Rugged Computer Product User Reviews

We believe that Product User Reviews are extremely valuable to those looking to acquire technology products. For this reason Group Mobile collects and shares user product reviews on our website for all to see. If you use a rugged portable computer, of any make or model, please take a few minutes to complete our four-question Rugged Computer Survey. To read other user reviews, visit www.groupmobile.com/productreviews.asp. To learn more about Group Mobile or to purchase a Rugged Computer, visit www.groupmobile.com or call 866-RUGGED8.

                                                       

Special CLOSEOUT Pricing on the GD8000! SRP $4,945 – Save $3,025!

The General Dynamics Itronix GD8000 fully rugged laptop is designed for the toughest user and tested to meet, and even exceed military standards. From its the water tight case and shock mounted display, to the ability to withstand 48″ drops, it is ready for years of rugged use. The GD8000 featured in this closeout is powered by an Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor and features a shock-mounted hard drive with a heater, 1GB RAM, Windows 7, and a 13.3″ DynaVue® display with touchscreen for excellent viewability in all lighting conditions. This configuration also has impressive communications capabilities including Bluetooth and GPS. Learn More…

Other GD8000 CLOSEOUT configurations are also available while supplies last! Call for more information or request a quote.

Ultra Rugged Computers for Extraordinary Conditions

Getac X500 
Fully Rugged Notebook
The Getac X500 fully rugged notebook joins extreme durability, ultra fast speed, and expandability to create the ultimate mobile computing solution for military and field operations. The Getac X500 is military-certified for operation in the most extreme conditions. It is certified for ruggedness and shock protection, and its IP65 rating protects the unit from water and dust. The Getac X500 rugged notebook’s design and it’s 5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty make it an ideal mobile computing solution to meet virtually every communications and environmental challenge that military and field operations personnel face today.  Starting at $4,759

Xplore iX104C5 DMSR 
Fully Rugged Tablet

The Xplore iX104C5 DMSR (Dual-Mode Sunlight-Readable) fully rugged tablet stands up to real world conditions such as 4′ operating drops to concrete, heavy rain, blowing sand and dust, continuous vibration, temperature extremes, and more. The iX104C5 utilizes a remote heat exchanger technology while maintaining a submersible IP67 rating. This fully rugged tablet delivers powerhouse performance with the Intel Core i7 platform as well as the AllVue Xtreme outdoor display technology.  Starting at $4,599

Trimble Ranger 3 
Fully Rugged Handheld
The Trimble Ranger 3 Series rugged handheld has the mobile computing tools field service workers depend on. Some standard integrated features on the Ranger include: an ultra-fast processor, 256MB RAM, and 8GB of Flash storage for speed and performance along with a 30-hour long-life, hot-swappable battery that can work all day without being recharged. It meets demanding military standards for drops, vibration, humidity, altitude, and temperature extremes. It also comes with an IP67 rating, meaning the Ranger handheld is completely sealed against dust, and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. This rugged handheld is truly ready for the outdoors!  Starting at $2,699

Ever wonder how rugged computers are rated?  

Ratings are set by various government agencies, industry groups and/or independent laboratories and are cited by manufacturers in order to establish a more exact degree of environmental protection and reliability.

View IP-rating table and other standards/ratings

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Do Rugged Computers Cost More or Less?

On a fairly frequent basis, Group Mobile provides a price quotation to a prospective customer on a ruggedized computer…and when we follow-up the prospect says something like, “Well, the decision was made to buy commercial computers since the ruggedized computers were higher in price. We felt like we could save quite a bit of money and if the plastic computers break, we can just buy new ones and we would still save money over buying ruggedized equipment.”

Then invariably, a few weeks or months later, the same person calls back and says something like, “I guess we are ready for those ruggedized computers now. We tried the commercial plastic computers and they were failing every couple of weeks. Our guys were ‘down’ and without their computers for days at a time. It was costing us a fortune in lost productivity, not to mention the hassle of losing data and having to constantly re-load our software on the repaired computers.”

So why does this scenario repeat itself over and over again? We can only blame ourselves…the people who are involved in manufacturing and selling rugged, mobile computers. We have not done a great job of educating people about the necessity of ruggedization when using a computer in a vehicle, in a factory, in a warehouse, in a service bay, or out in the field. Construction companies, utility departments, service, repair, inspection, delivery companies, police departments, etc, think nothing about spending thousands of dollars for the equipment specialized for their job or their business, but balk when it comes to buying specialized computers. They are just not fully aware that commercial grade computers are not designed for vehicle, warehouse or field use.
We all know that there is a difference in price and cost. The price is what you pay up front for an item. The cost is what you spend over the course of the life of the item. Rugged computers are priced higher but cost less. The primary reasons for this are less down time, less lost data, fewer repair costs and increased worker productivity. Obviously, this is only true when said computers are to be used in or on a vehicle, in a dusty dirty environment, in a hot or cold environment, outdoors, or on-site.

In every job there is a right and a wrong tool for the job. Commercial portable computers are perfect for indoor, white-collar, taking home at night, or flying on a business trip. Rugged mobile computers are the right tools for those with jobs in demanding environments. Rugged computers actually cost less! Read More…
 

Getac S400 Semi-Rugged Notebook

The New S400 Semi-Rugged Notebook is Packed with Features and Ready to Ship! Order yours Today!

The new Getac S400 semi-rugged laptop is one of the most durable semi-rugged notebook computers on the market. It features Getac’s KryptoShell™ body which allows the S400 to meet or exceed military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for temperature, shock, vibration, and drops from up to 2.5 feet. Folks on the move will certainly appreciate the high performance and durability this notebook has to offer.

Features:

  • Upgraded daylight-viewable, 14 inch, widescreen, display with glove-friendly, multi-touch technology
  • Meets or exceeds MIL-STD-810G standards for temperature, shock, vibration, and drops from up to 2.5 feet
  • Integrated wireless capabilities including 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, and Gobi
  • Loaded with advanced security features including a built-in TPM 1.2 module, fingerprint scanner, and SmartCard reader
  • Three-year warranty – protects all major system components

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit http://www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Best Bargain in a Vehicle-Rated Ruggedized Laptop

Performance and durability come together in the GD6000 to create a rugged notebook that is equally at home in the office and on the road. Designed for mobile workforces, the GD6000 Vehicle Rugged Notebook is optimized for in-vehicle deployments. It meets fully-rugged standards for temperature, vibration, dust ingress and humidity. This ruggedized laptop can also survive punishing 30″ drops and comes standard with a spill resistant keyboard, dual task lights and the industry’s best 13/3″ outdoor viewable touchscreen display featuring DynaVue technology. It has options for GPS, WWAN, and a fully functional vehicle dock. This best-in-class road durability does not come at the expense of office performance. The GD6000 Vehicle Rugged Notebook is equipped with the Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor and up to 4 GB of memory. An optional office dock, external keyboard, mouse, and display make office work a breeze. For best-in-class durability, performance, and unparalleled outdoor viewability check out the GD6000 – it works where you work.

Take advantage of our special pricing for April 2010. Save $500! Click here to read more. For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit http://www.groupmobile.com/ or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Group Mobile is your Vehicle Mount Superstore

A computer vehicle mount keeps your computer securely in place and close at hand for increased efficiency. Group Mobile carries an extensive line of vehicle mounts and computer stands to choose from. Even if your computer is not a rugged mobile computer, our car and truck computer mounts fit all brands including Dell, HP, Motorola, Lenovo, Fujitsu, Sony and others. If you can’t find the vehicle computer stand or mount you are looking for, please contact our Computer Vehicle Mount Specialist. Or visit our website to learn more about the Vehicle Mount brands that Group Mobile proudly offers… brands like RAM, Gamber-Johnson, Havis, Ledco, and Jotto. Or click here to learn more about computer vehicle mounts.

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit http://www.groupmobile.com/ or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Best Computers for Field Service Applications

Whether you are in field sales, service or repair, rugged laptops allow you to be more productive. Unlike commercial laptops, a rugged laptop will not fail you out in the field even if you happen to drop it or spill liquids on it. More importantly, rugged laptops have sunlight viewable displays so that you can see your screen even when the sun is glaring. All rugged laptops come with a shock mounted hard drive, waterproof keyboard and magnesium alloy casing. Click here to see Group Mobile’s suggestions for the best Field Service models.

For more information regarding rugged mobile computing visit www.groupmobile.com or call us at 1-866-RUGGED-8.

Can’t Decide Between a Tablet PC and a Laptop?

Why not have both?

The Getac V100 convertible rugged computer converts from a tablet PC to a laptop with a quick swivel motion. This new rugged computer comes standard with a 10.4” touchscreen display that can be upgraded to a 12.1” screen. Weighing less than 5 pounds you can carry this computer around everywhere you go. Did I mention this computer is also water-proof to protect the computer from unexpected spills and sprays?

Click for Details