Welcome to the mobile generation, where almost every action has an equivalent smart phone or tablet app for executing it. From making banking transactions to checking the recipe for no-bake cheesecake to updating social media accounts, mobile gadgets have been proven indispensable to man’s day-to-day life.
It comes as no surprise that mobile technology has permeated the corporate world and the enterprise too, as mobile devices have demonstrated their usefulness in the field of industry.
That you need powerful rugged devices for fieldwork is an understatement, as every enterprise knows the costs involved in using devices that are not made to withstand the harsh conditions the equipment would be subject to in the field. Yes, you want rugged, industrial-strength mobile computers, but with the wide range of mobile devices offered in the market, how can you choose the mobile computer that will serve as the best tool in providing solutions for the requirements of your enterprise? Here we offer some tips on what to look for in selecting a mobile computer.
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Specifications. How rugged is “rugged?” To the untrained eye, the difference between an enhanced consumer device and a truly engineered industrial device may seem inconsequential. But the more informed customer knows that a rugged mobile device is more than just the external housing; it is made up of distinct internal components put together using special sealing and coatings that are made especially for hazardous environments. Customers must then have a thorough understanding of the specifications different models of mobile computers have, as lack of understanding can lead to a bad buying decision that costs a lot of money.
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Ingress Protection (IP) Rating. Defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (ITC), this rating refers to the ability of the device to withstand dust and moisture. An industrial-strength device will show a specific IP rating expressed in two digits (IP65, for example). The first digit represents protection against solids and the second shows protection from liquids.
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Military Specification (MIL-SPEC) or Military Standard (MIL-STD). Established by the U.S. Department of Defense, these specifications measure whether a product can be used by the department. They also demonstrate that devices can be used for emergency services and public safety. Rugged devices are designed after these specifications to ensure that they can pass environmental conditions like rain, humidity, fog and extreme temperatures.
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Drop Specifications. All rugged devices are fitted with drop specifications that demonstrate their ability to endure the shock of falling on hard surfaces, a very important factor in considering what model or unit to buy. Most rugged computers can withstand a four-foot drop on concrete without separate protective accessories.
In order to get the best mobile computer for your business needs, you need to understand what specifications you need, and which computers will provide you these needs. Although industrial rugged mobile computers come with a hefty price, they outlast non-industrial ones, which need constant maintenance and replacement. Investing in rugged computers with the best specifications would prove to be one of your best decisions in the long run.
Are you thinking of purchasing rugged mobile computers for your enterprise? Let us help you! Call AbeTech at 763.428.5937 or 1.866.226.3848.
