Are Your Devices Rugged?

The large cellphone and computer manufacturers are increasingly launching smartphones and other mobile devices that are rugged, or rather “ruggedish.”

Many large mobile phone and computer makers are scrambling to make their devices more rugged, not only for field workers but also for the mass consumer market. Even the trusted and delicate iPhone, for example, can become water-resistant with one of the increasingly popular smartphone cases.

Rugged laptops, tablets and smartphones have not necessarily become mainstream, however, and most smartphones and mobile computers on the market are still not rugged in any aspect. Drop your ordinary smartphone in water, or anywhere else for that matter, and you will most likely end up with a cracked display or a trip to the nearest phone shop for a new device.

More importantly, the waterproof devices that cellphone makers launch are not truly rugged or ruggedized; they can be considered “ruggedish.” They might be waterproof, but they lack other aspects of ruggedness such as the ability to function well in low or high temperatures.

Below is a recap of the definition of ruggedness:

• The devices should have passed some of the MIL-STD tests, i.e. the American military standard for equipment. Twenty-four laboratory test methods ensure that the equipment can handle low pressure at high altitudes; exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shocks; rain; humidity; sand and dust exposure; leakage; shock and vibration.
• Devices must be highly rated on the ingress protection (IP) scale for protection against dust and liquids. The ratings are displayed as a two-digit number. The first digit reflects the level of protection against dust, and the second digit reflects the level of protection against liquids (water).

Many of the new ruggedish smartphones launched by the larger cellphone manufacturers have high IP ratings but seldom as high as the truly rugged smartphones offered by traditional rugged computer manufacturers. And hardly any of them are tested for 810G standards. So they do not handle extreme temperatures, drops or vibrations well. They might be water-resistant, but they are not necessarily shock-resistant.

What are the reasons for this new ruggedish trend? One reason could be the huge success of smartphones and of mobility in general. People carry their smartphones or tablets everywhere, are constantly online and want their devices to work when they are jogging in the rain or dancing in a crowded bar. Bigger smartphones, or “phablets,” are harder to slide into your pocket or purse and are more likely to end up on the floor.

However, traditional rugged computer manufacturers are best equipped to supply truly rugged smartphones and tablets.

The truly rugged segment of the mobile computer and smartphone market is growing and becoming more attractive to the mass market, and the mass producers of smartphones are manufacturing more ruggedish devices. We have a convergence here. Where will it leave the often small, specialized rugged computer manufacturers?

Traditional, truly rugged mobile computer manufacturers have, for decades, been churning out truly rugged devices. Ruggedness is “in their DNA,” as they often claim. Are the large smartphone manufacturers now invading their domain?

I think not. On the contrary, a new focus on consumers’ need for durable products will benefit the rugged mobile computer industry since they are best equipped to make truly rugged devices. The professional field worker will stick with the products from the specialized rugged mobile computer manufacturers simply because the products are so much better. A ruggedish smartphone will not be able to handle the tough working environments that field workers experience.

For field professionals and their employers, the question about reliability and the cost of downtime is also important. They simply cannot afford to lose valuable time because of hardware malfunctions. If a rugged mobile computer is critical for business, they will not choose a ruggedish computer.

Other reasons the traditional rugged computer manufacturers still have a strong position:

• Designing and manufacturing rugged mobile computers is difficult. It takes a lot of competence and experience that are not easy to acquire.
• Life cycle management: The rugged computer makers have a longer perspective on the products and often offer five-year support and service plans. Their goal is for the products to last for many years, regardless of fashion.
• The rugged computer producers choose components with long life cycles, and the components are designed for industrial use (which increases performance and longevity).
• An attractive ecosystem of accessories is available on the market—vehicle cradles, chargers, docks, carry cases, etc., many from independent suppliers.
• The rugged computer manufacturers have an existing sales and marketing network to distribute rugged mobile computers to the desired target groups.
• The rugged computer manufacturers have existing and comprehensive service and support plans, which enable customers to speedily and cost-efficiently repair damaged smartphones and computers for several years after the purchase.

The trend toward more rugged computers is beneficial for everyone. Traditional cellphone manufacturers will be able to offer more durable products to the mass market, but the specialized rugged computer manufacturers will still be best equipped to supply truly rugged computers to everyone.