Ruggedised Mobile Computing: Buyer's Guide 2019

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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING

May 2019

BUYER’S GUIDE

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WELCOME

RUGGEDNESS AS A USP Welcome to the second edition of our annual rugged buyer’s guide. Almost 20 years after the Millennium bug and 30 years after the birth of the World Wide Web, we are in an era where ubiquitous fast speed connectivity has become a critical utility of our day-to-day infrastructure, as important as gas and electricity, one that binds every single device we use to run our day to day lives.

Embracing the concept of a mobile workforce (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 while remaining connected.

No wonder therefore that the global market for rugged devices has expanded in recent years with some analysts estimate that it will reach a whopping $10 billion by 2023, a CAGR

CONTENTS

03. The state of the market 06. Why go rugged?

10. Smartphones 14. Rugged Evolution 17. Tablets 20. Laptops 23. Storage & Accessories

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of 6.6% from 2016. There is a demand for devices that can deliver the goods. Literally.

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, use this guide as a resource to check what the latest updates to a busy market have been over the last few quarters in the UK, get introduced to the crème of the crème of rugged devices and accessories; from rugged laptops, tablets and convertibles to smartphones and storage devices from the top manufacturers in the field. Enjoy the read and the ride.

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 CONTRIBUTOR Mike Moore ART & DESIGN & PRODUCTION Oliver Media Ltd PROJECT MANAGER Helen Spinney LICENSING Matt Ellis All contents © 2019 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved.

No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered offi ce: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products services referred to in this publication.

Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.

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.

Several of the world’s biggest computer

Some of the world’s biggest tech manufacturers have created rugged devices, including this HP device.

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FEATURE

vendors have seized the huge market opportunity provided by industrial giants looking to modernise their work processes, with the likes of Panasonic, Getac and Dell leading the way in developing rugged products alongside more specialised manufacturers including Honeywell, 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 will grow by up to 27.5% this year as shipments could reach 37 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 68.6 million in Q4 2018 according to Gartner. Ditto for estimates for the global smartphone market, which another analyst, Counterpointresearch underlines, has decreased by 7% in Q4 2018, its fifth consecutive quarter of decline. Despite a lot of this being B2C, it still shows that change is in the air when it comes to how companies across all industries work and buy hardware.

In the UK, more and more companies are embracing tough devices, with major contract wins being announced on a regular basis. For example, Centrica, the energy and

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.

services company operating brands such as British Gas and Dyno, has rolled out 7,500 Panasonic rugged tablets to its team of UK engineers across the country.

Samsung is also poised to deploy thousands of its new public safety LTE smartphones (codenamed 889F) as part of its selection as the handset supplier for the new emergency services network (ESN) in the UK. Unlike the popular Galaxy brand, this one has a dedicated side-mounted PTT button, is IP68-rated and meets the MILSTD-810G US Military standard.

Britain’s largest mobile phone manufacturer is rugged device maker Bullitt, which owns the JCB and CAT brands, and in October revealed a 36 per cent year-on-year increase in sales, alongside announcing a new partnership with Land Rover to further expand its range into the luxury sector.

The ruggedised market looks set to expand further soon, as mobile devices become an increasingly essential tool for workers who spend most of their time outside of a typical office.

RUGGED GETS SMARTER 5G has been on the lips of almost all tech vendors for the past few months and is

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likely to be the catalyst that will help create the next generation of ruggedised mobile devices. These 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 and connectivity options. 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 with the will to invest.

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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

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common sight in many business areas. 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

RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

FEATURE

Accessories such as improved cameras can often be added to many rugged tablets.

traditional products would not, allowing your workers to stay on task 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

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are sensors to detect heat, cold or radiation, plug-ins for a more powerful camera 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.

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Being powered by Microsoft’s latest software also means that rugged devices 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 real-time 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

PROMOTION

AGM X3 agmmobile.co.uk

The AGM X3 balances looks, performance and durability

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he dual-sim AGM X3 comes with a 5.99” 2160 x 1080 FHD+ display protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and either 6GB/8GB RAM and 64/128 ROM. It also sports a dual 12MP primary camera + 24MP secondary camera, a front-facing 20MP shooter, as well as a hefty 4100mAh battery supported by QC 4.0 charging and 10W wireless charging.

Once you have powered up the X3 using either the fingerprint sensor or the facial recognition feature, you can enjoy blisteringly fast performance from the clocked up Octacore Qualcomm® Snapdragon 845 processor.

The rugged aspect of the X3 combines IP68 and MIL-STD- 810G certification with a shock-absorbing suspension frame that makes the innards “float” a fraction of an inch from the housing helping to cushion the impact from any drops.

The enhanced audio kit on board has been developed in partnership with the renowned audio specialists JBL, meaning that the unique rear dual stereo speakers are able to deliver a wide 40020,000kHz range, covering all that the human ear can perceive and reach up to 98db in to the bargain.

The svelte design and top-notch specification of the AGM X3 shows that you don’t have to sacrifice style and performance for durability.

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KEY FEATURES CPU: Snapdragon 845 octa-core GPU: Adreno 630 RAM: 8GB Storage: 128GB Screen size: 5.9-inch Resolution: 2,160 x 1,080 Weight: 218g Dimensions: 166 x 80 x 10.9mm Rear camera: 24+12MP Front camera: 20MP OS: Android 8.1 Battery: 4.1Ah

RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

SMARTPHONES

Blackview BV9500 PRO Blackview.hk Blackview has a range of rugged IP68 certified Android phones available and they tend to be both tough and affordable, if a little light on features. The BV9500 Pro, however, has all the bells and whistles including PTT (push-to-talk) for walkie-talkie style communication.

Doogee S90 Doogee.cc

The Doogee S90 easily ranks amongst the best rugged smartphones out there, albeit with a few flaws. We believe that it sets a new benchmark in the market with performance levels and an innovative clip-on accessory range that will surely turn heads and inspire others to follow suit.

Homtom ZOJI Z11 Homtom.cc The Homtom Zoji Z11 is a rugged smartphone that means business. It packs an incredible 10,000mAh battery with some good components and runs a fairly recent version of Android. It’s just a shame that there are some drawbacks here, such as a lower resolution screen and the lack of a status light.

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SMARTPHONES

Zebra TC77 www.zebra.com

Zebra’s TC77 Android touch computer is a versatile smartphone that is at the core of an ecosystem of proprietary apps, accessories and peripherals that has few rivals in the world of ruggedised devices. With swappable batteries, dual SIM support and guaranteed updates to Android P and Android Q, it packs quite a formidable punch.

Poptel P60

www.poptelmobile.com

The Poptel P60 is one of the best value rugged smartphones on the market – don’t be put off by the gaudy design, because this handset packs more punch than you’d expect at this price point. Coupled with a super-quick Face ID feature, dedicated camera and SOS buttons, a 2K display and IP68 certification, this handset delivers great value for money.

AGM X2 SE agmmobile.co.uk

The AGM X2 offers some unique features for a rugged smartphone in this price bracket like a VOC detector, Qualcomm CPU and true dual-lens cameras at the back. With a big 6000mAh battery and a 128GB onboard storage plus NFC, it is an incredibly useful smartphone for the right audience.

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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

SMARTPHONES

Panasonic FZ-E1 business.panasonic.co.uk/

The only phone in this roundup to feature a Windows operating system (albeit Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise), the Panasonic FZ-E1 brings together a handheld, a smartphone and a barcode reader into a single rugged chassis. It is one of the first devices in the Toughpad line to offer voice connectivity and has been designed for mobile workers working across a range of verticals.

Ulefone ARMOR 6 Ulefone.com The Ulefone Armor 6 is one of your better choices if you want a powerful IP68-rated smartphone with plenty of character and stock Android. With a powerful CPU, a big battery and even an UV sensor, there’s a lot to like about Ulefone’s new flagship even if the fingerprint sensor is a sore point.

Conker ST50 www.weareconker.com

The just-released ST50 is on the outside, just an average rugged phone but there’s more to it than meets the eye. UK-based Conker does not claim to offer the fastest or the cheapest ruggedised smartphone around but rather a “fit-for-purpose, reliable and durable solutions” for its customers. That’s why their phones come with a 3-year warranty with 90% of repairs done within 72 hours.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Rugged is no longer a specialist technology driven by military demands TechRadar Pro has caught up with Chris Bye, President of Getac UK Ltd to discuss about ruggedised devices and how he sees them evolve over the next decade. Getac was founded in 1989 in Taiwan, as a joint venture between GE Aerospace and the MiTAC-SYNNEX Group with the aim of developing mobile rugged devices for the military and defence sectors.

In the 30 years since, an unwavering focus on innovation and customer needs has seen the company grow to become a leader in its field, selling through nearly 80 countries worldwide. Today, Getac’s business includes rugged notebooks, rugged tablets and rugged handheld and mobile video system devices for a wide variety of sectors including military, public safety, industrial manufacturing, transport and logistics, automotive, utilities, field services and more.

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Q

How has the world of ruggedised devices evolved over the past 30 years?

The evolution of rugged devices has moved in a fairly cyclical pattern over the past 30 years. When Getac was founded in 1989, our sole focus was on making the most technologically advanced, rugged mobile devices possible for the military sector. From there the appeal of those same devises to heavily mobile and technical workforces, such as within the utilities sector, brought rugged equipment into the more mainstream environment.

Despite this new popularity, the systems being designed and built at the time, while advanced in their specialist areas such as screen and communications technology, lagged behind standard business devices in terms of performance. Furthermore, they

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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

SPECIAL FEATURE

could often be cost prohibitive for all but the largest organisations, whose business need overrode budget constraints.

Fast forward to today and the focus on technology and innovation remains, with an overall focus on mobility within the PC market. This has allowed specialist rugged manufactures such as Getac to capitalise on recent advances to produce rugged devices that are capable of delivering the same performance as standard computers but with the added benefits that rugged brings.

The diversity of sectors we’re now producing devices for has grown enormously making for greater customer choice and the ability to match hardware to their specific business requirements. Rugged is no longer a specialist technology driven by military demands and has evolved to meet the demanding expectation of industry users.

As a result modern rugged systems can be used to address huge challenges in all kinds of working environments ranging from pitlanes and workshops to warehouses and oil rigs, each customised to exact needs, rather than a one size fits all solution as in the past.

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How do you see the ruggedised market evolving over the next decade?

I think the trajectory will remain much the same, but devices and their applications will keep getting better. We’re only just beginning to scratch the surface of what rugged devices can be used for, particularly in sectors like oil & gas, where digital transformation is revolutionising nearly every aspect of operations. For the first time, employees can use the same

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rugged device almost anywhere inside an oil rig or processing facility, even in explosive/ hazardous environments, thanks to specialist intrinsic safety technology. These new applications are breaking down barriers to productivity throughout the sector, leading to whole new levels of efficiency.

With the price of rugged devices coming more in line with standard hardware, and the operational cost saving associated with running rugged projects, more companies will look to drive efficiencies, employee engagement and greater customer satisfaction by deploying mobile IT specific to their needs. Such trends are expected to open up new markets for rugged computers, driving greater and greater innovation within the rugged space.

In many industries, evolution is usually a by-word for smaller, lighter, thinner.

However, just as we’ve seen in the handheld market, there comes a point where smaller starts to become impractical, particularly in industries where many employees wear gloves or work outside in all weather conditions. Similarly, the thinner and lighter a device is, the less rugged it will inherently be. Striking the right balance between all these elements remains key.

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Why hasn’t Getac launched a ruggedised voice-capable device yet?

The need for specialist field workers to work freely with both hands whilst still being able to utilise and interact with their technology solution is a great challenge, especially as those workers who need this most tend to be in the most hazardous conditions or dealing with mission critical

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SPECIAL FEATURE

situations. All Getac device are voicecapable, they just require a Bluetooth enabled headset. As long as the applications running on our devices is voice enabled you’re good to go.

Specific new solutions within this area have been, and continue to be, studied to find the perfect balance of highly reliable intuitive ergonomic technology that can perform the required tasks seamlessly, in a fully approved manner.

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What do you make of the rapid adoption of Android in the enterprise amongst ruggedised players?

Android is a very flexible platform and we’ve seen major success with our Android tablet, the ZX70. Having said that, the majority of enterprises we work with have spent a lot of time and money building their entire ecosystem around Windows and many have no plans to change in the foreseeable future. There is more and more discussion around Android devices now as business look to quickly deploy more flexible solutions internally and to their customer base. As such, we expect both platforms to play a major role in the future of the rugged industry.

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What do you think of the trends around the slight convergence we’re seeing (mainstream products adoption IP68 rating), yet still maintaining dichotomy (IP68 is NOT rugged)?

As new technologies come to the market and are adopted by consumer and business manufactures alike, this allows them to claim certain capabilities that were

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once the domain only of specialist rugged devices. Good examples would be the move to solid state drives and new touchscreens that improve a product’s ability to survive certain one off events. The adoption of IP68 is essentially the same as new technologies and manufacturing techniques, rather than a specific design ethos that has opened up new product abilities.

Whilst the adoption of things like IP68 is a ticket to the party, true rugged is much more about a whole concept and understanding of how the product will be used, its application within the work place and the ability to consistently perform for the user in the most challenging conditions.

Mainstream manufactures use new technologies to build and design for the occasional accident, helping their users get the most out of the product when using it in real life conditions, without the need to constantly send it in for a repair. Rugged manufactures build and design their product, often using those exact same new technologies, to deal with day in day usage in tough environments for the full business life of that device which can often be up to 5 years.

Dedicated devices that meet IP ratings and MIL standards (MIL-STD 810G), will always significantly outperform mainstream equivalents in the harsh environments they are designed for. At the same time, a dedicated rugged device is probably overkill for most consumers. It’s like a watch that’s water resistant up to 25 metres. While that provides peace of mind should it fall in the sink, anyone who’s job involves scuba diving is more likely to invest in something that’s purpose built for the task at hand.

RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

PROMOTION

Getac K120 uk.getac.com

Power and versatility in one rugged package

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KEY FEATURES Intel Core Technology: optional 8th Generation core i5 and i7 vPro and non Vpro processors 1.9GHz / Max. 4.2 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology Intel UHD Graphics 620 4GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 32GB Optional user replaceable 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB SSD 12.5" IPS TFT LCD FHD (1920 x 1080), 1200 nits sunlight readable display Capacitive multi-touch with optional dual mode touchscreen 8MP rear, FHD webcam or Optional Windows Hello faceauthentication camera USB 3.0, USB3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, LAN, HDMI and MicroSD slot and docking connector as standard 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2

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he Getac K120 is a new class of tablet, engineered with versatility in mind. With access to a diverse selection of operation modes, its robust display capabilities and versatile accessory options make the tablet the perfect fit for extensive use in various extreme environmental conditions.

At under one inch (0.94” / 24mm) thick, the tablet is solid without feeling large. It weighs in at just 1.8kg (3.96lbs). Connectivity options include a USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Type C, audio, HDMI, MicroSD and LAN (RJ-45). It also features front and rear cameras.

The K120 is powered by the 8th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor, with speeds of 4.2 GHz and backed by 4GB of memory, expandable to 32GB. This gives the tablet the ability to handle multiple tasks at once, giving it an edge in critical environments in the field.

The K120 uses Getac’s 1200 nits LumiBond technology for improved sunlight readability. The 12.5” display also provides plenty of screen real estate and can be navigated with Multiple Touch Modes, such as Regular Touch, Glove and Pen modes as standard and the option of a dual multi-touch and digitiser screen.

The tablet’s battery is engineered to last throughout a full working day and can be hotswapped without needing to power down. An optional High Capacity Battery is also available.

The new K120 is MIL-STD 810G and IP65 certified to survive under operating temperatures ranging from -29°C to 63°C, and can sustain up to 6-feet drop while in operation, definitively proving its exceptional ruggedness.

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TABLETS

Getac T800 uk.getac.com

Built for today's mobile workforce, the Getac T800 fully rugged tablet features an 8.1" HD LumiBond® display for better viewing experience, the latest wireless technology, and a thin, ergonomic design which allows it to be held comfortably in one hand. The T800 provides best-in-class battery life to get you through your shift and it's nocompromise rugged features guarantee that it will always be ready.

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.

Caterpillar 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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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

TABLETS

Algiz Algiz 8X www.handheldgroup.com

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active2 www.samsung.com/uk/ It is the only rugged tablet available from Samsung and is available as an LTE device or Wi-Fi only. Bundled with a waterproof active stylus pen and Samsung’s very own proprietary security platform, Knox, it leverages the myriad of partnerships (IBM, Otterbox, KOAMTAC) the Korean company entertains to deliver a very compelling solution.

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.

Getac F110 uk.getac.com

Dell Latitude Rugged Tablet 12

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, IP65 and MIL-STD-461F standards, and the most recent version comes with 7th generation Intel Core processors, offering plenty of power.

www.dell.com The Dell Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet 7212 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.

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LAPTOPS

Getac S410 G2 uk.getac.com

A laptop that looks like it was made for tech-savvy sleuths

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rofessionals who might use the second generation of 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 ToughBook 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 fullsized 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.

The S410 can be configured with Getac’s 1000nits Lumibond 2 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 (802.11ac), audio, VGA, HDMI and an SD card slot. and Getac has outfitted the entry level version of the S410 with Intel’s ultra-low voltage Core i3-7100U processor clocked at 2.4GHz, and backed up by 4GB of main memory. This 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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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 Touchscreen / touchpad Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265, 802.11ac Bluetooth v4.2 Optional dedicated GPS Optional 4G LTE mobile broadband

RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE

LAPTOPS

Getac V110 uk.getac.com

Getac claims that the V110 fully rugged convertible notebook is the best convertible the company has ever made. It features best-in-class performance, industry-leading security, a large 11.6� widescreen display and a design that is thin and light at 1.98kg light and 39mm thin. The most recent version comes with 7th generation Intel Core processors, offering amazing levels of CPU performance.

Durabook SA14 S 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 great computing via an Intel 6th generation CPU, powerful graphic performance, and long battery life.

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.

Getac X500 uk.getac.com

Behold the X500 Server, a one-of-its kind ruggedised mobile server to bring the data center to the field, providing quick deployment and one that can be easily transported into emergency, disaster and temporary set-up environments. It supports Windows Server 2016, up to 5TB storage in JBOD, 64GB of RAM and Intel Xeon CPU. Your investment will be protected by a five year warranty and a sealed magnesium alloy chassis.

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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 pixels, and you also get a 7th-generation Intel Core i5-7300U processor, backed up by 4GB of RAM and MILSTD 810G certification.

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 Latitude 14 Rugged is a fantastic example that combines a tough outer shell with some very decent specifications. Such is its popularity that Dell has five versions on offer with the cheapest model offering a fast Intel Core i3 processor and a myriad of customization options including some legacy ones like PCMCIA card reader and optical disk drives.

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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G-Technology

G-Drive mobile SSD G-Technology.com The G-Drive mobile SSD is the only rugged drive in this price range with a five-year warranty (most others offer three-years). You will be paying a premium for it, though – as much as 40% on the 1TB model. This drive is speedy and rugged with IP67 water and dust resistance rating, a 3-meter drop protection (with tests carried out on a carpeted concrete floor).

SanDisk

Extreme Portable SSD Sandisk.com This SanDisk drive is hands-down one of the best external SSDs (rugged or not) on the market, and its 1TB version is particularly attractive compared to the other rivals.

Some cracking performance numbers and a very low price make this product hard to fault. It features “only” an IP55 rating which should be more than enough for most scenarios.

Adata

HD830 2TB ruggedised hard disk drive Adata.com The HD830 is one of the sturdiest hard disk drives we’ve tested to date. It is solidly built and while its performance is nothing to shout about, it will be more than sufficient for most tasks. The focus of this storage device is maximum protection rather than being the speediest ruggedised device around. And it achieves it in a spectacular manner, delivering a hard drive that is and feels solid with almost no compromises. Yes it is big and heavy but, better be safe than sorry.

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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.

SecureData

SecureDrive BT 1TB external SSD Securedata.com The SecureData SecureDrive BT 1TB is one of the best external encrypted drives on the market backed by a quality SSD. Its unique selling point will divide opinions but we found that it worked flawlessly. Add in IP68 in a future iteration and SecureData could be on to a near perfect secure drive. That is, if you can live with the fact that you will need an Android or iOS device to unlock it.

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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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!

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.

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.

OWC Envoy Pro

EX portable SSD OWCdigital.com

If you happen to have a Thunderbolt 3 laptop and want a nimble-yet-fast storage device, then you can’t go wrong with the OWC Envoy Pro EX. It has managed to carve a niche in the crowded portable SSD market. This is the sixth iteration of a product that started its life back in 2013! The 2019 version doesn’t disappoint; it is rugged, speedy and affordable. The only complaint we have is the integrated cable which could get damaged, potentially leaving you in a pickle.

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RUGGEDISED MOBILE COMPUTING BUYER’S GUIDE