Why Rugged Laptops Work For Utilities

When it comes to choosing mobile solutions, cheaper isn't always better. I might sound like a salesperson for a mobile computing vendor, but hear this out. Most companies make their technology buying decisions for nearly everything based on price – and rightly so. But sometimes, the needs of the technology users demand a bigger investment. For example, utility companies commonly arm their technicians with rugged laptops, which can be two to three times as expensive as consumer laptops or industrial handheld computers. But rather than balk at the thought of paying more, you can make a case for doing so based on the essential work your mobile workers need to do and the life span of the devices the users will experience, just as those in the utility field have done.

SOMETIMES, BIGGER IS BETTER IN MOBILITY
Small and light isn't always the best choice when it comes to mobile computers. A PocketPC or BlackBerry device works great for delivery drivers, sales reps, and even meter readers. However, some field work requires more functionality from a device. This is especially true for utility companies, where processing power and large screen size are essential to the job. "The biggest driver for device choice in utilities is the the fact that the device needs to support graphical functions for technicians to do their work," says Matt Gerber, senior VP of product line management for Itronix Corp. "Utility technicians are very dependent upon GIS [geographical information systems] to display maps of utility grids, street maps, the location of power lines and poles, etc. Providing this information requires a great deal of processing power and hard drive space – I've seen some files that are 20 to 25 GB. You can't fit that power in a small computer."