As the most powerful 7-inch rugged mobile data terminal available on the market today, the compact VIKING is ready for the future of fleet management.
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Mar 27, 2020 • Hardware • News • Field Service Hardware Directory Listing • rugged hardware • RuggON
As the most powerful 7-inch rugged mobile data terminal available on the market today, the compact VIKING is ready for the future of fleet management.
RuggON Corporation, a leading provider of rugged mobile computing solutions, has announced VIKING, its next-generation Android-based vehicle-mount mobile data terminal.
Compact
The compact 7-inch VIKING is designed to bring class-leading performance, comprehensive connectivity, industry-specific functionality and modern applications to a wide range of fleet and transportation deployments.
Class-leading Performance
As digitization and automation continue to transform the fleet management industry, high-performance vehicle-based computing devices will play a pivotal role. The VIKING, running Android 9 with Google Mobile Services on a fast, state-of-the-art Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor, brings unparalleled system performance in a reliable and productive daily workhorse that fits anywhere.
Designed for Fleets
Built to the highest ruggedness standards, the compact VIKING is designed for use in vehicles ranging from forklifts all the way up to large trucks and heavy-duty machinery. Featuring IP65 ingress protection and having passed pertaining MIL-STD-810H testing procedures, the VIKING can operate in a wide -20⁰ C to 60⁰ C temperature range and withstand the harshest environments. With a wide 9-36V input voltage range, smart power management, ISO7637-2 power protection and CANbus or SAE J1939 support, the VIKING is a flexible tool for implementing a wealth of fleet and vehicle-based tasks such as diagnostics, data collection, route and safety management, navigational tasks, and onboard operations recording.
Ready for Use on the Road and in the Field
With a high-bright 7-inch PCT touch-display, the VIKING remains viewable in bright sunlight, while the auto-dimming function automatically adjusts to any change in ambient lighting condition. In addition to the comprehensive onboard I/O with legacy support of its MT70x0 Series predecessors, the new VIKING adds convenient reversible USB Type-C functionality with DisplayPort Alt mode support, enabling an extra display where required. Reliable, Comprehensive Connectivity
Staying reliably connected is crucially important to effective fleet management in today’s digital and data-driven transportation era. The VIKING comes with a range of integrated connectivity technologies including 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 4G LTE mobile broadband, GNSS with support for all the major satellite systems, as well as NFC/RFID reading for identification and similar tasks.
For More Information on the RuggON VIKING click here
Oct 23, 2019 • Features • Mike Pullon • janam • Robert Hurt • rugged hardware • The Big Discussion • Varlink
In the second part of this series on rugged hardware, our panellists Varlink's Mike Pullon and Janam's Robert Hurt, discuss the role the technology plays in retaining and attracting new talent to the sector. They also ponder the right time for a firm to consider replacing their current mobile hardware solution.
Oct 16, 2019 • Features • Mike Pullon • janam • Robert Hurt • rugged hardware • The Big Discussion • Varlink
In the Big Discussion we bring together a panel of industry experts and focus on one key topic within the field service sector. In the first of a two part series, we turn our attention to rugged hardware where our panel includes Varlink's Mike...
In the Big Discussion we bring together a panel of industry experts and focus on one key topic within the field service sector. In the first of a two part series, we turn our attention to rugged hardware where our panel includes Varlink's Mike Pullon and Janam's Robert Hurt...
Jul 10, 2019 • News • Getac • Hardware • rugged • rugged hardware • Rugged smartphone
Fully rugged tablet offers advanced features and high performance for workers in the utilities, industrial manufacturing and emergency services industries.
Fully rugged tablet offers advanced features and high performance for workers in the utilities, industrial manufacturing and emergency services industries.
Getac have announced the launch of the new UX10 rugged tablet, offering reliability, powerful performance and lightweight portability to professionals operating in challenging field environments every day.
For emergency service paramedics, field utilities technicians and industrial manufacturing engineers, bad weather, remote locations and adverse working conditions are all part of the job. To work efficiently, they need powerful mobile devices they can count on day-in, day-out, regardless of the location or circumstances.
The lightweight and compact UX10 has been designed to maximise worker productivity in any environment. It’s 10.1-inch Full HD LumiBond® touchscreen display with 1000 nits of brightness and optional digitiser mode offers crystal clarity in all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to heavy rain, and can even be used while wearing gloves. MIL-STD-810G and IP65 ratings ensure operation in temperatures ranging from -29o to +63o C and drop resistance of up to 6ft, for complete peace of mind when working in harsh, dangerous or chaotic situations.
The UX10 features an Intel 8th Gen Quad-core CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD for exceptional computing power, while connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 4G LTE with integrated GPS, keep workers connected in even the most remote locations. The UX10 also features multiple battery configurations including an optional high capacity battery for full-shift computing and optional bridge battery, enabling hot battery swaps for continuous operation. For maximum functionality, the UX10 is compatible with a wide range of accessories including detachable keyboard, hard carry handle and secure vehicle docks. A robust suite of enhanced security features, combined with authentication options including Windows Hello facial recognition webcam, magnetic stripe reader, smart card reader and fingerprint scanner, keeps sensitive data protected at all times.
“Working in sectors such as utilities, industrial manufacturing and the emergency services can be unpredictable and extremely challenging, so the last thing personnel want to worry about is their device failing on the job,” says Rick Hwang, President of Rugged Business Unit at Getac Technology Corporation. “The new UX10 is purpose built to provide the reliability, performance and usability that workers need, meaning they can focus on the task at hand, whatever the situation.”
The UX10 comes with Getac’s three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering accidental damage as standard, for even further peace of mind.
Emergency Services: Answering the call with paramedics
The UX10 is optimized for the latest Electronic Patient Care Records (EPCR) and ambulance mobilization software, putting life-saving critical information directly into the hands of field personnel when they need it most. A range of optional vehicle docks and optional hard carry handle further optimizes device mobility, allowing the UX10 to be easily operated and transported in time-critical situations.
Industrial Manufacturing: Monitor and manage critical processes through a single device
Digital transformation has revolutionised industrial manufacturing in recent years. The UX10 allows workers to monitor plant performance, integrate critical workflows and maintain quality control, all through a single device. An optional RS232 port supports the use of legacy equipment, while an optional LAN port allows for direct communication with different machines and equipment throughout the facility.
Utilities: The ultimate device for field service management
Manage your workforce, fleet and assets directly on the UX10 using the latest field services management applications. Optional dedicated GPS enables fast and easy mapping when using GIS software, while integrated screen-blanking technology decreases the risk of accidents and driver distraction. The UX10’s light weight, compact form factor and multiple hands-free carry options make it ideally suited to full shifts in the field.
Jul 01, 2019 • Panasonic Toughbook • Zebra • Gen2Wave • Hardware • Honeywell • janam • rugged • Rugged Computing • Rugged devices • rugged hardware • Rugged laptops • rugged tablets • Varlink
Rugged devices are a hugely important tools available to field service firms to empower their engineers with mobile devices designed to survive the extremities of remote working environments. However, for the uninitiated (or even the initiated) there can be a bewildering amount of technical information to negotiate before identifying the correct device.
To help you navigate the spaghetti junction of rugged tech, we’ve cherry-picked the top devices from a range of categories.
The thinking being that service encompasses a plethora of industries each having a different rugged requirement and demand: one environment may need a handheld rather than tablet; or withstand harsh weather conditions or even be simply suitable for in-vehicle docking. Whatever your day-to-day and your rugged needs we’re pretty sure we’ll have covered it in the sections below.
So, without further delay, let’s start with the first category:
BEST BUSINESS RUGGED LAPTOP...
PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK CFMX4
Business-rugged laptops should be as comfortable in the boardroom as they are in the field and while aesthetically, they don’t have the smooth curves of consumer laptops, they are less like the Frankenstein designs of yesteryear and certainly won’t look out of place a board meeting.
However, get something that doesn’t compromise ruggedness for good looks so scout out the usual robust features such as shock and drop resistance to shocks and drops and liquid and dust and given the amount of time you’re likely to spend on the road with no charging access, look out for something with a strong battery life.
Finally, ensure it has a familiar operating system such as Windows 10 backed up by plenty of RAM and an adequate CPU to run your field service software.
Panosonic’s Toughbook range of rugged business computers, built out from extensive research and testing, and for senior service professionals, we recommend their two-in-one notebook, the CFMX4. This lightweight device has a laptop/tablet capability making it practical for both the office and on- site visits; and its lengthy battery life, supported by a hot-swappable battery feature, make it powerful enough to last a full day and beyond. It’s a versatile laptop that can adapt to most hostile environments - including that tricky board meeting!
Key Specs:
• Intel® Core™ i5-5300U vPro™ Processor;
• Windows 10 Pro, Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 10 Pro);
• 12.5” IPS Full-HD (1920 x 1080) capacitive multi-touch display;
• 2-in-1 flip-over design with laptop, tablet and presentation modes • Lightweight and slim form factor (1.14kg and 21mm thick);
• Full business ports: 2x USB 3.0, LAN, HDMI, VGA, SD-XC and optional smart card reader;
• Embedded thin nib stylus for handwritten notes;
• 4G LTE as option;
• Business rugged design with magnesium alloy;
• Passed a 76cm free-fall test and 100-kgf pressurized vibration test;
• Up to 13-hours’ battery life with end-user removable hot-swap battery.
BEST ADAPTABLE RUGGED TABLET...
ZEBRA ET55
Tablets, arguably, are replacing laptops as enterprise’s tool of choice. In service, they are particularly useful in terms of portability and powerful enough to run to the same performance levels as bulkier laptops.
That said, make sure you select a rugged tablet that can integrate and keep-up with your FSM software and choose a device that has a user-friendly operating system.
Finally - and it probably goes without saying - make sure you’ve picked something that really is, well.... rugged. Check it’s up to at least IP65 standard (protection against harmful dust and water spray) and is robust enough when it comes to being dropped from height – more details about this in later categories.
The beauty of Zebra’s ET55 is how it places itself in the tablet hierarchy. At one end, non-rugged consumer devices offer little at a too high Total Cost of Ownership while at the other, more expensive rugged tablets come with a wealth of built-in features that may not be relevant.
The ET55 sits cleverly in the middle; a blank canvas in which to add Zebra’s range of bolt-on accessories including battlife, scanning capabilities and ruggedness and offers users the choice of an appropriate operating system (Android or Windows) and display size (8.3 or 10.1 inch).
It’s the ET55’s flexibility that allows it to adapt to any enterprise that makes this device a worthy winner of our tablet category.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions: 8.3in tablet : 9inW x 5.9in H x 0.5in . 10.1in tablet 109.6inW x 7.1inH x 0.5inD;
• Weight: 8.3in: 1.2lbs/555g. 10.1in 1.55lbs/750g;
• Connectivity: Docking Connector: USB 3.0, HDMI, charging; rugged connector for use with rugged dock interfaces: Full-size USB 2.0 connector audio jack 3.5mm;
• Intel quad core 1.59Ghz (T. Frq = 2.39GHz);
• Windows 10;
• IP65;
• Operational randaom vibration 10-1000 Hz;
• Optional hot swappable 3.6V @ 6800mAh (24. Whr) second battery available;
• Rear camera: 8MP auto focus camera with user controlable LED flash.
BEST RUGGED HANDHELD OR MOBILE...
ZEBRA TC75
Easy to use, intuitive and practical operating systems including versions of Android and Windows are now commonplace in rugged interfaces bringing a wealth of advantages to users in the service arena.
Engineers are comfortable using a handset that runs a platform mirroring their own smartphone device so look out for handheld products that run Android or Windows platforms but, like all devices, pay attention to a system’s flexibility making sure you select a device that can integrate your own FSM software. Finally, they need to be strong and robust. Given their smaller size, handhelds can easily slip from a grasp so try and find a solution that can take a few knocks.
We really liked the high-brightness 4.7-inch gorilla-glass screen of Zebra’s TC75 Mobile Touch Computer. It’s the ideal size for pro-active and protected usability and with Android running powerfully in the background you’ve a system that users will feel at home with while running your own FSM tools.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions: 6.3in L x 3.3in W x 1.1 in D;
• Weight: 13.3 oz;
• Display: 4.7 in High Definition (1280 x 720); exceptionally bright, outdoor viewable; optically bonded to the touch panel;
• Corning Gorilla Glass;
• Three microphone support with noise cancellation; vibrate alert speaker; Bluetoothwireless headset support, high quality speaker phone, PTT headset support;
• 1.7 Ghz dual core processor;
• 1GB RAM/8GB Flash pSLC;
• Droptested to 8ft to concrete at room temperature per MILSTD810G at room temperature;
• IP67 sealing;
• SE4750 imager (1D and 2D);
• Rear camera - 8MP autofocus f/2.4 aperature;
• Front Camera - 1.3MP fixed focus;
• Tumble Specification: 2,000 3.2ft tumbles; meets and exceeds IEC tumble specifications.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE RUGGED DEVICE...
ZEBRA XSLATE R12
The role of many field service engineers, including those working in highly technical industries, or in particularly senior roles may well need a device that carries some serious oomph under the chassis.
Step forward the X Slate R12 from Zebra.
Originally a device created by Motion, who were subsequently acquired by Xplore, who were then subsequently acquired by Zebra the R12 is a seriously impressive piece of kit that has the processing power to handle pretty much any task likely to be thrown at it.
In fact, the device is just as comfortable in an office environment as it is putting put to use in the great outdoors as it comes with a very well engineered kick stand that doubles up as a charger for an excellent bluetooth keyboard - giving the user a laptop style experience when some heavy text input is required or a tablet experience when something more portable is needed.
Like most of its siblings in the Zebra range, there are a huge array of accessories for the R12 but given the 2-1’s impressive CPU perhaps one of the most effective is the docking station that allows the R12 to also function as desktop as well. Sleek lines and a lightweight feel are deceptive as well as the R12 is also a robust unit with solid rugged specs.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions - 12.93” x 8.17”x.75”;
• Weight 2.95lbs;
• Drop Test: MIL-STD-810G - 4ft drop test onto plywood over concrete;
• Sealing - IP54;
• Magnesium-alloy internal frame;
• External rubberised enclosure;
• Operating System - Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit • Processor - Intel Core i7 vPro - 7600 - 2.8Ghz;
with turbo frequency to 3.9Ghz. 4MB SmartCache 2 cores (4 threads);
• Memory - 8GB;
• Storage - upto 1TB SSD;
• Display - 12.5” Wide Viewing Angle Display. Full HD Resolution (1920x1080). 100 Nit Display Brightness. Anti-Smudge & Anti Reflective View Anywhere Display. Corning Gorilla Glass 3;
• Input - Capacative 10 point touch. Wacom Digital Pen Input;
• Graphics - INtel HD Graphics 620;
• Rear camera 8MP;
• Front camera 2MP;
• Docking connector;
• USB 3.0 port:
• HDMI port
• 3.5mm audio output
• Standard operation battery life 9 hours
• Integrated finger print reader.
BEST VALUE RUGGED DEVICE...
JANAM XT100
Surprisingly, some firms still opt for consumer devices to take into the field rather than specialist rugged hardware.
With firms always looking to shave money off the bottom line, and general consumer phones now cheaper than their rugged counterparts, expensive features like gorilla-glass screens and military standard protection can seem like an unnecessary outlay.
However, given the environments they enter are often extreme, it’s no surprise that consumer handsets – more suited to a commute, office or living room floor - find themselves struggling when exposed to rain or being bashed around by a van and quickly develop expensive faults.
That’s why you’ll hear TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) being mentioned when it comes to rugged verses consumer debates, however the TCO formula – which tots up all extra cost incurred over that product’s lifetime, such as repairs and damages etc. - shows the return on investment to be far greater with a specialist rugged device that is built to withstand knocks and drops.
The rugged market therefore is now producing affordable handsets and tablets so firms can keep an eye on the bottom line and invest confidently in devices that will stay strong out in the field.
Not surprisingly, this area of rugged hardware is populated one with many manufacturers cancelling each other out with similar specs at so try and pick a device that is tailored to your requirements.
Janam’s rugged IP65 certified Android-based handheld computer the XT100, delivered excellent performance at an even better price. Running Android 6, the robust yet smart looking product has an impressive 4.3-inch display, with rear and front-facing cameras and an extended battery life.
Users should quickly pick up its interface intricacies and the handheld’s 4G, bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity as well as RFID and high-performance barcode scanning makes it a tough, decent and cost-friendly device.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions - 2.76” x 5.35”x0.69”
• Weight - 7.5oz • Drop Test: Multiple 4ft drops
• Sealing - IP65
• Honeywell N6603 2D imager
• Operating Temperature -20°C to 60°C
• Operating system - Android 6.01
• Processor 1.2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad-core
• 13MP rear facing camera
BEST DEVICE FOR OUTDOOR USE...
GEN2WAV RP70
For those engineers who work outdoors a device able to withstand the elements is an essential piece of kit. However, it’s not just rain that causes issues, strong glare from the sun can make a screen unreadable.
There are a few things to look out for then when selecting a device suitable for outdoors which mostly sit around Military Standard (MIL-STD) tests, the Ingress Protection Scale (IP) and the measurement of screen brightness.
Most device’s spec sheets will cite the product’s place on the Ingress Protection Scale (IP) which measures protection against solids - such as dust - and liquids.
IP65 certification, common across all devices, including consumer, means the device is dust proof – shown by the 6 - and can handle jets of water. In this instance, the maximum solid protection levels out at 6 but levels of liquid protection can reach 9, meaning a device can withstand close high-pressure, high-temperature spray downs.
Finally, a nit - the measurement of luminance that conveys the intensity of visible light - is used to work out the brightness of computer screens such as LCD and CRT monitors.
Given a device’s exposure to sunlight, and the affect that glare can have on a screen, having a device with a high-nit display can be a sensible investment.
GEN2WAVE’s RP70 is ideal for those who spend most of the time working outside. It’s sealed to the IP65 standard and can withstand a series of drops from 1.2m. It also has a high 700 nits sunlight readable display.
It runs Windows 10 IoT enterprise and has an Intel Cherry Trail Quad Core Processor making it a powerful and robust device suitable that won’t let engineers down even in the harshest of environments.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions - 203.2mm x 131.6mm x 18.2mm
• Weight - 600g
• Display - 7inch / WXGA (800x1280)
• 700 Nits
• Capacative Touch
• Battery - Li-polymer 5600mAh/3.7
• MicroSDXC card
• USB3.0A
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• Processor - Intel Cherry Trail Z8350 up to 1.9Ghz Quad core processor
• Operating System - Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
• 4GB RAM • 64GB eMMC ROM
• Drop tested at 1.2m
• Sealing - IP65
• Rear camera 8MP
• Front Camera 2MP
• 2D Honeywell Imager
• OPerating Temp -20°C to 60°C.
BEST DEVICE FOR IN-VEHICLE DOCKING...
HONEYWELL THOR VM3
Many engineers travel to and from jobs via the road, so having a device that docks smoothly with little fuss is a simple need but an important one. Here the emphasis is on practicality so pick a product that can be mounted and removed quickly.
Anti-glare features are worth looking into given your drive, at some point, will encounter sunny conditions and don’t forget the issue of safety.
Driving while operating a device is illegal so it pays to pick something that has inbuilt safety features, for example, disabling the device while the vehicle is in transit.
Honeywell’s Thor VM3 fits smoothly into the in-vehicle mounted dock with little or no hassle. The smart dock feature makes it swift and easy to connect. Its ignition control feature means the device won’t drain the vehicle’s battery if the ignition is left on even if the engine is off and the engineer is away from the vehicle.
As an enterprise device, the Thor VM3 is more than adequate, running a Windows OS and a dual-core 1.5 Ghz processor and finally, and perhaps, most importantly, the device has an optional screen blanking feature which restricts driver access to the screen when the vehicle is in motion, ensuring safety requirements are met.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions - computer - 12.5 x 10.3 x 2.4in. Dock 7.1 x 6.1 x 2.1 in. Assembled Depth: 4.1 in
• Weight - Computer 6.65lbs. Dock 3.2lbs.
• Operating Temperature: -30°C up to 50°C
• Sealing - IP65
• Vibration - MIL-STD-810f, composite wheeled vehicles
• Drop test - SAE-J1455 (MIL-STD 810G)
• Processor- 1.5GHz Dual Core Intel Atom E3826
• Operating System - Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Edition
• Memory - 4GB DDR3
• Mass Storage: up to 64GB
• 400 to 900 Nit
• Input - Industrial touch panel with resistive touch and support for finger touch and standard stylus.
RUGGED DEVICE MOST LIKELY TO SURVIVE A DROP...
JANAM XT2
Rugged is built rugged because it needs to be tough. In service, engineers carry our tasks in environments that are a long way from warm offices, where the biggest risks are spilt coffee and the relatively smooth edges of desks.
In the field, tasks that require an engineer to work at height are common. Devices that ascend with them are at risk therefore of returning to earth with a thud and if your device isn’t rugged, that thud can be rather expensive.
Thankfully, rugged devices are built purposely tough from the inside out and, when it comes to shock and drop testing, are, reassuringly, tested to US military standards (MIL-STD).
For devices to receive MIL-STD-810G, the most common standard when it comes to shock and drop testing, eight different procedures are carried out to convey variations in shock or impact.
The transit drop test requires items to survive a total of 26 drops from a height of 122 cm, on each face, edge and corner, onto a hard surface such as concrete, so look out for a product’s drop results on its spec sheet.
Janam’s XT2 Rugged Touch Computer is a handheld device able to withstand multiple 1.5m drops, surpassing the MIL-STD-810G requirements. Its robustness is further enhanced by a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen and it pushes the liquid ingress scale to 7, meaning it still functions in an immersion up to 3m.
It also packs a fair punch behind the scenes with either an Android 5 or Windows 10 IoT mobile enterprise option, meaning the XT2 is just as tough internally as it is externally.
Key Specs:
• Dimensions - computer - 6.1 x 3.2 x 0.9”
• Weight - 9.80z
• Processor Quad-core Qualcomm MSM8916 CPU @1.2GHz
• Sealing - IP67
• Drop Multiple 5ft / 1.5m drops to concrete MIL-STD 810G
• 1GB/8GB (WLAN) or 2GB/16GB (WWAN)
• Processor- 1.5GHz Dual Core Intel Atom E3826
• Operating System - Android 5 or Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise Edition
Our thanks to Varlink for helping us put together this guide.
Jun 05, 2019 • Features • Hardware • rugged hardware • Rugged Mobile Device
In the vast field service spectrum stacked full of diverse vertical industries, rugged hardware is a constant support holding up the many sectors with tough rubber membranes and indestructible screens. Within service, large and small field service firms all use hardware that is rugged, durable and able to withstand the wind and the rain and the drops and the knocks.
If we were to define what field service is – and it has many definitions – then we could agree that it is something that does not (necessarily) take place in a nice, warm and safe office where smooth I-pads and sleek smartphones flourish. Let’s also reflect on the impact field service has.
I don’t think it’s too controversial to say that business relies on quality service. It keeps processes flowing and simply put that keeps revenue flowing in too. Today, delivering efficient field service is paramount and it’s an efficiency driven and empowered by technology – tough and robust technology.
In a servitization era, where the asset is no longer top dog, business models are created round long-term client-centred contracts attached to an evolving product. An effective service offering creates the framework for that product. Key here are the tools that enable engineers to carry out their work, tools that won’t let them down. Enter then, rugged devices: smartphones, tablets and laptops. Robust, tough and sturdy hardware that empowers an employee. But in the sea of rugged options that exists, how do we pick the right device for our needs and ultimately establish it’s fit-for purpose?
The sector is blessed with a range of cloud-based software solutions. Job scheduling, customer details and equipment data can all be accessed on a tablet or phone, but can your chosen rugged handset handle these software requirements and other industry specific applications? Can the processor and memory cope with running several required applications at once? Ease of use is also another factor to take into consideration.
We might be used to the Android or IoS platform from our own personal devices - and the majority of devices sit these (albeit a few versions behind) on top of their own operating systems – but the technicalities will differ slightly in terms of field-service use and it’s important to feel settled in this slightly different platform. Furthermore, like any cloud-based software, FSM applications can also be vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data-breaches. Seeking out protection is advised, and don’t forget to consider battery life.
Service engineers can also go days without charging their device. Fortunately, many rugged devices – unlike consumer devices – have removable batteries so spares can be carried around ensuring power is always on-hand. Engineers are often exposed to the elements so devices need to work in all weathers and their extremes. Rain is a given in most countries and getting an intricate piece of technology wet can lead to malfunctions very quickly. However, an engineer wants to focus on the job in hand rather than being concerned with keeping an ipad dry. Conversely, screen glare can also be a frustrating issue for engineers working out in the sun. And what about dropping the device?
Let’s be honest, engineers carry out repairs and maintenance in the most uncomfortable, inhospitable and awkward of environments. It’s inevitable that a drop of the hardware will take place at some point. Thankfully rugged manufacturers are savvy to these demands. Screens now come with tough, water-proof protection, putting engineers’ mind at ease that their tablet won’t show terminal error codes as the heavens open or the sun beats down. Tough, rubber membranes offer protection from drops at height, with rugged manufacturers systematically testing products for drop robustness.
"Engineers are often exposed to the elements so devices need to work in all weathers and their extremes..."
Forgive this article’s trend for comparison and scene-setting but when mentioning rugged, then the word consumer usually follows and our personal relationship with consumer mobile devices has never been closer. The tech in our smart-phone that never leaves our side and keeps us connected with the world as we set out for the day. The personal tablet that resides on the living room sofa picked-up by the whole family to play games, look up recipes, or book a flight is now ubiquitous as the TV remote. Smart devices now play a pivotal role in our daily lives.
However, when it comes to investing in rugged devices, our requirements will differ from that when we visit high-street phone shops. Primarily, decisions are made with a business case in mind. Portable, strong, weather-proof and intuitive units are the key tangible factors worth considering but what about its ROI? Drilling down, it’s useful to compare the rugged and consumer markets.
Where the lines between the two were once obvious, both markets are now beginning to converge. A major differentiator has always been the aesthetics. The phone in your pocket and your home-tablet show off their sleek lined and curved edges, casting disparaging looks at rugged’s Frankenstein laptops and rubber encased tablets. However, products from Getac, Xplore and Panasonic are now producing tablets, laptops and phones that are more pleasing on the eye, furthermore consumer phones such as Samsung’s Note9 and the iPhoneX incorporate rugged IP65 specifications such as being dustproof and waterproof.
The lines become further blurred as rugged commonly integrates the Android framework as an operating platform. As consumers, we tend to refresh our handsets every 12 to 18 months. Rugged tech, however can last for 36. It’s a time frame (and a market) that consumer manufacturers such as Samsung and Apple keep looking over to, poised perhaps to make a move. Given the high-cost of rugged devices, there is the very real possibility that service companies will opt for service-adapted consumer devices.
While the argument for consumer over rugged in field service is becoming a very valid one, the latter has a distinct financial advantage when comparing the savings gained through Total Cost of Ownerships (TCO). TCO is an estimate of all the direct and indirect costs involved in acquiring and operating a product or system over its lifetime and it’s a formula that rugged manufacturers have often waved in front of their consumer counterparts.
Generally, a rugged unit will last longer than a consumer-based device and in-looping back to the opening thoughts of this article, any downtime in service is a huge cost, damaging firms reputationally and of course financially. At the moment, consumer software will always be more vulnerable to faults in its average twoyear life-cycle. Rugged tech will always last longer which is fundamental to a sector that relies heavily on reliability, which is why enterprise IT deliberately has slower product cycles.
Like all adoptions of new technology, choosing the right solution for your team’s requirements is paramount. Rugged solution providers should be able to understand what you need and why you need it, tailoring a product to suit. And here lies the key – your engineer, Empowering him or her to carry out their tasks to the best of their ability is vital. Come rain or indeed sunshine.
Mar 08, 2019 • News • Hardware • rugged hardware
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) announce addition ofPlyo Series to their Microsoft Surface Gocollection, which includes Kickstand adaptability.
Urban Armor Gear (UAG) announce addition of Plyo Series to their Microsoft Surface Go collection, which includes Kickstand adaptability.
The firm, who have partnered with the Microsoft Surface Programme, designed the new rugged case out of lightweight materials. Compatible with the Surface Go’s Type Cover Keyboard, the tablet can be converted into a laptop with multiple viewing options with an infinite position kickstand.
The design also incorporates a friction-free, lint resistant exterior and airsoft corners to protect from drops.Commenting on the hardware, UAG's Senior Marketing Manager, Michael McVerry said: "The translucent design is asset tag friendly, and our relationship with Microsoft assures quality and compatibility with the Type Cover Keyboard and Surface Pen."
Jan 17, 2019 • Hardware • News • hardware • Hardware • rugged hardware • rugged smartphones • RugGear
Rugged smartphones for any situation in life that can cope with both - tough environments at work and active leisure lifestyle - are successfully conquering the market more and more. RugGear®, leading manufacturer of rugged mobile devices, is...
Rugged smartphones for any situation in life that can cope with both - tough environments at work and active leisure lifestyle - are successfully conquering the market more and more. RugGear®, leading manufacturer of rugged mobile devices, is expanding its range of outdoor smartphones with the RG650. The new model is a robust smartphone of the mid-level class with a design suitable for everyday use and a reasonable price of 199 EUR.
RG650 - hard outside smart inside
The RG650 is the ideal device for anyone looking for a robust and reliable smartphone with an excellent price/performance ratio that can withstand the toughest environmental conditions. Users who like to travel in extreme environments and don't want to strain their sensitive and expensive smartphones will find the RG650 to be a device in a design suitable for everyday use that will be reliable in the rough moments of life.
The outdoor smartphone with Android 8.1 (Oreo) has a 5.5 inch 18:9 HD+ “Edge-to-edge” display. In addition, the RG650 meets not only the IP68 standard but also the military standard MIL-STD 810G and is therefore protected against all kinds of liquids, dust, oil mist, vibrations, shocks and even drops from up to 1.5 meters on concrete. The display has a high luminosity (>500 Nits) and can be used outdoors in strong sunlight. Equipped with a powerful speaker (approx. 95dB@10cm), the RG650 is ideal for use on noisy construction sites, for outdoor sports or at festivals.
PTT accreditation & User defined button
RG650 features industrial PTT accreditation and is compatible with mainstream PTT solutions in the market such as Motorola’s Kodiak - a leader in enterprise communications. Define the yellow side button to do anything you want for example: launching the camera, a favorite app or Push-to-talk, all with one press.
Rugged smartphone for everyone
Rugged phones are evolving from niche products to all-in-one devices for everyday use. According to IDC market research, more than 95 million smartphones are damaged by crashes every year. This is immediately followed by moisture damage. The bottom line: Damage to smartphones is worth almost $30 billion.
With the RG650 RugGear is developing a mobile device with a large battery capacity that can cope with all environmental conditions. Despite its compact and slim design with dimensions of 151,5 x 74 x 12,5 mm (L x W x H), the RG650 meets the industry’s toughest military standard MIL-STD 810G. It also works reliably in a temperature range from -20°C to +60° C. The use of a special polycarbonate mixture for the housing and specially arranged crash zones to dissipate the impact energy help to protect the sensitive electronics from impacts and vibrations. The RG650 can also show off its durability: the 4,200mAh battery ensures it can reliably carry users through a full day’s use. Various sensors such as ambient light sensor, accelerometer,, proximity sensor and compass round off the equipment package.
Scope of delivery and availability
The RugGear RG650 comes with a USB 2.0 cable, charger and QuickStart Guide. The RG650 is available from December 2018 for an RRP of 199 EUR from leading specialist dealers and on Amazon.
Find out more @ www.ruggear.com
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Jan 16, 2019 • News • Enterprise Mobility • hardware • rugged hardware • Varlink
Varlink, the specialist Mobile Computing, Auto ID and EPOS Distributor, announces the date of their 14th annual Meet the Manufacturer (MTM) event, set to take place on Wednesday 13th February 2019 at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
Varlink, the specialist Mobile Computing, Auto ID and EPOS Distributor, announces the date of their 14th annual Meet the Manufacturer (MTM) event, set to take place on Wednesday 13th February 2019 at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
This industry event which since its inception has become a key date in the diary, brings together leading manufacturers including Janam Technologies, Zebra Technologies, Honeywell and DataVan, with UK IT Resellers, Solution Providers and System Integrators.
Sponsored by Janam Technologies, MTM will see global AIDC and EPOS hardware manufacturers exhibit alongside complementary product and service providers as part of Varlink’s Alliance Programme.
Delegates can be assured of an exceptional return on their time, with new product demonstrations, future technology roadmaps and key IT Channel stakeholders all under one roof, enabling businesses to keep ahead of the curve.
Varlink CEO, Mike Pullon, said, "We are looking forward to holding yet another successful MTM, where we bring together many of our customers and Mobile Computing, Auto ID & EPoS suppliers. MTM provides our customers with the ideal platform to see the latest products from our long established and recently added suppliers as well as the opportunity to talk to our Alliance Partners about their complementary products and services.
As the rate of technical innovation and product development continues to quicken, MTM is the ideal forum for our customers to try out and discuss the products that will be increasingly demanded by end users over the coming months."
MTM’s convenient drop-in format recognises the difficulty to get away from the office, and with pre-arranging meetings with vendors and the Varlink team encouraged, delegates really can get the most out of their visit, regardless of the time they can commit.
Robert Hurt, General Manager EMEA at Janam Technologies, said, “We are thrilled to sponsor this year’s MTM event. With a continued commitment to providing mobile solutions with the right features at the right price, we are excited to showcase the most innovative products in our history.”
MTM2018 takes place between 9.30am and 3.00pm on Wednesday 13th February at the Kind Power Stadium in Leicester. For more information, exhibitor line up and to register your place please visit www.varlink.co.uk/mtm2019/ or call Varlink on 01904 717180.
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