdragon SDM632	Snapdragon SDM626
Cores	4 x Cortex-A53 + 4 x Cortex-A73	8 x Cortex-A53
Clock speed	1.8GHz	2.2GHz
RAM/ROM	4GB/64GB	3GB/32GB
Expansion slots	micro SD/SDXC (up to 128GB)	micro SD/SDHC
Display type	TFT	TFT
Display	8.0"/800 x 1280 pixel	8.0"/800 x 1280 pixel
Digitizer	Projected capacitive	Projected capacitive
Battery	30.4 watt-hour Li-Ion Polymer	30.4 watt-hour Li-Ion Polymer
Size (inches)	9.3 x 5.75 x 0.51	9.3 x 5.75 x 0.51
Weight (oz.)	1.2 lbs	1.2 lbs
Sealing	IP67	IP67
Temp. range	-4° to 140°	-4° to 140°
Camera	front: 5mp; rear 16mp	front: 5mp; rear 16mp
USB	1 x USB Type-C	1 x USB Type-C
Bluetooth	4.2	4.1
WiFi	802.11a/b/g/n/ac	802.11a/b/g/n/ac
WWAN	4G LTE	4G LTE
Scanning	Opt. 1D/2D scanner or RFID	Opt. 1D/2D scanner or RFID

Updated tech

The CT8X2's 3.8V/8,000mAh/30.4Wh Lithium-Ion polymer battery — which remains the same as in the outgoing CT8 — is replaceable and externally accessible. That makes it possible to take along a spare for quick swapping, and it also makes replacing an end-of-life battery a non-issue. The plastic battery compartment cover has a replaceable pressure seal and four lockable levers to keep liquids out from the interior of the CT8X2. Since the two SIM cards and the micro SD card slots are all underneath the battery, care is advised when putting the cover back in place.

Rugged inside

All of the tablet's controls are implemented as hardware buttons below the bottom of the display: volume up and down, the three standard Android buttons, two programmable function buttons, and power. There's a handstrap mount that screws onto the back of the unit. Also on the back is a screw hole pattern for available add-on modules such as a 1D/2D barcode reader or an RFID reader.

Rugged outside

Its prominent light-gray corner guards and side protection instantly make it clear that the Cedar CT8X2 is a tough, rugged product. The specs include IP67 ingress protection (totally dust-proof, submersible to one meter for 30 minutes), a wide -4° to 140°F operating temperature range, and a 1-meter (3.3 feet) shock and drop resistance to concrete (we think it can handle a lot more and fully expect Juniper doing one of its famous videos to show just that).

Excellent cameras

Unlike most cameras integrated into rugged devices, these even support 4K video. And the Camera app supports setting different frame rates.

Positioning

For even better positioning accuracy, Juniper System's stand-alone Geode GPS receiver provides sub-meter accuracy (and even better with post-processing). For RuggedPCReview's assessment of the Juniper Geode, see our report.

Pricing