Not necessarily, but a photographer or videographer who shoots in the field may want a device that’s designed to withstand more bumps, some exposure to moisture, and protection from dust. Ditto a frequent traveler or a bike commuter lugging an external drive back and forth to an office daily. I’d also lump in klutzes, butterfingers, and folks who know—sometimes despite their best efforts—they drop and bang up gear. Rugged devices generally have a protective coating, coverings for ports, and feature IP codes to indicate how much dust and water they can resist. If the portable device is only carried occasionally, the extra cost of “rugged” features may not be beneficial.