PRODUCT & TECH
Is Work Better with a
Rugged Smartphone ? Yes .
Wherever you live and work there is extreme weather . Our changing climate often delivers scorching heat , brutal humidity , spontaneous downpours , and even the occasional dust storm . At the mine , these conditions are all in a day ’ s work .
When navigating extreme , hazardous , and dirty environments , reliable communication is not a luxury – it ’ s a necessity . It can literally mean the difference between productivity or downtime , safety or danger , and completing the job on time – or not .
What is a rugged smartphone ? The term ‘ rugged ’ is a classification of durability for computers and mobile phones used outdoors , and is comprised of three categories : semi-rugged , fullyrugged , and ultra-rugged . In general , these terms tell you how well a device will stand up to harsh conditions . Semirugged devices have slightly more protection than a consumer product , and feature a heavy-duty case and spill resistance . Devices that are fullyrugged undergo a higher level of testing to ensure they stand up to extreme temperatures , water immersion , dust and shock . Ultra-rugged devices can withstand the harshest conditions and are almost indestructible .
While it ’ s logical to think the value of ruggedness is in a device ’ s durability , there are other features equally important in a rugged device – especially if your job takes you to dirty , dusty , and harsh places .
What to look for in a rugged device A rugged smartphone is more than just a mobile phone that doesn ’ t break if dropped . It provides similar benefits to other rugged computers , but in a smaller , more portable form factor , and with the added feature of phone communication .
The best rugged smartphones also collect data , take high-quality photos , have screens that can be viewed in sunlight , and have long-lasting batteries .
Internet connectivity , real-time data collection and transmission , long battery life , and collaboration features are equally important to durability when it comes to rugged mobile devices . Within the last decade , a number of manufacturers have released
‘ ruggedised ’ smartphones suited to active lifestyles outdoors . They may be sturdier and waterproof , but if your work takes you through extreme weather , rugged terrain , or remote areas , these devices may not be rugged enough . One smartphone that deserves recognition is the fully-rugged Cedar CP3 Rugged Smartphone from Juniper Systems Limited . The newest model withstands temperatures from -30˚C to 60˚C , has an IP68 rating making it waterproof , dustproof , and shockproof , and has been tested against MIL-STD-810G .
But the appeal of this phone is in the details . It boasts a whopping 6000 mAh battery which lasts up to 16 hours even with constant use . The CP3 also has front and rear cameras ; 64 GB of internal storage ; and a large , ultra-bright and sharp display that is viewable even in bright sunlight .
Rugged devices that offer more than communications are increasingly becoming the standard for harsh and dirty mining environments . Ruggedness means more than just durability – it means reliability , longevity , capacity , and power .
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