Mobile Computing

Ruggedized vertical market handheld computers and rugged PDAs are the unsung heroes of the mobile computing revolution. They are tough tools for the job, and their impact on productivity and the financial bottom line can be tremendous.

Not too long ago it was unthinkable to expect computing power away from the desk, and then a time when it was unthinkable to have it where you need it most: out in the field and on the job. As a result, field force workers had to make do with pen and paper that often resulted in errors, delays, and an inability to access and forward data when it was needed most.

About 15 years ago, some companies began using pen computers for such field work, and some of those applications were quite successful. But full-fledged pen computers cost a lot, and thus computer penetration in field force applications remained low. That is now changing with the emergence of Tablet PCs and relatively low cost handhelds that benefit from the great advances in consumer market handheld technology.

Most of the devices you see in this section use the same electronic components you find in a Palm or a Pocket PC, but they are packaged in tough, rugged shells and designed for the job at hand. They come in several form factors. Some look just like slightly larger PDAs. Others carry on the convenient “flashlight” style of earlier generations of data terminals. Some have pistol grips for easy handling. Others are small-size tablets. Many have integrated bar code scanners or lasers. And they may use anything from minimal technology to state-of-the-art CPUs and displays.
There are also those that were designed from the ground up for use as rugged devices, with all of their components carefully selected to hold up in much more demanding environments in terms of sealing, vibration, shock, resistance to heat and cold, and other criteria.

(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

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