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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING
January 2018
BUYER’S GUIDE
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WELCOME
BE RUGGED We live in an era where seamless connectivity has become the defacto feature that binds all devices that we use. From our watches to our laptops, this is usually the first thing that we ask from them. This new found liberty however doesn’t come without risk. Asking our ever-expanding mobile workforce to go out and about across all verticals (military, oil & gas, security, public safety, utilities, transportation, logistics, manufacturing and healthcare) requires mobile products that are tough enough to withstand the tough treatment outdoors. No wonder therefore that the global market for rugged devices has swollen in recent years with some analysts estimate that it will reach a whopping
CONTENTS
03. The state of the market 06. Why go rugged? 10. Built for it 11. Smartphones 14. Considerations for rugged adoption
Desire Athlow Editor, Techradar.pro Future is an award-winning international media group and leading digital business. We reach more than 49 million international consumers a month, and create world-class content and advertising for passionate consumers online, on tablet and smartphone, and in print.
Future plc is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUtr). www.futureplc.com Chief Executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-Executive Chairman Peter Allen Chief Financial Officer Penny Ladkin-Brand Tel +44 (0)20 7042 4000 (London) Tel +44 (0)1225 442244 (Bath) EDITOR Desire Athow BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR MOBILE & IT Mark Fermor B2B SALES MANAGER Amanda Burns CONTRIBUTOR Mike Moore ART & DESIGN & PRODUCTION Oliver Media PROJECT MANAGER Patris Gordon LICENSING Matt Ellis matt.ellis@futurenet.com All contents copyright © 2018 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence.
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25. Storage & accessories
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$10 billion by 2023, a CAGR of 6.6% from 2016. These devices though are fundamentally different from consumer counterparts. They are far more robust, versatile, reliable and are often part of an entire ecosystem that includes software stacks, extensive after sales services and a profusion of accessories. As vendors discover the virtues of having rugged devices in their portfolio, expect more product ranges to sport a rugged label. For now though, we’d like to welcome you to our very first product guide on rugged devices where you will find some of the finest rugged laptops, tablets and convertibles as well as smartphones and storage devices from the top manufacturers in the field.
RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
FEATURE
The state of the market
With more and more businesses waking up to the potential of rugged devices, here we shine a light on the tough tech industry
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s the world around us gets smarter and more connected, technology is having a significant effect on many aspects of the way we work. However far from just meaning faster office computers or more efficient factories, the use of mobile devices is also greatly benefiting a number of other industries too. Ruggedised devices, which offer a full mobile computing experience whilst standing up to the demands of extreme temperature, damp or pressure, are becoming an increasingly popular
presence as companies realise the potential of keeping their field or factory workforce equipped with the latest technology. Consider a gas engineer called out to check for a gas leak, or a nuclear power plant technician, who needs to wear a protective suit to guard from high doses of radiation, carrying out maintenance on machinery. Ruggedised devices allow these workers to complete such vital tasks quickly, safely, and without the need for mountains of paperwork.
Some of the world’s biggest tech manufacturers have created rugged devices, including this HP device.
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FEATURE
Several of the world’s top technology firms have seized the huge market opportunity provided by industrial giants looking to modernise their work processes, with the likes of Panasonic, Motorola and Samsung leading the way in developing rugged products alongside more specialised manufacturers including CAT and Zebra. There is an ever-growing demand for smart mobile devices in the workforce, connected up to back-office systems that can view an entire network, factory, or other industrial complex. This has meant the opportunity for such products has grown rapidly in the last few years, opening up a vibrant market that is expanding fast. Recent research from analyst firm CCS Insight estimates that the market for rugged smartphones grew 25 per cent this year as shipments hit 22.2 million units.
These volumes are only set to increase, the firm claimed, as more and more businesses wake up to the potential of rugged devices, with shipments predicted to reach 54.5 million units by 2021.
EMBRACING TOUGH TECH
These numbers are hugely significant, especially when compared to the continued fall in PC shipments, which decreased to just 67 million units in Q3 2017 according to Gartner, or estimates for the global smartphone market, which CCS predicts will rise only four per cent, showing that change is in the air when it comes to how companies across all industries work. In the UK, more and more companies are embracing tough devices, with major contract wins being announced on a regular basis. For example, back in September 2017 the RAC revealed it would
Some rugged devices feature screens than can be used even when the worker is wearing gloves.
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
FEATURE
Using rugged devices in the workplace can greatly improve on efficiency and productivity, no matter your industry.
be partnering with Panasonic to roll out its rugged Toughbook devices to the 3,000 patrol vehicles across the country. Panasonic has also recently partnered with easyJet to provide rugged devices in the airline’s cockpit, replacing reams of paper records with a single space-saving device that is able to deal with changes in air pressure and has the battery life to last through a transatlantic flight. In fact, Britain’s largest mobile phone manufacturer is rugged device maker Bullitt, which develops and manufactures mobile phones under license for other brands. Recent partnerships with Caterpillar and Land Rover mark a move into the adventure and outdoor market, and in October Bullitt revealed a 36 per cent year-on-year increase in sales. And the ruggedised market looks set to expand even further, as mobile devices become an increasingly essential tool for workers who spend most of their time outside of a typical office.
RUGGED GETS SMARTER
With Microsoft and Qualcomm recently announcing the launch of Windows devices powered by mobile ARM
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technology, the next generation of ruggedised mobile devices could feature smarter and more comprehensive apps, allowing companies to create tailored services for greater efficiency and success. However, this drive for creativity will need to be accompanied by robust security to match the devices’ tough exterior. We’ve all heard stories of USB sticks being found on the street and then being plugged into a company PC to take down the network - consider the possible security risks if an enemy combatant picked up a military ruggedised device on the battlefield, or if hackers were able to gain access to the police network to amend or even delete criminal records. For now though, the potential of ruggedised devices is incredibly high. Given all the extra features rugged products need to offer, and the associate expertise and cost, there is often a strong business case for new manufacturers to get into the market. With potentially huge contracts to be won with the likes of the military, or major utility companies, ruggedised devices are, and look set to be, a hugely lucrative sector for manufacturers.
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FEATURE
Rugged devices need to be resistant to bumps, jolts and scrapes, even if accidentally dropped.
Why go rugged? There’s never been more choice in the rugged market, and here we reveal what to look out for when upgrading your kit
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obile devices such as smartphones and tablets have quickly become a common part of everyday life over the past decade, both for consumers but also for businesses, allowing for a quick and reliable connection to the world around us. Ruggedised devices, which offer a more robust build than traditional items, whilst also providing a full enterprise mobility experience, are becoming increasingly popular among companies in a variety of sectors. From utilities to healthcare, the military to heavy industry, rugged tablets and smartphones are becoming a more common sight in many business areas.
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But what can ruggedised devices bring to your business? If you’re still not sure whether they are right for you, here is a quick run-down of the advantages such products can offer. For starters, there is the obviously benefit of a hard-wearing design. Modern smartphones are undoubtedly things of beauty, but curved edge-to-edge displays or rear glass panels would not last long on a noisy factory floor or out in the field. With their tough outer shell, IP-resistance ratings and reinforced screens, rugged devices can easily cope with knocks and bumps, as well as extremes of heat and cold, where traditional products would not, allowing your workers to stay on task
RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
FEATURE
Accessories such as improved cameras can often be added to many rugged tablets.
no matter what the conditions. Battery life is also a crucial consideration for both consumer and enterprise devices today, as users demand a long-lasting experience, and fortunately rugged devices can also deliver here. Alongside offering the lengthy lifespan offered as standard by many devices currently on the market, many rugged products come with the ability to connect an external battery pack in case of emergencies, allowing for extra hours of power to ensure a full day’s work can be carried out.
MODIFIED FOR YOUR NEEDS
In fact, many rugged devices come with a wide range of possible additional accessories to ensure they offer the best capabilities and flexibility for users. Among the solutions available on the market today are sensors to detect heat, cold or radiation, more powerful
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camera features with tools such as thermal imaging, or even compatibility for augmented reality or VR headsets. Tailored docking solutions, styluses or barcode scanners can also be connected up to ensure your device is ready for a number of use cases, making it the ideal addition to your office, warehouse, factory or remote workstation. Along with this, as with commercial devices, many rugged tablets are equipped with the full Windows 10 offering, meaning they will include all the programs and tools shared with your in-house enterprise devices, as well as the ability to share updates as they happen through Office 365. It’s not all about having familiar software though, as this integration also means full technical support services, security protection and regular updates from Microsoft. Being powered by Microsoft’s latest software also means that rugged devices
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FEATURE
have the ideal framework to build and develop customised apps specific to your business, giving your workers exactly what they need, when they need it, again with the full security and operations support expected by all businesses today. All of these immediate advantages should show that rugged devices can ensure your workers or agents stay online and connected to the work that matters, wherever they are. This will hopefully lead to less downtime, and greater efficiency, as workers no longer need to battle with reams of paperwork or unreliable analogue devices. Instead, these devices can be quickly synced to your company’s existing infrastructure via systems such as Google Drive or Office 365, meaning realtime information is available to workers both in the field, or in the office. Although they may come with a slightly higher price tag than regular smartphones or tablets, rugged devices are, due to
their durability and resilience, often longer-lasting than their commercial brethren. The ability to withstand knocks, bumps, scrapes or drops that would kill off the latest smartphones means that your business will need to spend less on replacing devices that have been accidentally dropped or damaged. Combined with their ability to sync via self-updating software platforms, this all hopefully means a greatly reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) that allows your IT and procurement departments the freedom to spend elsewhere. The potential of rugged devices has never been greater, and now they are becoming a common sight in many factories, facilities and out in the field, it seems difficult for many businesses to imagine life without them. Offering a number of advantages, from TCO to adaptability, to sheer resilience, it’s clear that rugged products are here to stay.
Withstanding extremes of temperature and air pressure are vital for military devices.
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
BE UNSTOPPABLE. NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, WHERE YOU GO, WHERE YOU WORK – HAVE A DEVICE THAT DOESN’T HOLD YOU BACK.
CAT® S31
CAT® S41
CATERPILLAR® T20 TABLET
catphones.com
© 2017 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. Bullitt Mobile Ltd is a licensee of Caterpillar Inc. All other trademarks, trade names, product names and logos are the property of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.
PROMOTION
Built for it Rugged Cat® smartphones and the Caterpillar® T20 tablet are the devices you need for tough environments, keeping you connected, no matter what challenges are ahead of you
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t’s a familiar story: you’ve got a brand new device, but yet it is so fragile, one unlucky slip of the hand results in a cracked screen, or worse, a permanently damaged mobile. Thanks to the Cat phones range of rugged smartphones and tablet, there’s no need to compromise. Designed for tough environments, the devices keep you connected no matter what challenges the day holds so that you can be unstoppable. The Cat brand stands for trust, durability, reliability and quality, providing boundless experience with robust mobility – regardless of your profession or experience. The Cat smartphone portfolio; the Cat S31, Cat S41 and Cat S60 with integrated thermal imaging plus the Caterpillar T20 tablet, are perfect examples of this quality with superior battery life and screen protectors that mainstream manufacturers are constantly ignoring. Most devices aren’t made for rough surroundings, leaving many of us with a product that inevitably will become damaged before you’ve had a chance to experience its full capabilities. The Cat products are created for wireless communication using the latest technology to meet a variety of needs for a demanding lifestyle and won’t let you down. To find out more about Cat phones and accessories visit, www.catphones.com
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THE DNA • The Cat S41 has a 5-inch HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) screen, and the Cat S31 has a smaller 4.7-inch 1,280 x 720p pixels) screen • The Cat S41 sports a 2.3GHz octa-core MediaTek processor, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of memory, while the Cat S31 has a 1.3GHz Qualcomm quad-core chip, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of memory (both phones have a MicroSD card slot) • The Cat S41 supports LTE speeds up to Cat 6, as opposed to Cat 4 on the Cat S31
THE FACTS • All the Cat smartphones are fully waterproof, so you can film excellent underwater videos • The Cat S60 is the world’s first smartphone with an integrated thermal camera and is also the most waterproof device available, able to withstand depths of up to 5 meters • Cat is leading the rugged smartphone market • Rugged to the core – they all have excellent batteries, specifically the Cat S41 with a 5,000mAh – 44 days of standby power • All smartphones are drop proof to 1.8 meters
RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
SMARTPHONES
Cat® S60 www.catphones.com
The only smartphone to feature an embedded thermal imaging camera
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KEY FEATURES Waterproof to depths of up to 5 meters for one hour Drop proof to 1.8m on to concrete, MIL Spec 810G, dustproof Strengthened Die Cast Frame Super bright display (typical 540 nits), Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 4.7” HD capacitive multi-touch with auto wet finger & glove support Optimised battery performance (3800mAh) High quality audio experience (>105dB) Underwater 13MP main camera with dual flash, 5MP front-facing camera
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he cutting-edge Cat S60 smartphone is the world’s first and only handset to include an integrated thermal imaging camera. This displays heat invisible to the naked eye, effectively allowing you to see in the dark. It is accessed on the S60 via the specially designed MyFLIR app, which brings a rich range of features for capturing and analysing thermal imagery, unique among smartphones. The Cat S60’s thermal camera allows Cat phone users to be the first in the world to use just their smartphone for a multitude of new uses, including: seeing in total darkness; spotting moisture leaks and missing insulation; finding lost pets in the dark; and even detecting a possible infection under the skin. The Cat S60 is the most waterproof smartphone available, capable of withstanding depths of up to five meters for one hour. The physical buttons can be used underwater to access the camera and video camera, pushing the boundaries of mobile technology, and how and where it’s used. The Cat S60 is also an extremely tough and robust, world class rugged smartphone. It exceeds military spec, is built to withstand drops onto concrete from up to 1.8 meters, and is dustproof as well as waterproof. Its versatile, super-bright display can be viewed in bright sunlight, and the touchscreen can be controlled with wet fingers or while wearing gloves. It is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, and its sophisticated reporting app can produce onthe-job feedback.
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SMARTPHONES
Cat® S41
www.catphones.com
The Cat S41 is IP68 certified, which means that it has been tested to withstand a drop onto concrete from a height of 6ft, and it can operate properly even after spending one hour under water at depths of 2m. And a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass protects the screen.
Zebra TC75X www.zebra.com
Aimed at the outdoor field workforce, the TC75x is built on a tried-and-trusted platform–on decades of enterprise mobility experience–and it’s at the centre of an entire ecosystem. And the handset does more than make up for a slightly inflated cost, thanks to an impressive build quality and an enterpriselevel application suite plus support.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Active www.samsung.com/uk/ The Galaxy S8 Active borrows some of the best aspects of the standard Samsung Galaxy S8, and puts them into a chassis prepared for a busy and accident-prone lifestyle. If you’re looking for a phone that offers the best performance without living on the bleeding edge of design, the Galaxy S8 Active may just be that phone. It’s ready for the occasional tumble, whether that be onto hard ground or a puddle.
Cat® S31
www.catphones.com
The Cat S31 is the tough little brother to the S41, packed with features that help in harsh or outdoor environments. Dust resistant and drop proof to 1.8m onto concrete, the S31’s scratch-proof screen also works well in direct sunlight or when wet. The Cat S31 can also produce excellent underwater photos and has an impressive battery life.
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
SMARTPHONES
Doogee S60 www.doogee.cc/
This phone comes with a 21MP rear camera (8MP front), and the screen–a 5.2-inch Full HD IPS display–is covered by a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 overlay, The S60 is a superb rugged smartphone with a seriously tempting price tag. Its wireless charging capability, beefy battery capacity and a raft of bundled utilities make this phone an excellent all-rounder.
AGM X1 agmmobile.com
The AGM X1 is a very likeable smartphone, and comes with a great battery, dual camera sensors, plenty of on-board storage and the ability to handle two SIMs and one microSD card simultaneously. While the 5.5-inch display dominates the front, the removable backplate plays host to an LED flashlight, 10 screws and a pair of camera sensors.
Blackview BV7000 Pro www.blackview.hk A 5-inch Full HD, glove-friendly IPS display, with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, allows the size of the bezel on the BV7000 Pro to be significantly thinner than its predecessor, the BV6000. And it’s slimmer, too, at about 13mm. The knockon effect is that there’s less space inside the phone which explains why the battery capacity went down to 3500mAh. The BV7000 Pro also boasts an IP68 rating.
Cat® B30
www.catphones.com
If you’re looking for strong, rugged simplicity in your mobile device, the Cat B30 is it. With a stripped back design and lightweight build that means it is incredibly portable, the B30 includes a rubberised grip as well as all your basic feature phone needs, from 2MP camera to 3G connectivity, all whilst coping with temperatures from -25C to +55C.
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PROMOTION
Considerations for rugged adoption Upgrading to tougher tech can have huge benefits for your business, and here we look at some of the key things to consider
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rom field service to manufacturing; transport to healthcare; and automotive to security, millions of workers spend their days in non-office environments. Equipping them with effective, ‘always connected’, mobile IT systems that can withstand the stresses of life in the field has proven successful in creating efficiency gains and cost savings. According to VDC Research, the global rugged handheld computers and smartphones market is set to reach $3.8B by 2020. The report claims that from a line-of-business (LOB) perspective, the volume of smartphones deployed is estimated to reach 34 million in 2016 and grow to 42 million by 2020. While ‘consumer rugged’ devices are starting to gain traction, the majority of rugged devices are being used within enterprise
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and industrial sectors. CCS Insight’s IT Decision-Maker Mobile Technology Survey 2016 report shows that ruggedised mobile devices account for up to 28 percent of all enterprise devices. This number rises above 50 percent in key industries such as construction and transportation for example.
SECURITY
IT and data security are top of the business agenda for most organisations. Businesses know they have to protect data on mobile devices, but there is often much confusion about what’s required - especially with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) coming into force in mid 2018. Field workers generate huge amounts of highly sensitive data, so encryption and
RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
PROMOTION
security measures must protect against hacks or infiltration when at rest, in use or in transit. These measures improve the ability to control devices, enforce security policies, provide audit trails and enhanced reporting, while reducing support and cutting maintenance overheads. Administrators retain control in order to create separate encrypted user accounts or personas, enforce strong authentication, and manage different application and device policies.
FIT FOR PURPOSE
Consumer mobile devices have become smaller, lighter, thinner and more powerful, but will quickly fail within field environments. Today, rugged devices offer more of a consumer-like experience and boast the same powerful technologies as consumer devices, but offer greater protection. Field-worker equipment faces drops, vibrations, spillages, extreme temperatures and chemical damage, so rugged devices undergo standardised tests to assess their toughness: Ingress Protection (IP) tests against intrusion such as dust and water, while MILSTD replicates hostile environmental conditions.
TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
components, software support, updates and add-ons, as well as warranty options, before investing in or renewing their mobile computing devices.
PROCUREMENT AND SERVICE
End user trial and evaluation periods are some of the best ways to find out if a device is fit for purpose and if it is going to deliver ROI and efficiency improvements. It is also a great way to ensure internal adoption. Time to deploy is another key consideration. Being able to work closely with the manufacturer to ensure full customisation, timely delivery of devices and staff training is essential. Finally, warranties and reassurances from manufacturers if a device breaks are essential to keeping workers in the field, and costs down. Putting the right rugged mobile technology in place can significantly improve productivity and customer engagement, by allowing workers to respond to problems faster, improve efficiency, keep customers informed in real time, and comply with stricter safety and environmental regulations. For more information please visit www.getac.co.uk, call 01952 207 221 or email, Sales-Getac-UK@getac.com
Often the price of a rugged mobile device is higher than consumer grade devices, but simply looking at list price is an ineffective means of understanding the total cost of ownership. Businesses should consider longevity (usually rugged devices are built to last five years), shared use (shift workers for example), connectors and
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TABLETS
Getac ZX70 uk.getac.com
An Android tablet designed to handle excessive levels of abuse
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ost tablets don’t last long in a harsh environment. Dust, water, vibration, heat and cold can all reduce their operating lifespan drastically. Getac has looked to exploit this niche with its latest ZX70 Android tablet, designed to handle environmental extremes that would kill most tablets in just a few minutes. A basic model with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage is £674 excluding VAT (£809 including VAT), and one with the 4G option is £794 excluding VAT (£953 inclusive of VAT). And adding a Barcode Reader, ATEX/IECEx certification, more RAM, more storage or a UHF RFID Reader pushes the cost well above £1,000. Along the bottom of the ZX70 is a standard USB 2.0 port along with a microUSB connector, the latter being a client port that doesn’t charge the tablet. Other ports include optional RF antenna passthrough for GPS and WWAN, and a Pogo/JAE docking connector designed to work with peripherals that Getac has produced to support this device. The DC power socket is located on the left, along with the headphone jack and a screw-held cover that protects both a microSD card and SIM card slots. The top side has the power and volume controls, and a button to activate the optional laser barcode reader. According to Getac the ZX70 is certified for both MIL-STD-810G and IP67 standards, making it able to survive a 6-foot drop onto a hard surface and also making it dust and water resistant (Getac claims this device has protection against full immersion down to a depth of 3-foot for 30 minutes).
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KEY FEATURES Intel Atom x5-Z8350 quad-core 1.44GHz/1.92GHz CPU Intel HD Graphics 400 GPU 2GB LPDDR3 RAM 7-inch screen, IPS TFT LCD 1280 x 720 resolution 32GB eMMC memory Ports: 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x microSD, 1 x microSIM, headphone jack, Pogo/JAE docking connector 802.11n Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.0 8MP rear, FHD webcam front cameras Weighs 780g Dimensions are 218 x 142 x 27mm (W x D x H) 3-years warranty 31.9Whr/8.4Ah battery
RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
TABLETS
Getac A140 uk.getac.com
The Getac A140 is a fully rugged tablet that delivers exceptional performance with industry leading security, and a 14” display that gives you wider viewing angles and greater operational space. And the A140 is powered by 6th Generation Intel® SkylakeCore™ i5 and i7 processors. It also has a hot-swappable dualbattery design for uninterrupted use.
Getac F110 uk.getac.com
If you’re looking for a rugged Windows tablet that can withstand harsh conditions, the F110 is an excellent choice. Its durable body can withstand moisture, extreme temperatures and drops, without it being bulky or heavy. It’s also certified to MIL-STD 810G, 1P65 and MIL-STD-461F standards, and the most recent version comes with 6th generation Intel® Core® processors, offering plenty of power.
Dell Latitude Rugged Tablet 12 www.dell.com The Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet 7202 is not your standard slate – the device is targeted at those who usually slave away on an oil exploration project or work in the Amazonian tropical rainforest. And though it may have an older processor than other Dell models, a deep discount scheme combined with a plethora of accessories and parts mean that this rugged tablet is well and truly a bargain.
Getac RX10 uk.getac.com
The RX10 is a surprisingly light ruggedised tablet at just over 1.2kg, and fits very comfortably on an A4 sheet. The RX10 boasts a fifth-generation Intel Core M-5Y71 processor with a base clock of 1.2GHz and Turbo to 2.9GHz, and an Intel HD Graphics 5300 GPU. All in all, the RX10 is a very solid contender if you’re in the market for a ruggedised tablet. Expect to pay around £1,600.
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TABLETS
Xplore Xlate R12 www.xploretech.com
The Xplore iX125 R1 features hardware that competes with and often exceeds what’s available on laptops. With an MSRP of £2,248 (ex VAT) for the base unit, it’s an expensive piece of kit, but there’s more to it than just a big price tag. If you’re looking for the fastest possible rugged tablet, the iX125 R1 is it.
Getac Z710 uk.getac.com
The Getac Z710 is a handy rugged Android tablet, doing everything you’d expect from a tablet. Design-wise the Getac Z710 is one of the better looking rugged tablets we’ve seen, and it comes with a number of business-orientated features that make it an excellent choice for enterprise use. It has been tested for drops up to six foot, and is MIL-STD-810G certified, while Corning Gorilla glass protects the screen.
Caterpillar® T20 www.catphones.com Caterpillar®’s first rugged tablet has been developed for the toughest work conditions. The IP67-certified tablet is waterproof for 30 minutes at a depth of one metre; withstands salt spray, sand and dust and fulfils the tough requirements for the MIL SPEC 810G military standard. It is drop-resistant up to a height of 1.8 metres; vibration-proof; resistant to liquids and also withstands extreme air pressure.
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Algiz Algiz 8X www.handheldgroup.com
The ultra-mobile Algiz 8X rugged tablet combines powerful computing with reliability in the toughest environments. It offers fast processing power—Intel® Pentium® Processor N3710—along with user-friendly features and design. The Algiz 8X’s compact size makes it the perfect companion for today’s mobile field worker, and it’s only 24mm thick, weighing in at less than a kilo. The Algiz 8X also boasts plenty of RAM (4GB) and storage (128GB SSD), too.
RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
LAPTOPS
Getac S410 uk.getac.com
A laptop that looks like it was made for tech-savvy sleuths
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KEY FEATURES Windows 10 Pro operating system Intel® HD Graphics 620 GPU Optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 950M GPU 14” TFT LCD HD (1366 x 768) 4GB DDR4 expandable to 32GB SATA HDD 500GB (optional SATA HDD 1TB) Touchscreen / touchpad Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265, 802.11ac Bluetooth (v4.2)iii Optional dedicated GPS Optional 4G LTE mobile broadband
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eople who might use the S410 from Getac include the police, professional services, vehicle operators and professionals who work in public safety and manufacturing. Where rugged tablets like the Panasonic CF-20 make more sense when portability is paramount, and the device has to be held with one hand, the S410 offers a more traditional laptop experience with a full-sized keyboard and 14-inch display. At 1.4 inches thick, the size of the device lends the S410 a reassuringly solid feel in the hand. It’s near impossible to detect any flex in the device’s body, except for the keyboard - and even then you have to press down really hard to get the plastic to bend. The solid chassis is what sets the S410 apart from regular laptops, and prices start at £1,149 (around US$1,518 or AUS$1,990) and rise north of that as the specs increase. The S410 can be configured with Getac’s 1000-nits Lumibond display with sunlight readable technology, and the keyboard poses no challenges to typing, with decent sized keys. Getac has also done a good job with the trackpad and its accompanying buttons, which despite being small are responsive. Connectivity options include four USB ports, Wi-Fi (802.11c), audio, VGA, HDMI and an SD-Slot, and Getac has outfitted the S410 with Intel’s ultra-low voltage Core i5-6200U processor clocked at 2.3GHz (Turbo Boost to 2.4GHz), and backed up by 4GB of main memory. The entry-level version of the Getac S410 has potential, and despite having a chunky design, it is a clear improvement on the S400.
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LAPTOPS
Panasonic Toughbook CF-54 www.panasonic.com/uk/ The CF-54 has a reinforced alloy screen lid, which could potentially take a sledgehammer blow. The super-bright display tops out with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, and you also get a sixth-generation Skylake Intel Core i5-6300 processor, backed up by 4GB of RAM.
Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 www.panasonic.com/uk/ The Toughbook 33 isn’t thin, light or stylish, but it does introduce the 2-in-1 category to mobile workers looking for a fully-rugged design on a device that’s forward thinking. And Not only are the processors up-to-date, but there’s a choice between 256GB and 512GB of storage space and 8GB and 16GB or RAM.
Dell Latitude 14 Rugged www.dell.com Dell produces some excellent rugged laptops. The Dell Latitude 14 Rugged is a fantastic machine that combines a tough outer shell with some very decent specifications, included a fast Intel Core i5 processor and a dedicated AMD Radeon graphics card. The screen looks great and it comes with a matte finish, which makes it comfortable to use outdoors - which is probably where you will be using it most.
HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE www.hp.com/uk/ At first glance you’d think this is just an ordinary laptop, rather than a rugged one. However, it actually falls between the two. It isn’t designed for big drops and dangerous environments, but is built to withstand more than normal laptops. This is thanks to an industrial rubberised body, spill resistant keyboard and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 screen.
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
LAPTOPS
Lenovo ThinkPad 11e www.lenovo.com/gb/ This semi-rugged laptop includes reinforced corners and ports, and can withstand drops of up to 90cm. It has also passed military specifications that ensure it can take a lot of punishment, including high pressure, vibrations, and extreme temperatures.
Durabook SA14 www.durabook.com
Designed for professionals in the military, field service, transportation, public safety and utilities sectors, the SA14 hits new heights for semi-rugged laptops by passing a three feet free-drop test and IP rating protection. It provides exceptional computing (via the Intel Ivy Bridge 3rd Generation i7 / i5 CPU), powerful graphic performance, and long battery life.
Panasonic Toughbook CF-XZ6 www.panasonic.com/uk/ This a hybrid design built to provide a Windows platform in a highly portable package that can handle a few knocks, being pitched as ‘Business Ruggedized’. While it doesn’t deliver all the power we’ve seen in Kaby Lake Core i57500U systems, the i5-7300U vPro is a decent CPU that offers a responsive platform. And as Windows tablets go, this one is relatively light at 639g, and it’s comfortable to hold.
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Durabook R8300 www.durabook.com
Designed for extreme environments and to be “combat-ready”, the R8300 can, according to Durabook, “operate from land to sea, from scorching deserts to freezing terrains, and from stealth mission to the heart of combat zone”. The body is made from lightweight Magnesium Alloy, 20 times stronger than ABS plastic, and offers superior resistance to external impacts, shocks, vibrations and boasting excellent thermal dispersion.
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PROMOTION
Work safer and smarter with a VPN Need to stay connected when travelling? GOOSE VPN explains how it can provide you with a safe and secure way to work when abroad, and help you avoid dangerous Wi-Fi scams
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s the modern workforce becomes increasingly mobile, the need to stay safe and secure is paramount. Although beneficial for doing business, travelling to different locations may put your work and personal devices at risk if not safeguarded properly, potentially leaving private or valuable information at risk. VPN technology, which allows a user to connect to a network without their traffic being monitored by their Internet Service Provider (ISP), has enjoyed a significant boom within the last few years as workers and consumers alike begin to see the benefits. GOOSE VPN is one of the leaders in this space, offering users the ability to build their own package, including unlimited device connections on one subscription, meaning you never need worry about being caught out.
forgotten to send that last presentation or email, but have already landed at your holiday destination, GOOSE VPN allows you quick and secure access to all your home files with no risk of them being intercepted. One of the biggest dangers facing online users in new countries or locations is unprotected Wi-Fi networks. For many of us, the first urge after arriving at our destination, particularly if travelling by air, is to turn on our devices and check for new emails, alerts or messages. However, those without a roaming mobile contract may choose to connect to the first open
ACCESS GEOBLOCKED CONTENT
This includes accessing content from different geographical locations, even if you’re on a different continent. Accessing geoblocked content can often be a headache for many travellers, especially when trying to download work documents located on a local server. But if you’ve
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
PROMOTION
and free Wi-Fi network they can find, potentially leaving them open to attack. Hackers can create and deploy malicious Wi-Fi networks to trap unsuspecting users, allowing them access to your internet traffic, or even a view at your personal passwords, logins and documents. Connecting to such a network, which all too often is as simple as a single click, could mean that any information you send via email or instant message is open to interception.
SECURE AND RELIABLE
Criminals are also able to manipulate their networks in order to direct unsuspecting users through to unsecured or malicious websites, once again leaving them at risk of attack or theft. GOOSE VPN allows users to circumvent these potential risks by providing a secure and reliable network connection, allowing a safe way to ensure your privacy online. When using the service, all your traffic is redirected and encrypted to keep it safe, allowing you to use legitimate public Wi-Fi safely without the threat of having your data falling into the wrong hands. Using a VPN also allows you to surf the
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net and access your favourite websites without being tracked, creating a new IP address that is not shared with your ISP, meaning your history cannot be traced. GOOSE VPN’s service also doesn’t throttle bandwidth, meaning that your connection is never slowed down, no matter the location or local time. So next time you’re travelling and feel tempted to connect to a new Wi-Fi network, just be sure you have a service like GOOSE VPN to ensure you stay safe, wherever you are in the world. More info is available at: https:// goosevpn.com
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
STORAGE & ACCESSORIES
Honeywell HX2 www.honeywell.com
Wearable computers are now getting the rugged treatment
T
KEY FEATURES 400 MHz clock speed 2.5 in diagonal width 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR WPA, WPA2 security Backlit keyboard & touch-screen IP54-rated design and the ability to withstand multiple 4’ drops to concrete Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Low Profile Ring Scanner reduces interference, improving worker transaction time while lowering total cost of ownership Has an extended battery life over 20 hours Arm band holds it firmly in place to prevent slipping or rotating
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he Honeywell HX2 is a mobile computer that can be worn on the wrist or waist featuring a rugged design that makes it ideal for noisy or highly mobile work environments such as warehouses or factory floor. Featuring a 4in impact-resistant touchscreen that is designed to be bright and readable no matter the light level, the device should be a useful ally on any production line. However the HX2 can be controlled via voice commands, which can be recognised even in loud workplaces, thanks to Honeywell’s ToughTalk technology, allowing for hands-free working that can be crucial in a highpaced environment. The device can be equipped with a ring scanner, which allows for quick transference of the HX2 between workers, which can be done with just a click or barcode scan. The device also sports the option of two keypad configurations, allowing workers to get up to speed fast. The Honeywell HX2 is not just smart, but is also tough, featuring an IP54-rated design which means it can survive a four foot drop onto solid concrete which would destroy lesser devices, saving your business when it comes to procurement and down time costs. The HX2 is also able to operate across a wide range of temperatures, even as low as -20C, and offers high water and dust resistance as well. With a battery life than can offer up to 10 hours from a single charge, the Honeywell HX2 is a highly mobile rugged wearable device that cuts outs many of the most troublesome workplace issues that can plague heavy industry today.
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STORAGE & ACCESSORIES
LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB www.lacie.com/gb/en/ LaCie has provided a rugged yet highly portable device. Measuring in at just 18.7mm across, the company’s drive offers 1TB of storage at an extremely affordable price, and thanks to USB-C connectivity, can be synced with many top smartphones.
Adata SE730H External SSD www.adata.com The Adata SE730 features a clever casing that uses a concealed port to ensure its waterresistance, so it can survive splashes and even very quick drops into water. It has an IP68 rating, so is dust-proof, and it has been drop tested to check that it complies with MILSTD-810 military standards.
Zebra HS3100 www.zebra.com
Real-time communication can be crucial in emergency situations, and Zebra’s HS3100 headset provides a rugged solution that can be used in locations from warehouses to factories to outdoor building sites. Connecting via Bluetooth and featuring advanced noise cancellation technology, the HS3100 offers all-day battery life for those needing to stay in touch out in the field.
Silicon Power
Armor A85 USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive www.silicon-power.com Featuring 1TB of storage, the Armor A85 features an extremely tough outer shell that comes with a rubber seal to keep water and dirt out of the drive. Thanks to an innovative suspension system that protects components, the Armor A85 can also withstand 500kg of force and drops from a great height.
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE
STORAGE & ACCESSORIES
iStorage
diskAshur Pro 500GB istorage-uk.com The diskAshur Pro looks to ensure your important data stays intact. The device comes with a keypad that will only grant access to the data stored within upon entering a PIN between seven and 15 digits. It even has a selfdestruct feature!
KnowRoaming
Global Hotspot Service www.knowroaming.com The Knowroaming Global Hotspot can connect you to the web in more than 140 countries for a flat fee. It has a 4,000mAh battery offering 20 hours life, is compatible with Cat4 LTE, and also features enterprise security tools such as VPN pass-through.
FLIR FLIR ONE Pro www.flir.com
The FLIR ONE Pro offers a compact and powerful thermal imaging camera than can show up in-depth information about the world around you. Attaching via USB-C, the device clips onto the bottom of your phone, acting as an extension to your normal camera, with the VividIY imaging system displaying heat information on the world around you, with hotter objects showing up in brighter colours.
Apricorn Aegis
Secure Key USB 3.0 480GB Flash Drive www.apricorn.com Keeping data safe in tough environments is also a major consideration for many workers, and the Aegis Secure Key features a rugged aluminium build. Sporting IP58 protection against dust and water, the device also features top-of-the-range encryption that meets government standards.
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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE