When it comes to choosing mobile solutions, cheaper isn’t always better. I
might sound like a salesperson for a mobile computing vendor, but hear this
out. Most companies make their technology buying decisions for nearly
everything based on price – and rightly so. But sometimes, the needs of the
technology users demand a bigger investment. For example, utility companies
commonly arm their technicians with rugged laptops, which can be two to
three times as expensive as consumer laptops or industrial handheld
computers. But rather than balk at the thought of paying more, you can make
a case for doing so based on the essential work your mobile workers need to
do and the life span of the devices the users will experience, just as those in
the utility field have done.

SOMETIMES, BIGGER IS BETTER IN MOBILITY

Small and light isn’t always the best choice when it comes to mobile
computers. A PocketPC or BlackBerry device works great for delivery drivers,
sales reps, and even meter readers. However, some field work requires more
functionality from a device. This is especially true for utility companies, where
processing power and large screen size are essential to the job. “The biggest
driver for device choice in utilities is the the fact that the device needs to
support graphical functions for technicians to do their work,” says Matt Gerber,
senior VP of product line management for Itronix Corp. “Utility technicians are
very dependent upon GIS [geographical information systems] to display maps
of utility grids, street maps, the location of power lines and poles, etc.
Providing this information requires a great deal of processing power and hard
drive space – I’ve seen some files that are 20 to 25 GB. You can’t fit that
power in a small computer.”

Screen brightness and size also are key features for utilities. Technicians can’t
adequately view the detailed maps necessary to do their jobs on screens that
are 4 inches by 4 inches. Also, they’re almost always working outside, where
sunlight can hamper the view of screens, so brightness is a necessity. “In
addition to the factor of sunlight, most utilities have an aging workforce,” points
out Mike McMahon, director of workforce automation for Panasonic Computer
Solutions Company. “The screens need to be bright enough to make up for
eyesight that might not be what it used to be.” Enabling a bright screen can
drain battery life, which means longer lasting, and usually bigger, batteries are
essential.

One of the reasons rugged laptops are more expensive than commercialgrade
laptops is the high level of customization that can be done on the
devices. Most rugged laptops are built to order, and many manufacturers, like
Panasonic and Grayhill, do their own manufacturing (rather than outsource it
to China or Taiwan, or OEM a device). This enables you to get exactly what
you want from the device, rather than compromise on specs that are available.
“The needs of customers that choose to go rugged are usually very specific,”
says Keith Hansen, VP of the embedded group at Grayhill.

“Device customization is necessary to meet those specific needs.”

MOBILE OS AFFECTS DEVICE CHOICE

When considering rugged laptops, the functions of your workers should be first
and foremost in your mind. However, note that some factors in your decision
are fixed: operating systems, for instance. Despite the customization that is
available, there isn’t a lot of flexibility on what applications or functions are
supported by certain OSs. For instance, if you want to keep your mobile
workers on a certain OS, such as what your company uses, you might get
locked into a limited number of notebooks. If you want your laptop screens to
be touch-enabled (using a stylus or fingers for input), you’ll need a
manufacturer that can support the proper OS necessary to enable touchbased
data input. “More and more, rugged laptops have touch screen
capabilities,” says Matt Hutton, mobile business development manager for
Seneca Data. “This is more prevalent because the OSs are more available,
and more applications are being written for touch screen OSs.”

KNOW THE TCO OF MOBILE DEPLOYMENTS

One phrase you’ll hear from every rugged laptop manufacturer you talk to is
TCO. This is a calculation of the cost of a device over its life. In the case of
rugged laptops, it is vital to understand TCO because the initial investment in
the devices is so high. McMahon explains TCO in an example: “An IT
department says to buy a $1,200 computer at a consumer store,” he says.
“Rugged laptops are two to three times more expensive. However, the
average notebook, once it leaves the office, has a 20% to 30% failure rate.
Most rugged laptops have a failure rate of less than 10%, and users keep the
computer for at least three years.” The TCO calculation sounds seductive, but
do the math and consider the uses of your mobile devices. You may find that
the cost of rugged might be too much of an investment for you.
Wireless is a key factor in your mobile decision as well. You have to
communicate with your technicians, route them where they need to go, and
schedule their customer visits. You cannot do this without a wireless
connection – and a real-time one at that. More and more rugged laptop
manufacturers are integrating wireless (yet are still able to easily replace the
radios should the technology change) into laptops as a standard feature. If
they aren’t, you can add it at the customization stage.