Understanding Rugged Mobile Computers

Group Mobile's Rugged Computer Guide will teach you about the different types of rugged computers and the features that make them different from conventional, commercial-grade computers; as well as other considerations such as vehicle docking and mounting, integrated wireless and cellular broadband, GPS, cameras, bar code scanners, backlit keyboards and other capabilities that are often mandatory in mobile or outdoor computing. Learn more...

Considerable Discount on GD8000!

HUGE Savings on this GD8000 Fully Rugged Laptop Computing Solution!

Sale Price $2,921

(Suggested Retail Price $5,521) 

Save over $2,600!

Group Mobile's GD8000 Mobile Computing Solution is ideal for field service and other mobile professionals that need a laptop and the essential accessories for working in the field and other challenging work environments. It offers both savings and convenience by bundling everything you need to stay powered-up and connected at a reduced price.

The GD8000 Mobile Computing Solution includes:   

• General Dynamics Itronix GD8000 rugged laptop Vehicle power adapter   
• Spare Lithium-ion battery
• 3 Year No-Fault Max Service Warranty

The GD8000 is designed for the toughest user and tested to meet, and even exceed military standards. It is powered by the Intel® low-voltage Core™ 2 Duo processing architecture and features a 160GB shock-mounted hard drive with a heater, 1GB DDR3 RAM, and a 13.3-inch DynaVue® display with touchscreen for excellent viewability in all lighting conditions. This configuration has impressive communications capabilities including Bluetooth and GPS. Read More

The GD8000 Mobile Computing Solution is specially priced and available for immediate shipment. Other configurations are also available.

Don't miss out on this substantial discount! 

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Panasonic Toughbook 31 vs. ATV

For a limited time you can save an additional $50 off our already-low price on any of the fully rugged Panasonic Toughbooks Group Mobile carries! We will also throw in a free screen protector! Simply mention this newsletter or enter promo code RUGGEDBLOG12 when you place an order on our website. Discount will be taken when order is processed. Offer ends March 15, 2012.  Order here! 

Do Rugged Computers Cost More or Less?

On a fairly frequent basis, Group Mobile provides a price quotation to a prospective customer on a ruggedized computer…and when we follow-up the prospect says something like, "Well, the decision was made to buy commercial computers since the ruggedized computers were higher in price. We felt like we could save quite a bit of money and if the plastic computers break, we can just buy new ones and we would still save money over buying ruggedized equipment."

Then invariably, a few weeks or months later, the same person calls back and says something like, "I guess we are ready for those ruggedized computers now. We tried the commercial plastic computers and they were failing every couple of weeks. Our guys were 'down' and without their computers for days at a time. It was costing us a fortune in lost productivity, not to mention the hassle of losing data and having to constantly re-load our software on the repaired computers."

So why does this scenario repeat itself over and over again? We can only blame ourselves…the people who are involved in manufacturing and selling rugged, mobile computers. We have not done a great job of educating people about the necessity of ruggedization when using a computer in a vehicle, in a factory, in a warehouse, in a service bay, or out in the field. Construction companies, utility departments, service, repair, inspection, delivery companies, police departments, etc, think nothing about spending thousands of dollars for the equipment specialized for their job or their business, but balk when it comes to buying specialized computers. They are just not fully aware that commercial grade computers are not designed for vehicle, warehouse or field use.

We all know that there is a difference in price and cost. The price is what you pay up front for an item. The cost is what you spend over the course of the life of the item. Rugged computers are priced higher but cost less. The primary reasons for this are less down time, less lost data, fewer repair costs and increased worker productivity. Obviously, this is only true when said computers are to be used in or on a vehicle, in a dusty dirty environment, in a hot or cold environment, outdoors, or on-site. In every job there is a right and a wrong tool for the job. Commercial portable computers are perfect for indoor, white-collar, taking home at night, or flying on a business trip. Rugged mobile computers are the right tools for those with jobs in demanding environments. Rugged computers actually cost less! Read More...

Rugged Computer Features - Power and Batteries

Choosing the correct power accessories is an important aspect of ensuring you have the right solution for your rugged mobile computing requirements. Below we have listed the various choices and considerations:

AC Adapter - All mobile computers come standard with an ac adapter for plugging into a wall outlet. Some users buy an additional ac adapter in order to have one at work and one at home. Please note, desktop docks often do not come with an ac adapter as the manufacturer assumes you will use the ac adapter that came with your computer. Make sure you order an extra ac adapter with your desktop dock if you need more than one.

Vehicle Power Adapter - All rugged mobile and in-vehicle computers can operate from the power provided by a vehicle's battery. Usually this is accomplished by a 12V vehicle power adapter, also known as a cigarette lighter adapter. Your rugged mobile PC can also be connected directly to the vehicle's battery via a hot wire. But it is highly recommended that a power protection device is used in between any in-vehicle computer and battery to avoid hard-shut downs and other issues.

Battery - All portable computers come with a battery. The battery is normally a Lithium-Ion type and can be recharged 200+ times before it can no longer hold a charge. Therefore the batteries inside any rugged mobile pc need to be replaced every 1-3 years, depending on usage. The length of time that a charge will last varies greatly. The range is 2 hours to 10 hours depending on the battery, the computer and the usage.

Click here to read more about power and battery options for your rugged mobile computer. For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Best Rugged Computers for Transportation

No matter your mode of transportation; planes, trains, cars, trucks, busses or ships, rugged mobile computers are built to withstand constant vibration, harsh environments and rough handling that can destroy commercial plastic laptops. Rugged mobile laptops and tablets are also handy communication tools allowing drivers to more easily communicate with one another, streamline deliveries, send arrival and departure information, plus much more. Click here to see Group Mobile’s suggestions for the best rugged computers for Transportation.

And don’t forget about our extensive line of mobile computer vehicle mounts. Click here to view our most popular in-car computer mounts. If you don’t see your make and model, please contact us!

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Why is the right display screen so important?

If you have ever taken a commercial laptop to the beach or out by the pool, you quickly realized that the screen is almost impossible to read. Daylight-readable displays, like those found on many rugged computers, are much brighter. If you intend to use a computer outdoors or in a mobile environment, daylight-readable or sunlight-readable is a must. Many rugged computers either come standard with an outdoor display screen, or offer outdoor viewability as an option. Read More…

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit http://www.groupmobile.com/ or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.
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Self-Assess Your Mobile Computing Needs

A rugged mobile computer is essentially a portable computer that’s been engineered to stand up to the toughest conditions. There are many different kinds of rugged computers and they come in a variety of different sizes, form factors and prices.

If you’re thinking of buying a rugged mobile computer, but not quite sure which computer will best meet your needs here is a quick Systems Requirement Questionnaire you can review and complete. It will only take a few minutes and it will guide you to what a rugged mobile computer can offer.

To speak to a rugged mobile computer expert, call us at 1-866-784-4338; or visit us online at www.groupmobile.com.

Guide to Rugged Computers

We have a comprehensive guide about Rugged Computers on the Group Mobile website

This guide will teach you about rugged computers and the features that make them different from conventional computers, as well as some other considerations such as vehicle docking, warranties and the price vs. the cost of owning a rugged computer.

Click here to learn more on rugged computers

Total Cost of Ownership - Rugged Mobile Computers

In the Long Run, Do Rugged Computers Cost Less Than Regular Laptops?

A recent study published by Venture Development Corporation (VDC), an independent market research and strategy-consulting firm stated that “mobile device end users lost an average of 75 minutes of productivity each time the device failed. With the average device failing as many as 20 times per year, that can translate into as much as $4,000 in lost revenues per employee per year”. This study also found that the average annual failure rate for non-rugged notebooks was estimated at approximately 30% while annual failure rates for rugged notebooks were less than one-third the non-rugged rate, or approximately 9%. For more on this study, contact Group Mobile at gm-marketing@groupmobile.com and request that the TCO Study be sent to you.