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

Close-up of a black Vasco Translator device displaying the white Vasco logo and “Translator” text on its screen.
TechnologySeptember 3, 2026

Vasco Electronics Adds Automatic Language Detection to Vasco Translator Q1

Vasco Electronics’ software update introduces hands-free language switching and expanded offline translation across 45 language pairs, empowering law enforcement, healthcare, and front-office enterprise teams

Read More →
Mark43 logo over a blue digital technology background featuring a cloud and connected computer, laptop, smartphone, and other device icons.
TechnologyAugust 27, 2026

North Miami Police Department Deploys Mark43

The North Miami Police Department has deployed Mark43 as part of its Five-Year Strategic Plan that represents its collective vision and goals for a more proactive police department, anchored by a core commitment to leveraging modern technology to enhance efficiency and public safety.

Read More →
Cellebrite logo over a close-up computer keyboard featuring a large blue “investigation” key, illustrating digital investigation technology and forensic tools.
TechnologyAugust 27, 2026

Cellebrite Genesis for Enterprise Now Generally Available

Made available to the public sector in June, Cellebrite Genesis is serving a growing mix of national, regional, and local agencies worldwide, including some of the largest regional and metropolitan police departments. It is now available for enterprise organizations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Promotional graphic for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit, Sept. 14–16, featuring a session on grassroots advocacy for public safety leadership. Registration is open, shown over a city and mountain landscape.
TechnologyAugust 20, 2026

2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit to Host Emerging Leaders Training on Grassroots Advocacy for Public Safety

“Emerging Leaders Training: Understanding the Importance of Grassroots Advocacy for Public Safety," a session during the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit, will offer a roadmap for unified advocacy at the federal level.

Read More →
A technician wearing sunglasses holds a tablet beside tripod-mounted electronic detection equipment on a rooftop, with office buildings visible in the background.
TechnologyAugust 20, 2026

Motorola Solutions Completes Acquisition of D-Fend Solutions

Motorola Solutions has acquired D-Fend Solutions, an industry leader in counter-drone technology. This deal provides public safety and enterprise customers with access to advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems.

Read More →
ZeroEyes graphic featuring Camden, Delaware Police and Caesar Rodney School District emblems over a blue-tinted classroom background, with the ZeroEyes logo displayed across the bottom.
TechnologyAugust 13, 2026

ZeroEyes, Advantech & Camden Police Partner to Bring AI Gun Detection Technology to Delaware School District

ZeroEyes has partnered with Advantech and the Camden Police Department to deploy ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform at Delaware’s Caesar Rodney School District (CRSD).

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Roadside traffic monitoring equipment mounted on a utility pole overlooks a passing car, illustrating wireless vehicle detection technology used for traffic management, signal optimization, or roadway data collection.
TechnologyAugust 6, 2026

Leonardo U.S. Cyber & Security Solutions Introduces SignalTrace, the Next Evolution in Electronic Signature Detection Technology

SignalTrace reflects years of product refinement and a clearer expression of the technology’s purpose of recognizing and correlating electronic signatures in publicly broadcast wireless signals to reveal patterns, relationships, and trends that might otherwise go undetected.

Read More →
Overhead view of a crowded public space with AI-generated boxes obscuring faces, illustrating automated facial anonymization and privacy protection in video surveillance. Pimloc logo appears in the lower-right corner.
TechnologyJuly 24, 2026

Pimloc Launches Secure File Sharing to Streamline Release of Redacted Video

Pimloc’s Secure File Sharing lets organizations deliver redacted video, audio, and documents through expiring, passcode-protected links, accelerating delivery while reducing security, compliance, and chain-of-custody risks.

Read More →
Promotional graphic for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit, Sept. 14–16, 2026, featuring a Las Vegas skyline and highlighting the session, “Bridging Broadband and LMR: FirstNet Fusion and the Rise of Hybrid Devices,” with registration open.
TechnologyJuly 16, 2026

2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit to Explore How FirstNet Fusion and LMR Are Redefining Mission-Critical Communications

One of the sessions at the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit will highlight hybrid devices bridging broadband and LMR. “Bridging Broadband and LMR: FirstNet Fusion and the Rise of Hybrid Devices” will explore how public safety agencies can modernize their communications environments while maintaining the reliability of land mobile radio.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cellebrite and SkySafe logos appear over a city skyline at sunset with a drone in flight, illustrating a partnership focused on drone detection, investigation, and public safety technology.
TechnologyJuly 9, 2026

Cellebrite Expands Exclusive SkySafe Partnership to Deliver Immediate Drone Detection and Airspace Intelligence for Digital Investigations at Scale

By integrating SkySafe's drone detection and airspace intelligence with Cellebrite's platform, agencies can connect real-time and historical UAV flight data with mobile forensic evidence, all in one place.

Read More →