The Android case: applications, people and speed of deployment
Android wins where the terminal is an application platform: dispatch clients, telematics suites, mapping and camera apps, and the whole ecosystem of fleet software that ships Android-first. Drivers and operators already know the interaction language, developers are easy to hire, and over-the-air app management is a solved problem. In the PDS range, Android spans the T-series mounted terminals — Android 10 on the standard models, Android 11 and 13 on the newer and Pro platforms — which lets a fleet standardise its software across sizes and generations. The costs are real but manageable: consumer-style update behaviour must be locked down by the integrator, and the interface needs pinning so the terminal boots into the job, not into a launcher.
The Linux case: control software and deterministic builds
Linux wins where the terminal is part of a machine control system. Implement makers with existing QT-based control software, engineering teams who need a deterministic, fully owned software image, and products whose interface must stay identical for a decade all land on Linux. The PDS range offers Linux as a standing part of the line: kernel 4.9 and QT 5.12 on the T10, kernel 5.15 with QT 5.15 on the T10B and T12, and a Linux build on the T7. The trade is ecosystem for control — fewer off-the-shelf apps, more of the software burden carried by your own team, in exchange for a system that changes only when you decide it changes. Mixed fleets should note the practical rule: one operating system per fleet role, documented, because supporting both in the same role doubles the support surface for no benefit.
- Android: app ecosystem, driver familiarity, fast deployment
- Linux: owned software image, QT control software, long stable interfaces
- T7: Android 10 or Linux 4.9; T10: Android 10 or Linux 4.9 with QT 5.12
- T10B and T12: Android 13 or Linux 5.15 with QT 5.15
- Lock down updates and the home application on either platform
- One operating system per fleet role
Dual-system models in the range
For vehicle computing platforms, the T10B brings a 10.1" IPS, 1280 x 800, brightness 750 cd/m2 or higher, fully laminated multi-touch and runs Android 13.0, or Linux kernel 5.15 with QT 5.15 (optional) on 64-bit octa-core Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz, GPU ARM G57 MC1. Its positioning fit is GPS + BeiDou module (optional fit); RTK module UM982 or UB982 (optional), and the interface side reads: 26-pin function expansion port; expansion combinations in the T10 family pattern (camera, CAN, RS232, Ethernet — confirm the exact set for your build). That is why it appears in this shortlist: the combination matches the data and connections this work actually uses, in a housing specified for 9-36 V DC input (ISO 7637-II); IP66 sealing; operating temperature -20 to +70 C.
For vehicle computing platforms, the T10 brings a 10.1" IPS, 1280 x 800, brightness 750 cd/m2 or higher, fully laminated multi-touch and runs Android 10.0, or Linux kernel 4.9 with QT 5.12 (optional) on 64-bit quad-core Cortex-A53 at 1.5 GHz. Its positioning fit is GPS + BeiDou module (optional fit); RTK module UM482 or UB482 (optional), and the interface side reads: 14PIN connector x1 and 23PIN connector x1, both function extension interfaces; default function set of 4 x camera, 2 x CAN, 2 x RS232 and 1 x 100M Ethernet. That is why it appears in this shortlist: the combination matches the data and connections this work actually uses, in a housing specified for 9-36 V DC input (ISO 7637-II); IP66 sealing; operating temperature -20 to +70 C.
Making the platform call
Inventory your software first: what must run on day one, who maintains it, and how long the configuration must live. That inventory chooses the operating system, and the operating system then shortlists the models. Send the inventory with your enquiry so the sales team quotes the right build, and confirm minimum order quantities and lead times for it.
Ask about the right operating system build for your fleet
Send your vehicle, software and interface list. The sales team replies with a configuration and price.