Rugged Tablet PCs Replacing Laptops And Handhelds In Field Services

This article by Derek Oja at MobileDemand discusses the rapid replacement of traditional PCs and time-consuming paperwork-centric processes in the utility and energy industries with lightweight hand-held rugged tablet PCs. This shift is due to the ability of rugged tablets to go anywhere and do anything, providing the benefits of having a reliable computer in the field that is protected from damage in the harsh environments field workers operate in.

Utility crews work outdoors year round, often responding to natural disasters and working in those harsh conditions to restore vital services. These field workers also deal with customers under normal conditions and must be able to provide fast and accurate service. With a rugged tablet PC the information and resources needed to get the job done is available anytime and anywhere to get the job done quickly and accurately.

An important aspect of rugged tablet PCs is the ability to operate in real-life work conditions anywhere an employee needs to go. This article notes the importance of a rugged tablet PC to be able to shrug off any of these conditions it may encounter:

• Dust, water, even flammable gasses.
• Vibration and hard knocks such as drops onto concrete floors.  
• Severe and fluctuation temperatures.

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