When it comes to rugged mobile devices for the AEC market, the story lately has had less to do with the hardware itself and more with the deluge of hardened and weather-resistant cases, bags, and accessories to hit the market.
Sure, companies like Motion Computing, Panasonic, Trimble, and even Caterpillar (read our review of Cat's new rugged phone) continue to manufacture ruggedness-built-in tablets and smartphones. But many AEC firms are choosing to go with less costly consumer-grade mobile devices (iPad, iPhone, Galaxy, etc.) hardened with third-party accessories.
“From my perspective, rugged means heavy and slow,” says Peter Rumpf, Integrated Construction Manager with Mortenson Construction, and a BD+C “40 Under 40” honoree (class of 2012). “Our strategy is to treat the mobile device as a consumable and let the end user protect their device as they see fit.”
To find out which cases and accessories are popular among AEC professionals, we reached out to several BD+C readers with expertise in computer hardware. Here’s what they recommend (with some editors’ favorites mixed in):
1. OtterBox Defender Series iPad case
A mainstay in the rugged mobile device market, the Defender Series iPad case uses a multi-layer approach to protect tablets from bumps, shocks, drops, and dust (but not water) intrusion. An inner, two-piece polycarbonate shell has a foam interior for shock absorption, and a silicone outer layer absorbs impact from bumps and shocks. The textured exterior offers enhanced grip, and a built-in screen protector prevents scratches, smudges, and fingerprints. The integrated shield stand acts as a protective cover and doubles as a kickstand for typing or viewing. $89.95
Why BD+C reader Jarrod Krug recommends it: “Several customers have told us that they run Autodesk BIM 360 Field on iPads in these OtterBox cases—collectively on hundreds of devices at dozens of job sites—and they have performed in the worst of environments, with little or no issues.” —Jarrod Krug, BIM 360 Industry Marketing Manager, Autodesk
OtterBox | www.otterbox.com
2. Pelican ProGear Vault Series for the iPad Air and iPad mini
Designed for the military, law enforcement, and fire services industries, the Pelican ProGear Vault Series for the iPad Air and iPad mini is engineered with an elastomeric copolymer interior that absorbs impact forces, even drops from up to four feet. The case features an ingress protection rating of 54 for safeguarding against extreme elements, such as wind-driven rain, dust, dirt, snow, and sand. Optical-grade Dragontrail glass on the rear camera offers maximum clarity without sacrificing protection. $99.95 ($79.95 for iPad mini version)
Why we recommend it: The Pelican provides the ruggedness required for almost any job site with some nice performance features like a nifty hinged cover that doubles as a stand and a water-resistant membrane that protects the microphone and speakers without sacrificing voice quality.
Pelican Products | www.pelicanprogear.com
3. OtterBox Utility Series Latch II carrying case
The Utility Series Latch II carrying case comes with a versatile set of straps for multiple carrying, tethering, and display options—including palm grip, over-the-shoulder sling, and desktop stand. Designed for Defender Series tablet cases, the Latch II works with most 10-inch tablets. An optional accessory bag comes with a leg strap, S-biner, and neck strap, and doubles as a tablet stand. $39.95 ($49.95 with accessory bag)
Why BD+C reader Megan Looby recommends it: “This product is great because it has a long strap that allows you to wear your tablet across your body while in the field, leaving your hands free. On a recent job, almost all the subs used them to protect their iPads, which were used extensively for accessing drawings and specs in the field.” — Megan Looby, Project Manager, CBRE Healthcare
OtterBox | www.otterbox.com
4. Trident Kraken A.M.S Series case for the iPhone 5
Mention the term “rugged” and often what comes to mind is “bulky,” “heavy,” or “sluggish.” Sure, that smartphone can take a beating, but good luck stuffing it in your pocket. The re-engineered Kraken A.M.S Series case for the iPhone 5 and 5s is designed to provide the best of both worlds: impact and weather protection in a slim, ergonomic package. The case is 20% thinner than its predecessor, yet still meets the MIL-STD-810F standard for performance and durability in harsh environments. $49.95
Why we recommend it: It offers the protection of a heavy-duty case in a wrap not much thicker than light-duty cases. It comes equipped with a handy media stand that can be switched out with accessories geared for fieldwork, like a belt clip, windshield mount, and universal mount.
Trident Case | www.tridentcase.com
5. iBackFlip Somersault case
The iBackFlip Somersault has become popular among AEC professionals for its dual functionality—the backpack doubles as a hands-free mobile workstation. Flip the carrying case from back to front, unzip the pouch, and you’re ready to work on your tablet device. Adjustable straps keep the tablet at an ideal angle for the user. The straps can be disengaged and the case flipped 180 degrees for use on a desktop or other flat surface. $89.95
Why we recommend it: While not rugged, the Somersault gets our vote for its blend of convenience, functionality, and portability. The durable, water-resistant bag provides quick, on-the-go access to almost any tablet device (even small laptops like the 13-inch MacBook Air) and features pockets, utility hooks, stylus holders, and other storage and performance goodies.
BackFlip Studios | http://ibackflip.com
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Feb 17, 2015
Young Millennials likely to return home
Ninety percent of individuals born between 1980 and 1984 and who hold a Bachelor’s degree left home before they were 27 years hold. However, half of this group later returned to their parents’ home, according to a study by the National Longitudinal Study of Youth.
Sponsored | Modular Building | Feb 17, 2015
When lava flow in Hawaii threatens a public school district, officials turn to modular
Hawaii Modular Space, a Williams Scotsman company, designed temporary classroom space for the Pahoa and Keeau schools that would become displaced due to ongoing lava flow in Pahoa, Hawaii.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 17, 2015
10 healthcare trends worth sharing
The rise of the medical home model of care and ongoing Lean value stream improvement are among the top healthcare industry trends.
High-rise Construction | Feb 17, 2015
Work begins on Bjarke Ingels' pixelated tower in Calgary
Construction on Calgary’s newest skyscraper, the 66-story Telus Sky Tower, recently broke ground.
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2015
First Look: Sacramento Planning Commission approves mixed-use tower by the new Kings arena
The project, named Downtown Plaza Tower, will have 16 stories and will include a public lobby, retail and office space, 250 hotel rooms, and residences at the top of the tower.
Architects | Feb 13, 2015
OMA commissioned to design newest New York High Line addition
Rem Koolhaas is the latest addition to the list of starchitects working on projects near the High Line elevated park.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
ASHRAE, USGBC, IES consider biomass requirements in green building standard
The proposal would add biomass to approved renewables.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Office Buildings | Feb 12, 2015
Is Houston headed for an office glut?
More than 13 million sf could be completed this year, adding to this metro’s double-digit vacancy woes.
Modular Building | Feb 12, 2015
New shipping container complex begins construction in Albuquerque
The Green Jeans Farmery already has a hydroponic farm component courtesy of owner and entrepreneur Roy Solomon.
