Rugged Computers are More Than Just 'Hard Shells'

摘要

Even professional users of rugged laptops, tablets and smart-phones, are sometimes unsure of what defines a "rugged computer" and how the various tests to validate ruggedness are carried out. A truly rugged computer is so much more than just a normal computer wrapped in a tough outer case, as Handheld's CEO Jerker Hellstrom explains in this article. First of all, let us distinguish between a "rugged" computer and a "ruggedized" computer (or tablet or smartphone). A rugged computer is designed to operate reliably in very harsh environments and conditions. The term "ruggedized" gives the sense that fragile internal components have been somehow protected. Truly rugged devices are not simply wrapped in a tough shell. Tough and durable mobile computers and smartphones are gaining in popularity, because the customers demand more durable products, and there are actually some mainstream devices that could be described as ruggedized (and are often advertised as rugged). But they are not truly rugged. They might be waterproof but lack other aspects of ruggedness, like the ability to withstand vibrations/shocks and function well in extreme temperatures.