Opinion on rugged laptops for the enterprise
Our field techs current Toughbook laptops are now out of warranty. We are looking at buying some new ones, but are wondering if anyone has any experience with anything other than Panasonic.
OS choices are not a big deal, since thay both are familar with 7.
We are looking at semi-rugged with possbile imbedded Verizon cell modems.
Software/Hardware used:
Windows xp, windows 7, server 2003
Software/Hardware used:
Windows xp, windows 7, server 2003
ASKED:
April 19, 2011 1:56 PM
UPDATED:
July 1, 2011 6:36 PM
Answer Wiki:
I raise my hand for Dell rugged laptop which provides high performance computing & enough toughness to operate it properly. Needless to say that, it is equipped with reliable data protection and smooth operations. U may consider for "<a href="http://www1.ca.dell.com/ca/en/enterprise/Laptops/laptop-latitude-xfr-e6400/pd.aspx?refid=laptop-latitude-xfr-e6400&cs=calca1&s=biz">Latitude E6400 XFR</a>" or "Latitude XT2 XFR"....
Also u may try for "<a href="http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=c00351572&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN">HP Rugged Notebook nr3600</a>". Now it depends on u ! But my preference is Dell.
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Thanks for the input. We were looking at those models.
the powers that be will decide, but I would like to use Dell also.
Thanks for ur quick reply. But before buy / use must clear all queries in all respect regarding this issue.
The Panasonic line is hard to beat for its nitch. It all depends on how rugged and your other requirements. I am sure that price is king and you are looking to cut back costs.
I just spec’d out a Motion Computing slate Tablet PC (F5v) for the refigeration techs. They needed a ruggedized device that can operate in sub-freezing and above 100 degrees. Not cheap, but meets the needs.
For others I have used the Panasonic for full rugged and Dell’s (or other’s) semi-ruggedized.
One thing I insist on in ruggedized specifications on all new systems is a solid state drive. That is one less major failure point.
The biggest questions you should look at are:
- Will a less rugedized device meet the service levels for the field techs?
(This is a big yes / no one.)
- How rough are your field users on the equipment?
- What was the failure rate you experienced?
- How did your failure rate compare to other users of that device in your usage scenario?
- How did your failure rate compare to industry averages for that tye of device?
- Did you purchase and use a ‘no-fault’ type warrentee?
- How much down time is acceptable?
(I know, everyone wants zero.)
As mentioned by Pjb0222, i am in the mining industry and as far as tests done the Panasonic is on top of the game when it gets to toughbooks, they are rugged and DON’T break!I would only suggest them to you!