EN PRESS AND GALLERY CONTACT HOME PRODUCTS SOLUTIONS WHY RUGGED PARTNERS SUPPORT ABOUT US WHY RUGGED TESTING RUGGED RUGGED COMPUTERS ARE MORE THAN JUST “HARD SHELLS” Even professional users of rugged laptops, tablets and smartphones are sometimes unsure of what defines a “rugged computer,” which tests validate ruggedness and how these tests are carried out. RUGGED VS. “RUGGEDIZED” COMPUTERS A truly rugged computer is much more than just a normal computer wrapped in a tough outer case. Consider the difference between a “rugged” computer and a “ruggedized” computer (or tablet or smartphone). The term “ruggedized” gives the sense that fragile internal components have been somehow protected — but a truly rugged computer is designed from the inside out to operate reliably in very harsh environments and conditions. Tough and durable mobile computers and smartphones are gaining in demand and popularity. Some mainstream devices are advertised as rugged because of features such as water resistance, but these devices are ruggedized, not truly rugged. They might be waterproof, but they lack other aspects of ruggedness, such as the ability to withstand vibrations or shocks and to function well in extreme temperatures. HOW DO WE TEST OUR RUGGED HANDHELDS? To be considered rugged, computers have to undergo multiple tests for ruggedness. The industry standards are MIL-STD test methods and the Ingress Protection scale. MIL-STD tests, i.e. the United States military standard for equipment, include twenty-four laboratory test methods that ensure equipment can handle low pressure at high altitudes; exposure to high and low temperatures, plus temperature shocks; rain; humidity; sand and dust exposure; leakage; and shock and vibration. + WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! FIND YOUR LOCAL OFFICE © 2014 Handheld Group. All rights reserved. Images, texts and other material downloaded from the Handheld web pages may not be reproduced in any form, without prior written permission from the Handheld Group. Algiz® and Nautiz® are registered trademarks of Handheld Group AB.