Navigating Operational Excellence: Uncovering the Top 5 Rugged Handheld Computers for Your Business
27 February 2024
Handpicked for Success:
Discover the Top 5 Rugged Handheld Computers Revolutionising Operations in 2024
Rugged handheld computers stand out
from the crowd, they are engineered for resilience and designed to withstand the toughest conditions
with ease. Tougher than your average smartphone or tablet, these devices are known for their exceptional
durability. They can out pace and outlast their consumer-grade counterparts,
especially in demanding industrial settings
such as manufacturing,
warehousing and distribution. However, with so many models on the market, choosing
the right device for your organisation can be overwhelming.
Our blog aims to simplify the selection process. We are excited to
present our top five rugged handheld computers, complete with expert insights
to guide you, so that you can choose the rugged device that best meets your
unique needs.
The Rise of Rugged Handheld Computing
The popularity of rugged handheld computers is surging across varied
business sectors, thanks to their superior security, connectivity, battery
life, durability, and overall user experience. These robust mobile computers
have become essential in numerous industrial environments, supporting important
daily operations in environments where ordinary consumer-grade devices simply don't measure up.
Key Applications of Rugged Handheld
Computing Across Industries:
Retail:
If you work in retail settings, the rugged handheld computer can enhance
your efficiency by streamlining transaction processing, enabling accurate
inventory barcode scanning, and ensuring pricing accuracy, thereby improving
the customer experience.
Warehouse,
Transportation
and Logistics:
The application of rugged handheld computers play an indispensable role in the warehouse and logistics
industries, from barcode scanning and inventory management to improving
navigation and enabling digital signature capture. They provide you with real-time
updates, significantly optimising the supply chain process.
Field service workers rely on handheld computing for managing work
orders, conducting tests, and maintaining communication with team members.
Features such as lone worker monitoring and location tracking not only ensure
safety and compliance but also facilitate your shift from paper-based to
digital systems.
Choosing the Right Rugged Handheld Computer: Understanding Semi-Rugged vs. Fully
Rugged
At TouchStar, we specialise in offering rugged handheld computers that are tailored to varying
environmental demands, with two main categories available: semi-rugged and
fully rugged. Each type is built to withstand different levels of environmental
challenges, ensuring you find the perfect match for your needs.
Semi-Rugged Handheld Computers
Ideal for facing low to moderate environmental hazards, our semi-rugged handheld
computers or semi rugged handheld pda’s blend the core functionalities of
standard commercial hardware with enhanced durability. These modifications
increase resilience and maintain everyday usability, striking a perfect balance
for those needing reliability without the bulkiness often associated with
rugged equipment.
Fully Rugged Handheld Computers
For situations that demand the maximum in device toughness, our line of
fully rugged
mobile computers stands
unmatched. Designed to confront the most extreme conditions, these devices
boast unparalleled resistance to drops, shocks, vibrations, as well as water
and dust. If your operations encounter some of the harshest environments, a
fully rugged mobile computer ensures continuous performance and reliability, no
matter the challenges.
Top 5 Rugged Handheld Computers
Small and medium-sized businesses are facing immense pressure to elevate
customer service, boost productivity, and meet supply chain demands. The key to
achieving these goals lies in leveraging advanced technology to enhance your
mobile workforce's efficiency and improve customer interactions - all without
straining the budget. Enter these top five mobile computers, designed with
these exact challenges in mind.
Fully Rugged
Handheld Computers
The
TouchStar TS8200 is not just any rugged handheld computer - it's your go-to for the most demanding warehouse
environments, from pallet to bulk storage. Built with durability in mind, it
features a robust blend of high-impact polycarbonate plastics and Sorbothane
rubber shock absorbers, all built around a sturdy metal alloy chassis. Its
ergonomic design and hard-capped keys are tailored for resilience.
But
that's not all, the TS8200 doesn't
just survive harsh environments - it thrives in them. Its dynamic data
collection is powered by a high-resolution speed laser scanner and advanced
imaging technology, making no scan too close or too far. And with a
hot-swappable battery, operations stay up and running, ensuring continuous
productivity and efficiency.
What
about visibility and documentation? The TS8200 has you covered. Its rugged
touchscreen provides clear visibility under any lighting condition, while the
high-performance 5M pixel camera captures everything in stunning detail,
boosting productivity and efficiency across all supply chain scenarios.
The
TS8200 stands out as a cost-effective choice, backed by direct support from its
UK-based manufacturer for seamless integration and minimal downtime. In short, it's a game-changer for those seeking reliability,
durability, and efficiency in one powerful package.
Looking
for a compact, lightweight solution that doesn't
compromise on ruggedness? The Zebra MC3300 is your perfect match. This device is
a trusted workhorse in both rugged and semi-rugged environments. It offers a
versatile range of scanning options (barcode, imager, RFID) and allows
operators to keep the workflow moving smoothly.
Designed
for efficiency and durability, the MC3300 offers a wide spectrum of choices to
fit your operational needs. Whether it's for a
warehouse, manufacturing site, or retail space, you can select from four
distinct form factors, four scanning engines, and three levels of functionality
to find your perfect operational fit.
Whether
you're dealing with barcodes that are up close or
at a distance, pristine or well-worn, the MC3300's advanced scanning technology
captures them all with ease. Need to capture high-resolution images, then opt
for the 13MP rear camera to expand its utility. With the horsepower to run any
application and top-notch wireless communication, including fast roaming, the
MC3300 ensures that your operations are as efficient as they are reliable.
With
a high drop specification of 5 ft./1.5 m, a robust Corning® Gorilla® Glass
touch panel, and a generous 4-inch display, the MC3300 is built to perform
under pressure and ensure your productivity never skips a beat.
Rugged/Semi
Rugged Handheld PDA’s
Designed with durability and reliability at its core, the TC22
reimagines what a rugged handheld computer can be. Its sleek smartphone design,
combined with a competitive price point, sets it apart from consumer phones,
offering powerful features that elevate worker productivity to new heights.
The TC22 ingeniously integrates a suite of advanced features into its
streamlined design. Its high-definition 6-inch FHD+ display, combined with
cutting-edge 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, ensures seamless operation. The
device also includes integrated scanners guaranteeing top-notch performance
across the board. With its faster, next-generation processor and
industry-leading memory, the TC22 ensures applications run smoothly and
efficiently, while the Android 16 operating system ensures your device is future
proofed.
Durability is where the TC22 truly excels. Engineered to thrive in the
most challenging conditions, it is waterproof, dust-proof, drop-proof, and
tumble-proof. The device not only meets, but exceeds, the demanding IP68
sealing standards and the rigorous MIL-STD 810 H and IEC industry benchmarks.
Zebra TC57 Rugged Mobile Computer -
Smart, tough & ready for anything!
At first glance, the TC57 might remind you of your typical
smartphone, but don't let its sleek design fool
you. This rugged handheld computer is built for the industrial battlefield. It stands
out from the crowd blending the intuitive ease of Android with unbeatable
performance.
Imagine capturing barcodes faultlessly on the first try, accessing
faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, streaming videos without a hitch, sending
secure messages, and utilising the most advanced voice solutions available. That's the TC57 experience. We're
talking maximum computing power for today's applications and whatever tomorrow
throws your way. Expect exceptional support for tracking locations, steadier
Wi-Fi connections, crystal-clear voice communications, and colour cameras that
capture everything in ultra-high resolution. Whether it's
for photos or gathering video intelligence, the TC57 delivers.
Drop it in water or onto concrete, use it in rain, snow, or in dusty
conditions - the TC57 can take it. It even has a sealed the battery compartment
to boost reliability. Plus, with Corning® Gorilla® Glass safeguarding the touch
panel and scanner window, you won't have to worry
about scratches or shattering.
With the TC57, you're getting a pocket
powerhouse engineered to bring the best of mobile computing right to your
fingertips - wherever work may take you.
Honeywell EDA 51 Mobile Computer –
rugged, sleek and cost effective
For businesses aiming to
ramp up productivity in light-duty retail, direct store delivery (DSD), pickup
and delivery services, and field applications, the EDA51 is a game-changer. The
EDA51 is not the most robust in our line-up, it is perfectly designed for
light-duty applications spanning retail to proof of delivery and combined with
its exceptional cost-effectiveness it is certainly a recommended choice. Its
standout feature is the enduring battery life, ideal for shift workers who need
reliable performance throughout their day. This model strikes an optimal
balance with integrated scanning capabilities, a powerful processor, an intuitive
touchscreen interface, and solid connectivity, all within a rugged yet sleek
design suited for the ergonomics of on-the-go use.
Its high-performance scanner
quickly captures data from even the most damaged barcodes, while the
13-megapixel auto-focus colour camera simplifies workflow documentation.
Coupled with a durable lithium-ion battery that supports over 12 hours of
continuous use, this device allows your team to stay operational the entire
shift. And it does all this at a cost-effective price.
Transform Your Operations with the Ideal Rugged Handheld Computer
Selecting
the right rugged handheld computer is more than just a purchase decision. It's a strategic one that shapes your operations,
enhances safety and optimises your financial bottom line. With the right rugged
mobile computer, you'll unlock efficiency, enjoy a
lower total cost of ownership, and relish the confidence that comes from a
solution tailored to your operational needs.
However,
it's essential to choose wisely and that’s where seeking expert advice is a smart strategy. If you are ready to revolutionise your rugged
mobile computing, we are here to help.
The
TouchStar team is here to guide and help you select the perfect device. We're committed to supporting you through
configuration, deployment, and beyond. From your initial consultation, through
to purchase, deployment and post-sales assistance, our mission is to match you
to the right rugged handheld computer for your business.
But
we don't stop there. Our UK-based support team
is dedicated to your ongoing success, offering comprehensive programs that
cover accidental damage and provide on-site troubleshooting for the lifespan of
your system.
Take the First Step Today
Receive
the rugged support your business deserves. Contact TouchStar
for a consultation and take the first steps towards efficiency, reliability and
unmatched technical support.