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
| Mar 26, 2014
Zaha Hadid's glimmering 'cultural hub of Seoul' opens with fashion, flair [slideshow]
The new space, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, is a blend of park and cultural spaces meant for the public to enjoy.
| Mar 26, 2014
First look: Lockheed Martin opens Advanced Materials and Thermal Sciences Center in Palo Alto
The facility will host advanced R&D in emerging technology areas like 3D printing, energetics, thermal sciences, and nanotechnology.
| Mar 25, 2014
Sydney breaks ground on its version of the High Line elevated park [slideshow]
The 500-meter-long park will feature bike paths, study pods, and outdoor workspaces.
Sponsored | | Mar 25, 2014
Johns Hopkins chooses SLENDERWALL for a critical medical facility reconstruction
After decades of wear, the hand-laid brick envelope of the Johns Hopkins nine-story Nelson/Harvey inpatient facility began failing. SLENDERWALL met the requirements for renovation.
| Mar 25, 2014
World's tallest towers: Adrian Smith, Gordon Gill discuss designing Burj Khalifa, Kingdom Tower
The design duo discusses the founding of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architects and the design of the next world's tallest, Kingdom Tower, which will top the Burj Khalifa by as much as a kilometer.
| Mar 24, 2014
Shigeru Ban receives 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize
Shigeru Ban, a Tokyo-born, 56-year-old architect with offices in Tokyo, Paris, and New York, is rare in the field of architecture. He designs elegant, innovative work for private clients, and uses the same inventive and resourceful design approach for his extensive humanitarian efforts.
| Mar 24, 2014
Snøhetta unveils plans for serpentine mountain hotel
The winding hotel and apartment building will be built between the mountains and the sea in remote Glåpen, Norway.
| Mar 24, 2014
Frank Lloyd Wright's S.C. Johnson Research Tower to open to the public—32 years after closing
The 14-story tower, one of only two Wright-designed high-rises to be built, has been off limits to the public since its construction in 1950.
Sponsored | | Mar 21, 2014
Kameleon Color paint creates color-changing, iridescent exterior for Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral
Linetec finishes Firestone’s UNA-CLAD panels, achieving a one-of-a-kind, dynamic appearance with the first use of Valspar’s new Kameleon Color
| Mar 21, 2014
Forget wood skyscrapers - Check out these stunning bamboo high-rise concepts [slideshow]
The Singapore Bamboo Skyscraper competition invited design teams to explore the possibilities of using bamboo as the dominant material in a high-rise project for the Singapore skyline.