Tablets have become massively popular, so much so that slates that cater to specific needs are coming to market too. The Earl Backcountry Survival Tablet fits into this new niche, and it even does some stuff that Apple’s much coveted iPad cannot. We love the iPad, and a few other high-end tablets for that matter, but unless you have cellular towers, Wi-Fi, or electricity nearby then they are useless in the wild.
As you can probably guess by the name, the Earl Backcountry Survival Tablet ($250) is designed specifically to be used outdoors, in the wilderness, and in survival situations. The slate boasts a 1024 x 768 6″ flexible E-Ink screen which is powerful enough to double as a lantern in low light conditions. It also features a built-in AM/FM/SW/LW radio tuner, an IP67 rated water/dust/shock/mud-proof design, an integrated solar panel, internal weather sensors, a FRS, GMRS and MURS transceiver for use as a two-way radio, and a glove-friendly infrared touchscreen.
The Earl Backcountry Survival Tablet also sports stunning GPS hardware and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Of course, thanks to its solar panel and connectivity options, it could become a handy tool in survival situations, while the Android 4.1 platform means you can also dig out some Angry Birds on your next camping trip!