We've always admired robust mobile technology. Faster processors, higher-resolution screens, intuitive operating systems – they're all essential and impressive. But the build quality and durability of laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, able to withstand unimaginable drops, shocks, and extreme environments, is in a class of its own.
There's a reason why the best rugged laptops, tablets, and phones are becoming increasingly popular. After all, those great specs won't mean much if your display is shattered or dust and sand covers your motherboard. According to one study, the tablet PC market alone is predicted to be worth more than $1.9 billion by 2032. This is also the case with rugged laptops and mobile phones. One of his leading companies in mobile solutions for protection from the elements is his Getac.
We spoke to Getac's Managing Director for the UK and Northern Europe, Paul Waddilove, to find out what the future holds for rugged devices and the frontline workers who depend on them.
- Is Getac planning its own line of rugged smartphones similar to Cat? If not, why?
Getac has always focused on providing rugged tablets and notebooks that meet the needs of our customers across a wide range of industries and sectors. Although the smartphone market is an exciting and innovative market, it is also a highly competitive market and one in which we do not have core expertise. We're always interested in seeing the latest smartphone devices come out, rugged or not, but that's not a market we plan to explore from a commercial perspective.
- How do Android-based rugged tablets differ from Windows-based tablets?
Although Android and Windows rugged tablets have many similarities, there are also some important differences. Which one is best for you depends largely on your specific use case. In general, Windows-based tablets tend to be larger and more powerful, while Android-based devices are smaller, more flexible, and more expandable.
The Android platform also receives more regular updates, but Google's integration and its app ecosystem may be a better fit for some customers. Conversely, a key feature of Windows is its long OS lifecycle, which is critical for organizations that want to build new applications around Windows. Personal preference is also a factor. Some customers are simply accustomed to running Windows and want to continue using it, and vice versa.
- It appears that many major companies have stopped manufacturing rugged devices. Why do you think this is so?
This is not what we saw. In fact, competition in this demanding field is constantly increasing, with new products and solutions being introduced to the market on a regular basis. The main factor driving this is the growing demand for robust solutions as more and more businesses accumulate digital knowledge and start leaning towards robust solutions to solve day-to-day technology challenges. is.
As robust technology specialists with over 35 years of experience, we work closely with all of our customers to provide robust solutions that solve their unique problems and challenges. This ranges from Windows tablets like the UX10-IP that emergency personnel can easily clean and disinfect between patients, to intrinsically safe Android devices that help enable digital transformation in potentially explosive environments.
- Paradoxically, products labeled with IP68 and MIL-STD-810G are proliferating. Will they be considered rugged after being tested according to these standards?
There is a steady increase in consumer technology manufacturers incorporating features such as IP68 and MIL-STD 810* certifications into their products. However, building a truly robust product is a highly specialized process that goes beyond simply adding additional protection to an off-the-shelf product. As such, many of these devices in question are not internally designed or built for rough handling or use in harsh environments, and therefore cannot be considered true ruggedized devices. . Additionally, many companies that boast IP and MIL-STD certifications self-certify their products without independent testing or validation. Because of this, it is questionable how well it will actually hold up in scenarios where a rugged device is required. All of Getac's rugged devices are independently tested and certified, so customers can buy with confidence.
Other signs that a product may not be as sturdy as it seems include a limited warranty, so it's always wise to check this before making a purchase. True rugged manufacturers stand behind their products and their warranties reflect that. For example, we and many of our peers come with his 3-year warranty that covers accidental damage as standard.
- What does the future hold for rugged devices?
The future looks very bright, with more and more customers adopting robust technology to improve business efficiency, improve connectivity, digitize operations, and embrace new technologies.
As the market continues to evolve, we expect to see more AI-powered applications integrated into a robust ecosystem, enabling customers to solve key challenges and further streamline their operations. Customization is also expected to become more prevalent, with robust manufacturers offering customers the opportunity to fully customize solutions and specifications based on their specific needs.
- What are the 5 things to look out for when buying a rugged tablet or laptop?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right rugged device, but here are five important things to look out for.
Robust authentication: All rugged devices are IP and MIL-STD certified, but as mentioned above, many manufacturers self-certify their products, so it's hard to know how rugged they actually are. It Is difficult. True rugged manufacturers certify their devices independently, so always keep this in mind when choosing a rugged device. MIL-STD 810*, along with his IP rating of 53 or higher, is considered the benchmark for rugged devices.
Battery life: This is an important consideration for those who want to use rugged devices for extended periods in the field without access to charging facilities. Look for devices that can have high-capacity batteries and allow users to hot-swap batteries on the go without having to first turn off the device.
Connection options: Rugged devices typically feature multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and 4G/5G, allowing users to be productive in a wide range of environments. When it comes to connectivity options, the more features your device has, the better.
Support, Service and OS Lifespan: Before purchasing a rugged device, customers should ensure that the device provides the right level of support for their needs. This includes service and repairs, diagnostic assistance, and the provision of any software and drivers that may be required. Another important thing to note is the longevity of the OS, especially if your app ecosystem is built around a specific version.
guarantee: As mentioned above, true rugged manufacturers stand behind their products and this is reflected in the warranty they include. We offer a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covering accidental damage as standard on all our fully rugged products. If a completely rugged device doesn't come with such a warranty, it's best to avoid it.
