Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Zebra Technologies Introduces New Windows Rugged Tablets and 2-in-1s

For public safety and state and local government agencies, Zebra’s tablets and 2-in-1 models enable routing and dispatch communications, patient care reporting, e-citation, and personnel tracking.

September 13, 2021
3 min to read


Zebra Technologies Corporation  has introduced the ET80 and ET85 (ET8x series), a new series of Windows 12-inch rugged tablets and 2-in-1s. The ET8x series is designed to improve productivity and safety across multiple industries and are Zebra’s first tablets with support for WiFi 6E and 5G .

The thin and light ET80 and ET85 run on Intel 11th Generation processors and are a portable option in the field. They can be purchased with a detached rugged keyboard featuring a friction hinge so front-line workers can experience a complete laptop-like experience on the go, in their vehicles or at their desks. With support for citizens broadband radio service (CBRS), agencies can enable private LTE networks that provide cost-effective wireless connectivity in the largest facilities–indoors and outside. Public safety network certification provides first responders with a connection they can count on.

Ad Loading...

The new ET8x series is built for public safety, government, field service and manufacturing industries. For public safety and state and local government agencies, Zebra’s tablets and 2-in-1 models enable routing and dispatch communications, patient care reporting, e-citation, and personnel tracking.

“Balancing the need for a more flexible and portable mobile solution without sacrificing high-end performance and large display requirements has opened the door for 2-in-1 detachable rugged tablets, such as Zebra Technologies’ ET80 and ET85,” says David Krebs, executive vice president of VDC Research. “This emerging form factor has enabled mission-critical mobile workforces in sectors as diverse as public safety and government to maintain support for traditional rugged clamshell PC use cases while enabling more mobile and distributed workflows.”

Zebra’s new series of tablets and 2-in-1s can function as a standalone tablet or a true laptop replacement and provide support in even the most rugged environments. At less than 2.9 pounds and with an optional detachable rugged keyboard, the new ET8x series offers a flexible work option that can transform into a desktop in the office or a mobile workstation in a police car, truck, or forklift. The ET80 and ET85 also offer a longer battery life than previous models, reducing time spent recharging or switching to back up devices, further improving productivity and reducing downtime.

“We’re proud to offer the new ET80 and ET85 tablets and 2-in-1s, which provide WiFi 6 advanced connectivity and also represent Zebra’s entrance into the 5G space,” said Julie Johnson, vice president of Enterprise Mobile Computing for Zebra Technologies. “The innovative ET8x series provide businesses across multiple industries with the devices they need to improve productivity, speed and reliability across all areas of their operations.”

The new ET8x series offers a 12-inch screen, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, optional integrated barcode scanner, and supports Windows Hello via a front-facing camera for facial recognition and optional fingerprint reader for multi-factor authentication. The ET80 and ET85 are also the first Zebra Windows 10 tablets equipped with select Zebra Mobility DNA software tools to optimize workflows, and improve communications and usability for mobile workers. These tools include Power Precision Plus, which provides visibility into device battery health and optional Workforce Connect Push to Talk features, which streamlines communications in one connected platform.

Ad Loading...

In addition, Zebra OneCare Maintenance Plans are available for the ET8x series to help users maximize device uptime and business performance, ensuring they get the most out of their investment. With Zebra OneCare plans, front-line workers can perform at peak levels while also reducing device vulnerabilities, unbudgeted repair expenses, and unexpected disruptions.

More Technology

Rooftop view off a drone detection devise with two small rubber antennas with an view overlooking a large domed event venue.
TechnologyApril 9, 2026

D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir C-UAS System Secures Key Event with RF-Cyber Counter-Drone Technology

D-Fend Solutions deployed its EnforceAir C-UAS system in support of local police to help secure a 19,000-attendee event, leveraging its non-jamming approach to keep communications and authorized drones operational while safeguarding against rogue drone threats.

Read More →
Graphic showing four priorities for secure enterprise cloud adoption and a logo for Genetec.
TechnologyApril 2, 2026

Genetec Highlights Why Governance Defines Secure Cloud Adoption in Enterprise Physical Security

With World Cloud Security Day on April 3, Genetec outlines how enterprises can strengthen resilience as they modernize physical security in the cloud.

Read More →
police car geotab thumbnail for services whitepaper
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

A police department’s guide to fleet management and vehicle health

Today’s police departments face rising fleet costs and must stay ready to respond, no matter the call. In this eBook, get powerful insights to enhance your police fleet’s cost-efficiency, reliability and performance through data-driven tactics.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An automated license plate reader mounted on rear trunk of a car.
TechnologyMarch 26, 2026

Public Safety Surveillance Technology: Built on Compliance and Trust

ALPR solutions provider Leonardo explains why leveraging technology for safety must never come at the expense of constitutional rights or community trust. Every action within an ALPR system should be logged in a tamper-proof audit trail with query records of who accessed what data, when, and for what purpose.

Read More →
Promotional graphic for Patrolfinder featuring a police chief’s headshot inside a circular frame alongside a police SUV in the background. The headline reads: “Built for Patrol: How One Police Chief Fixed Communication, Boosted Visibility, and Changed the Culture.”
SponsoredMarch 17, 2026

Built for Patrol: How One Police Chief Fixed Communication, Boosted Visibility, and Changed the Culture

Patrol work hasn’t changed—but the expectations on officers have. See how one police chief helped officers get the right information at the right time, improve patrol visibility, and strengthen trust without adding complexity or surveillance. This real-world story shows how patrol-driven technology can make the job safer, smarter, and more effective—starting on day one.

Read More →
Back small device with headline ATD Gunshot Detection System and a logo for Acoem set against a tinted blue background image of a large city.
TechnologyFebruary 25, 2026

Acoem ATD to Showcase 96-Attribute Acoustic Intelligence Engine for Gunshot Detection

Unlike legacy gunshot detection architectures that require multiple sensors arranged in fixed meshes, Acoem ATD localizes threats with a single sensor by analyzing both the muzzle blast and the ballistic shockwave of a projectile.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of a persons hands on keyboard of laptop with screen that displays multiple images from security cameras
TechnologyFebruary 11, 2026

Genetec Adds New Capabilities for Security Center SaaS Users

Genetec has launched new investigation capabilities in Genetec Security Center SaaS to reduce investigation time from hours to minutes across complex, multi-site, and multi-vendor environments.

Read More →
man in business attire against a black and blue corrugated background and headlines for Versaterm and the man's name and title.
TechnologyJanuary 28, 2026

Versaterm Appoints New Chief Technology Officer

Johann Jooste brings more than two decades of experience designing scalable platforms for law enforcement and emergency services to his new role as chief technology officer at Versaterm.

Read More →
Image of two police officers working on a laptop with logo for CentralSquare and headline Milestone: 1,000+ Cloud Deployments.
TechnologyJanuary 28, 2026

CentralSquare Surpasses 1,000 Cloud Deployments

CentralSquare Technologies has exceeded its Cloud 1000 initiative, reaching 1,065 cloud deployments for public safety agencies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Screenshot image of gun detection software showing images of firearm detections.
TechnologyJanuary 21, 2026

ZeroEyes Marks Successful 2025 Highlighted by Rapid Growth, Expanded Partnerships, 1,000+ Confirmed Real World Firearm Detections

AI gun detection company ZeroEyes has doubled its partner channel and expanded its operations center to meet growing demand, plus has surpassed 1,000 verified alerts of confirmed gun detections.

Read More →