TAIPEI — December 3, 2025 — ONERugged has introduced the M82A, its smallest yet most capable 8-inch Windows rugged tablet. Designed for professionals who need true computing power in the field, the M82A combines compact dimensions with a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processor to support mission-critical work in warehouses, utilities, public safety, field service, and outdoor environments. With its lightweight form factor and advanced feature set, the M82A redefines what a highly mobile rugged tablet can deliver.
Performance and Portability in One Compact Device
Until now, rugged tablets powered by 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors have typically ranged from 10.1 to 14 inches. Larger screens left mobility-focused users with few options. The question remained: Could an 8-inch device truly support a high-performance processor?
The M82A answers with a definitive yes. Equipped with Intel® Core™ i5-1235U or i7-1255U processors (up to 15W TDP), the tablet delivers smooth multitasking and the performance needed for demanding applications. An enhanced cooling system maintains stability under load, while an IP67 rating protects the device from dust, rain, and accidental water exposure. A redesigned high-capacity battery addresses the endurance limitations that typically affect small rugged tablets.
Innovative L-Shaped Motherboard Maximizes Internal Space
A major innovation inside the M82A is its new L-shaped motherboard — the first of its kind in an 8-inch rugged Windows tablet. This design reduces board footprint and frees up internal space for components such as the larger battery and the active cooling module.
A metal heat spreader covers the CPU, GPU, and RAM, with a copper heat pipe transferring heat to the fan assembly. Surrounding the SoC are critical subsystems including the 4G module, NFC reader, fingerprint sensor, M.2 SATA SSD, SD/SIM card slots, camera modules, barcode scanner engine, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chipset. The right edge of the board integrates Type-C, USB, RJ45, and DC-in ports.
The result is an exceptionally compact internal layout that maintains performance without sacrificing functionality.
Flagship-Class Performance with Advanced Cooling
Powered by Intel® Core™ i5-1235U or i7-1255U processors, the M82A uses a 10-core hybrid architecture with 2 performance cores (up to 4.4/4.7 GHz) and 8 efficiency cores (up to 3.3/3.5 GHz). Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics with 80 or 96 execution units provide strong GPU capability for graphics-heavy workloads.
To support this performance, the M82A incorporates a new thermal architecture that combines active cooling, structural heat conduction, and chip-level optimization. This system effectively dissipates heat, allowing the processor to sustain its performance capabilities without thermal throttling.
IP67 Protection — Even with a Fan
Many users seeking a compact, high-performance rugged tablet work outdoors in challenging environments. The presence of an internal fan often raises concerns about sealing — yet the M82A achieves a full IP67 rating.
Key design elements include:
- Physical sealing: Rubber gaskets and port covers protect the housing, connectors, and battery compartment.
- Independent fan chamber: The fan sits within a sealed compartment and uses an IP67-rated module to maintain airflow without compromising protection.
- Waterproof materials: Waterproof foams and membranes safeguard vulnerable areas, while components such as the 2D scanner, heat pipe, and fan power cables use sealed manufacturing processes for added integrity.
This allows the M82A to withstand temporary immersion and continue operating normally.
Higher-Capacity Battery Sets a New Standard for 8-Inch Rugged Tablets
Battery life has traditionally been a weakness among compact rugged tablets. The M82A overcomes this by expanding its internal battery area and using an integrated design for the battery and cover. The result is a 7.6V/5700 mAh battery — roughly 35% more capacity than typical competitors. The removable design supports hot-swapping for multi-shift operations.
In testing at 300 nits brightness and 70 dB audio volume, the M82A achieved 6.8 hours of continuous 1080p video playback, putting it on par with many 10.1-inch and larger rugged tablets.
Built for Work in Any Environment
- Field geology: The compact 8-inch size fits easily into a backpack or jacket pocket, allowing surveyors to climb, navigate, and work hands-free.
- Manufacturing and engineering: Intel® 12th Gen processors support smooth viewing and manipulation of complex 3D product models.
- Data center service: The built-in RJ45 Ethernet port enables technicians to connect directly to servers for diagnostics and maintenance.
- Wind energy and utilities: Engineers can receive live drone imagery over 4G LTE and annotate issues in real time. If rain starts unexpectedly, IP67 protection keeps the tablet operational.
From remote outdoor environments to advanced industrial facilities, the M82A delivers the performance, durability, and portability required for demanding professional workflows.
The Ideal Choice for Performance-Driven Mobility
With its compact size, high-performance computing, enhanced durability, and advanced internal design, the ONERugged M82A stands out as a powerful and highly portable Windows rugged tablet. For users who need both mobility and performance — and who work across diverse and challenging environments — the M82A is an exceptional new option.
About ONERugged
ONERugged is a leading provider of rugged computing solutions for enterprise users worldwide. Focused on durability, performance, and versatility, ONERugged designs products that can withstand the harshest environments and deliver reliable performance across a wide range of industries, including rugged tablets, rugged notebooks, rugged handhelds, vehicle PCs, industrial panel PCs, and outdoor rugged series. Today, ONERugged serves clients in over 100 countries and regions, supporting sectors such as public safety, manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, and warehousing logistics. For more information, visit https://www.onerugged.com or follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.
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