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Ever since people started to use technology onsite or on the move, there has been a need for rugged versions – but in the early days these were clunky and heavy, and didn’t keep up with state-of-the-art consumer technology. Now that’s all changed and you can find fully rugged pieces of equipment that are every bit as stylish and futuristic as their consumer equivalents.
An evolving technology
Today, the lines are blurring between rugged and consumer devices. Rugged devices are no longer heavy and bulky, while consumer devices are coming in better specified to survive the knocks and bumps of everyday life. One might argue that today’s smartphones need to be rugged, given that we take them everywhere, frequently drop them and then spill our coffee over them. However, there will still always be a need for phones, tablets and laptops that can work under the harshest conditions. The difference is that now these devices look good too!
Spot the difference
If consumer devices are now making rugged claims and rugged devices can do everything a consumer device can do, how do you know which one to buy for your needs, and indeed, how do you know which is which? This is a serious question if you want a device that’s waterproof, that will work in extreme temperatures, while resisting dirt and dust. Luckily, there are a number of ways in which manufacturers can demonstrate that their devices are truly rugged rather than just posing as rugged.
This is where the technical specifications really matter. Some consumer devices now have IP68 certification, meaning that they’re dustproof and can be submerged in water of depths of up to 1.5m. However, that’s not the whole story. IP68 alone doesn’t mean that a device will work in extreme temperatures or that it will necessarily survive being dropped from a height. Truly rugged devices need to have fans to dissipate the heat of running complex software programs in high-temperature environments. These need to be properly isolated so the same device can still maintain its IP rating. It’s this sort of attention to detail that puts rugged devices ahead of consumer technology out in the field.
Another difference is that enterprise market fleets need to be durable and reliable. Consumer technology updates and upgrades with increasing frequency. For enterprises needing reliability in the field, this isn’t necessarily a desirable feature. Rugged devices are designed with a longer shelf life – and this makes keeping them secure from cyber attacks easier and cheaper. The durability of truly rugged devices also means that users get a better ROI from them, another important factor when buying equipment that may be more expensive than their less reliable consumer equivalents.
Buying what’s right for the job
At the end of the day, the buying decision between rugged and consumer must come down to how the device is going to be used. Even though consumer devices may appear to be getting tougher, the question still has to be, ‘Are they tough enough?’ If your team is working in extreme environments and needs devices that are going to be reliable and durable, you’ll still need devices that have a fully rugged specification.
About RUGGED LIMITED
UK-based RUGGED is your one-stop, go-to supplier with a wealth of experience in providing cutting-edge and cost-effective computing solutions specifically designed and innovatively engineered to operate reliably in demanding environments and conditions. Add to that an unparalleled range of customer-focused value-added services, you will find all your RUGGED computing needs covered.
Need an innovative custom solution for your unique requirement?
Regardless of how simple or complex the requirements may be, RUGGED has the experience and expertise to provide you with the most optimal solutions to the toughest computing challenges. Whether you need to tweak a standard product or create an entirely new one, our product engineering specialists are standing by to execute your vision into an innovate and successful commercial reality.
For further information please browse our website https://www.rugged.co.uk/, email us at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)1474 240120 today!
