Understanding Rugged Mobile Computers

Here, at Group Mobile, we feel it's important for our customers to be able to make the most educated decision possible when purchasing new computers. We are also aware, with such a large variety of computers on the market, that it can be overwhelming at times determining which computer fits your situation best. 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.

Group Mobile's Rugged Computer Comparison Charts offer side-by-side specification comparisons of the brands and models we carry based on rugged rating and form factor. Have a few you are interested in? Choose the appropriate category to view our product comparisons. 

If you have more specific questions or are not completely sure of which rugged system works ideally with your goals, please contact one of our mobile computing specialists and they will be happy to assist you with whatever you may need.

Happy 4th of July From Group Mobile!

Interested in learning more about Rugged Computers? Check out the Rugged Computer Guide. This 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, www.groupmobile.com/RuggedComputerGuide.asp.

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...

Mobile Computing Comparison Shopping?

Did You Know You Can Compare Rugged Computers Side-By-Side?

Here, at Group Mobile, we feel it's important for our customers to be able to make the most educated decision possible when purchasing new products. We are also aware, with such a large variety of ruggedized products on the market, that it can be overwhelming at times determining which computer fits your situation best. Group Mobile's Rugged Computer Comparison Charts offer side-by-side specification comparisons of the brands and models we carry based on rugged rating and form factor.

Have a few you are interested in? Choose the appropriate category to view our product comparisons. We also have customer reviews, which can be helpful when choosing the computer that is best suitable for your needs. Visit the Product User Reviews page to gather more information for your next purchase.

If you have more specific questions or are not completely sure of which system works ideally with your goals, please contact one of our mobile computing specialists and they will be happy to assist you with whatever you may need.

Check out the new Toughpad A1 Rugged Android Tablet PC

Coming Spring 2012...

Features:

• 10.1" multi- touch daylight-readable, touchscreen + digitizer display
• Dust and water resistant design (MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified)
• Lightweight, ergonomic design for mobile workers
• Complete range of integrated wireless features GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional 4G LTE
• Wi-Fi hotspot router supports up to 5 devices
• Integrated front and rear webcams

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

Trimble Yuma Tablet Updated with an 80GB SSD


We're excited to announce that the Trimble Yuma Rugged Tablet is now available with the option to swap the original 32GB Solid State Hard Drive for a 80GB SSD at no additional cost.  Conducting inspections, collecting data and information, capturing geo-tagged photographs, communicating with headquarters, and real-time transferring of data will be even easier than before — and you'll still have the peace of mind that your important information is protected from dust, sand, mud, humidity, and temperature extremes by the Yuma tablet's rugged magnesium alloy shell.

 

Don't forget, the Yuma also comes standard with these great features...

• Outdoor rugged tablet design complies with MIL-STD-810F and IP67 standards for drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and temperature extremes.
• Sunlight viewable 7" touchscreen display for easy viewing in all lighting conditions
• Integrated wireless capabilities including GPS, WiFi 802.11b/g, and Bluetooth for easy connection to other devices, networks, and the Internet
• Dual hot-swappable Lithium-ion batteries to reduce downtime
• 12-month limited warranty

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


 

 

 

 

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...

iKey Rugged Keyboards

iKey Rugged Compact Keyboard
The DP-88 is a small footprint keyboard that meets harsh use standards. It has 88 full size keys with embedded notebook key functions. The DP-88 is a perfect fit for industrial, kiosk, or mobile computing needs. Constructed in a small-footprint compact case, the DP-88 allows for space-saving and mobility, and a secondary legend can be accessed with a number lock key.




iKey Rugged Keyboard with Oversized Keys

iKey’s innovative DP-72 mobile keyboard was designed to accommodate rugged applications in manufacturing, material handling and remote data entry. Its oversized keys are color arranged and feature a roomy layout for convenient gloved-hand use. It features a small-footprint design, mounting holes in its case, and a large numeric pad. Like other keyboards in the IKEY line, the NEMA 4X DP-72 is constructed using a robust polycarbonate case and industrial silicone keypad, sealing it from dust, liquids, and corrosives.


iKey Bluetooth Keyboard
iKey introduces the first Bluetooth compatible, wireless industrail keyboard with an integrated touchpad. This fully=sealed keyboard meets NEMA 4X specifications meaning it is resistant to dirt, dust, water, ice and corrosives. Built with an industrial silicone rubber keypad and a rugged ABS polycarbonate case, it is submersible and easy to clean with disinfectants. The compact design and internal Bluetooth module make it highly portable. It is an ideal fit for mobile material handling, food and beverage processing, mediccal, and other environments where rugged flixbility is a ncecessity. It requires 2 AA batteries for power and does not require a USB dongle.

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

We Want to Hear from YOU!

We’ve had such a great response to our past requests for Product Reviews that we wanted to ask again. If you want to share a few thoughts about your Rugged Mobile Computer, please take a few minutes to complete our quick four-question survey so we can add your thoughts to our Product Reviews Page.

Here are a few of the reviews we have received recently...

General Dynamics-Itronix GD8000
Reviewed by John R. on May 27, 2011
"Compared to our recently retired Itronix, the GD8000 weighs noticeably less, has a larger and noticeably brighter screen, and appears to have a better radio, that connects and stays connected in some of the more metal-congested areas of our facility."

Motion F5v
Reviewed by Joy J. on June 11, 2011
"We got a fully loaded model of the F5v for our service technicians. The dual cameras (in front and back) made it easy to use skype to talk to each other, and also take pictures of the equipment we were working on. The buttons are all easily identifiable and there's no searching for the right button. The pen is secure and easy to use. The hand recognition software, though everyone complained that it would never be able to recognize THEIR handwriting, it absolutely worked for everyone and they love it. They are holding up to use very well. The screens (though hard to keep clean) are not scratching up and you can read it in full sunlight."

Getac PS535F
Reviewed by Jean A. on April 11, 2011
"I like having the unit ruggedized with the GPS receiver incorporated. The SiRF III chip has worked well for us in the past so that's great to have. The size is just right for us. The battery life is ok, but a 10-hour one would be better for our field day.

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

Welcome Spring with a New Yuma

April Showers bring a $200 savings on the Trimble Yuma outdoor tablet computer!

The Trimble Yuma Rugged Tablet is designed to be fully functional in the most challenging work environments - especially the outdoors. With the Yuma, conducting inspections, collecting data and information, capturing geo-tagged photographs and video, communicating with headquarters, and real-time transferring of data is made easy - all with the peace of mind that your important information is protected from dust, sand, mud, humidity, and temperature extremes by the Yuma's rugged Magnesium alloy shell. It also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the Yuma is completely sealed against dust, and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes!

The Yuma features a 32GB solid state hard drive, eliminating internal moving parts and providing protection against stress from bumps, drops, shock, and vibration. Other impressive features of the Yuma rugged tablet include an Intel® Atom™ 1.6GHz processor, integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, GPS, and two digital cameras, as well as SDIO and ExpressCard slots. The Yuma also has a 7" widescreen, sunlight-readable display and hot-swappable batteries to maximize uptime.

The Trimble Yuma can withstand anything Mother Nature dishes out, so bring on the April Showers! Read More...

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

March Madness - Trimble Yuma On Special!

Special March Savings on the Trimble Yuma. Save an additional $200

The Trimble Yuma Rugged Tablet is designed to be fully functional in the most challenging work environments — especially the outdoors. With the Trimble Yuma, conducting inspections, collecting data and information, capturing geo-tagged photographs, communicating with headquarters, and real-time transferring of data is made easy — all with the peace of mind that your important information is protected from dust, sand, mud, humidity, and temperature extremes by the Yuma tablet's rugged magnesium alloy shell. It also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the Yuma tablet PC is completely sealed against dust, and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes! Read More…

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

Ruggedized Computers vs. Commercial Computers

1. Magnesium Casings. Magnesium is 10-20 times tougher than ABS plastic. This tougher casing provides significant protection against accidental drops.

2. Shock-Mounted Hard Disk Drives. The disk drive in a ruggedized computer is mounted on springs, on rubber or on a gel-like substance. This allows the disk to float so-to-speak.

3. Additional Cushioning and Padding. There are additional steps taken inside the computer to protect the vital components from drops and vibration. There may be foam rubber, Styrofoam or other cushioning materials.

4. Hardened Glass. Many ruggedized computers use hardened glass for the display screen. It is not unbreakable, but is much harder to shatter and scratch than the regular glass in a commercial computer.

5. Sealed Against the Elements. Most semi-rugged computers offer sealed keyboards and display screens. This provides protection against liquid spills. The fully-rugged computers take this a step further and seal the entire computer.

6. Outdoor-Viewable Display Screens. The displays in commercial, plastic computers are designed for indoor use and are not bright enough to be seen outdoors. All fully-rugged computers offer the option of anti-glare sunlight readable display screens.

7. Intrinsically-Safe. Some rugged computers are designated "Intrinsically-Safe". This means that they are guaranteed not to emit a spark and thus can be safely used around hazardous materials or flammable gases.

8. Three-Year Warranty. Most ruggedized computers come automatically with a three, or sometimes even five, year warranty as opposed to the one year warranty provided with commercial computers.

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

Getac V200 Fully Rugged Convertible - Quick Ship!

Rugged, Loaded with Features, and Ready to Ship! Order yours Today!

The new V200 fully rugged convertible computer from Getac transforms from a rugged laptop to a rugged tablet PC with one easy rotation of the display. It is powered by an Intel® Core™ i7 2GHz Processor, the fastest dual-core processor of any fully rugged convertible on the market. Turbo Boost Technology, up to 2.80GHz, gives processor-intensive applications an extra performance enhancement.

This special configuration of the Getac V200 rugged convertible is in stock and ready to ship!

Features:

• In stock and ready to ship today!
• Transforms from a rugged laptop into a rugged tablet PC with one quick rotation of the display
• Amazing daylight-viewable 12.1 inch widescreen display with glove-friendly multi-touch technology
• MIL-STD-810G and IP65 compliant, with a rugged Magnesium Alloy case, shock-mounted hard drive, and sealed I/O caps and doors to prevent damage from solid particles, dust, and moisture
• Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, and GPS
• Integrated 200 degree reversible 2MP webcam
• Best 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty in the industry - protects all major system components and even covers accidental damage!

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

Solutions Bundles at GroupMobile.com!

Group Mobile has created mobile computing product bundles to provide an easy and affordable way for our customers to get all of the mobile printing products they need without any guesswork. These rugged computing kits have many of the essential upgrades and accessories needed to help make mobile workers more efficient and productive at a reduced price. More bundle options will be added often so check back for more solutions soon, or call us at 1-866-784-4338 to build a custom mobile computing solution.

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

Product Spotlight: DAP M2000 & M4000

DAP's M2000 Series rugged PDAs bundles memory and features into its condensed size. The M2000 is among the smallest and lightest-weight rugged PDAs offered. It runs Windows® CE and comes standard with 128MB SDRAM and 1GB flash ROM in a rugged device measuring just 6 x 3 x 1.25 inches (155 x 82 x 31 mm) and weighing only 13.4 oz (380g). The M2000 series offers a 3.5 inch 256K color transflective LCD display with touchscreen and a choice between an alpha-numeric (M2010 model) and a full-alphabetical (M2020 model) backlit keyboard. Read More...



DAP's M4000 Series rugged handheld computers bundle memory, powerful features, and modularity into its lightweight design. It offers users the flexibility to select the features they need, and makes it easy to change and upgrade the rugged device. It runs Windows® CE and comes standard with 128MB SDRAM and 1GB flash ROM. The M4000 series offers a 3.5 inch 256K color transflective LCD display with touchscreen and a choice between a numeric (M4010 model) and an alpha-numeric (M4020 model) backlit keypad. Read More...

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

Getac B300 Fully Rugged Laptop - Quick Ship!

Features:

• Super-bright 1400 nit display with touchscreen for viewing in the toughest lighting conditions
• Backlit keyboard for typing in dark environments
• Up to 22 hours of battery life with dual battery system option
• Connectivity features including Bluetooth and 802.11n
• Full Magnesium Alloy case with customizable media bay
• Shock-mounted removable hard disk drive
• Vibration and drop-shock resistant with sealed ports and connectors for extra durability
• MIL-STD 810G and IP65 compliant to withstand tough working environments
• Best 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty in the industry - protects all major system components and even covers accidental damage!

Read more about the Getac B300 here! For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Spotlight on… Trimble Recon

The Trimble Recon is a fully rugged handheld computer that meets demanding MIL-STD-810F military standards for drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and temperature extremes. To even better protect your valuable data, the Recon also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the Recon handheld PC is sealed against water and dust. The Trimble Recon handheld PC is one of the most rugged, reliable, and economically-priced handheld computing solutions available! Click here to configure your Trimble Recon.

Keep reading to learn how other organizations are utilizing this rugged handheld PC…
Denver Fire Department Case Study
Portland Police Case Study
Sho-Me Utilities Case Study

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

Have you seen the new Panasonic Toughbook C1?

The Panasonic Toughbook C1 Convertible Tablet PC has a unique, durable triple-hinge design that is easy to open and close with one hand — two hinges open and close the screen; and the third hinge rotates the screen into tablet mode. Other rugged features of this convertible tablet include a spill-resistant keyboard, a magnesium alloy case that enables the PC to survive up to a 30" drop, and a shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive with quick release. Read more…



Features:
∙ Easily converts from laptop to tablet PC and back again
∙ Twin hot-swappable batteries provide for continuous use by allowing battery replacement without powering down the PC
∙ Rugged design to withstand drops and spills
∙ Multi-touch + digitizer screen available for finger and gesture computing and an electronic stylus for digital input and handwriting recognition
∙ Ergonomic design allows for comfortable long-term use
∙ Integrated wireless features including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and optional Gobi 2000 mobile broadband

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

Submit your Product Review Now!

We’ve had a great response to our request for Product Reviews. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far! If you haven’t sent in your review yet please take a few minutes to answer our quick 4-question survey so we can add your thoughts to our Product Reviews Page.

Here are a few of the reviews we’ve received so far…

Panasonic Toughbook 74
Reviewed by Van S. on July 9, 2010
"I travel frequently and visit a lot of construction sites. I was getting tired of replacing my commercial laptop a few times a year and decided to buy something sturdier. My CF-74 has held up great! I have had it for about 18 months now and haven't had any issues with performance or durability."

Getac B300
Reviewed by Tomas R. on July 10, 2010
"I'm amazed at how well this computer is sealed! It's a good size and weight, and the backlit keyboard is one of the best I've seen."

Trimble Ranger
Reviewed by Darrin F. on July 10, 2010
"I settled on the Trimble Ranger because I needed a bigger keypad and I've not been disappointed. It's so easy to handle in the field. I would like a bigger screen, but that's my only request."

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

Your Guide to Rugged Mobile Computers

Rugged Computers, also known as hardened computers, and ruggedized computers have been around since the late 1970s / early 1980s, so they basically have been around as long as the PC industry itself. It was quickly discovered and understood that commercial-grade PCs, designed for office workers or even highly-mobile, white-collar workers and frequent flyers, would not hold up in an in-field, in-vehicle, outdoor, or warehouse/factory type of environment. Rugged technology has been developed to allow what is a fairly delicate piece of sophisticated electronics, to be able to function and survive while on-the-go, in the field, and even in tough environmental conditions. Rugged computers have proven time and time again to save end users and organizations large amounts of money, time, and grief due to their durability, reliability, longevity, and 3- to 5-year full warranties… Read more…

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