Rugged vs Consumer Tablets
Is a rugged computer just a regular computer in a strong case?
Short answer - No! Implementing consumer grade computers with rugged cases is common place but not a good practice. Consumer devices are not made to hold up to the rugged requirements of most operations. That includes poor performance in damage by drops, battery life, barcode scanning and longevity. Consumer tablets are designed to be sleek, light and please the customer. Rugged tablets, are built to last in most work environments for years. See All Rugged Tablets Lets review whats different.
Hardware that Handles Extreme Temperatures
Built with increased cooling capacity, specific metal alloys and increased insulators, Rugged Tablets and Computers are built with components that can survive -22°F to 140F plus. Let’s see your laptop do that. Even the cold start temperature of some of these models is -3°F to 140°F. This resistance to thermal shock speaks volumes about the devices components.
Physical Impact
A physical jolt to any electronic device can be devastating, but if the soldered and housing connections are built to meet IP54 to IP67, the rugged devices will survive falls from 4ft. to 6ft. On wood over concrete. Note IP ratings from IP65 to IP67 are extremely water-resistant and can be used in the rain.
Screen Durability
Rugged computer’s don’t just have a stronger glass protector.
Resistive Touch Panel - is three main layers laminated together; the top layer is a plastic film, the middle layer is an adhesive with a border, along with spacer dots spread over the active area of the touch screen and the bottom layer is glass. Most commonly used in consumer tablets, they transmit 75% of the LCD’s light.
Single Layer Capacitive, Projected Capacitive (PCAP) and Electronic Digitizer - have all evolved as screen technology used on rugged computers. This technology uses polarizing screens, Gorilla Glass 3 and projected light that allows for 82 to 90% of the LCD light, combating the outdoor sunlight. This screen technology also uses less power and can be fine-tuned to finger, glove or stylus touch and feel.
Longevity
Unlike the newest iPad or Smartphone that needs replaced or updated every year or two, rugged technology is designed for longer work life. Rugged tablets are often built to serviced longer; withstand daily use and misuse, and have the components to be upgraded for years. Many of our clients expect to utilize their tablets and phone style mobile computers for 10 years or more. That is within the expectations of rugged devices. For consumer grade - maybe 3 years, at best.
Rugged Exteriors & Cases
The tablet components are housed in a magnesium-alloy internal frame for shock protection. We all put cases on our cell phones, and we all know why. Manufacturers of rugged tablets or computers use specific high-end rubber components to increase drop-specifications. Every exterior part is protected from water, first, mud or whatever material is around the worksite.
Customization
The already power-packed internals of rugged tablets also include optional features such as WiFi, barcode reader, 13.56 MHz RFID read/write capability, RS 232 port, RJ45 gigabit Ethernet, and CAC Smart Card Readers. Common features include fingerprint readers, high definition audio / noise cancellation, integrated Speakers and front-rear cameras. Operating systems (Windows® or Android®) , processors, memory, and storage options are all available to build exactly what you need.
Price
Here is where working the numbers will pay off. An iPad® can cost anywhere from about $300-$800. Rugged Tablets can range from $600 to $4,500. Determining the level of ruggedness necessary for your work environment is a good place to start. Retail and very light industrial has many options by Panasonic, Zebra, Datalogic, and Unitech. Heavy industrial users will benefit from Zebra Technologies and Honeywell’s offering of ultra-durable devices.
Any way you look at it, rugged ends up being the low cost option every time.