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
Green | Dec 9, 2022
Newly formed Net Zero Built Environment Council aims to decarbonize the built world
Global management consulting firm McKinsey recently launched the Net Zero Built Environment Council, a cross-sector coalition of industry stakeholders aiming to decarbonize the built world. The council’s chief goal is to collaboratively create new pathways to cut greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.
High-rise Construction | Dec 7, 2022
SOM reveals its design for Singapore’s tallest skyscraper
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has revealed its design for 8 Shenton Way—a mixed-use tower that will stand 63 stories and 305 meters (1,000 feet) high, becoming Singapore’s tallest skyscraper. The design team also plans to make the building one of Asia’s most sustainable skyscrapers. The tower incorporates post-pandemic design features.
Office Buildings | Dec 7, 2022
Software giant SAP opens engineering academy for its global engineering workforce
Software giant SAP has opened its new SAP Academy for Engineering on the company’s San Ramon, Calif. campus. Designed by HGA, the Engineering Academy will provide professional development opportunities for SAP’s global engineering workforce. At the Engineering Academy, cohorts from SAP offices across the globe will come together for intensive, six-month training programs.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 7, 2022
Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community to include affordable units
The newly unveiled design for Canada’s largest net-zero carbon residential community includes two towers that will create a new destination within Ottawa and form a striking gateway into LeBreton Flats. The development will be transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use, and include unprecedented sustainability targets. Dream LeBreton is a partnership between real estate companies Dream Asset Management, Dream Impact, and local non-profit MultiFaith Housing Initiative.
Student Housing | Dec 7, 2022
Cornell University builds massive student housing complex to accommodate planned enrollment growth
In Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University has completed its North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE) project. Designed by ikon.5 architects, the 776,000-sf project provides 1,200 beds for first-year students and 800 beds for sophomore students. The NCRE project aimed to accommodate the university’s planned growth in student enrollment while meeting its green infrastructure standards. Cornell University plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
Office Buildings | Dec 6, 2022
‘Chicago’s healthiest office tower’ achieves LEED Gold, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum
Goettsch Partners (GP) recently completed 320 South Canal, billed as “Chicago’s healthiest office tower,” according to the architecture firm. Located across the street from Chicago Union Station and close to major expressways, the 51-story tower totals 1,740,000 sf. It includes a conference center, fitness center, restaurant, to-go market, branch bank, and a cocktail lounge in an adjacent structure, as well as parking for 324 cars/electric vehicles and 114 bicycles.
Multifamily Housing | Dec 6, 2022
Austin's new 80-story multifamily tower will be the tallest building in Texas
Recently announced plans for Wilson Tower, a high-rise multifamily building in downtown Austin, Texas, indicate that it will be the state’s tallest building when completed. The 80-floor structure will rise 1,035 feet in height at 410 East 5th Street, close to the 6th Street Entertainment District, Austin Convention Center, and a new downtown light rail station.
Geothermal Technology | Dec 6, 2022
Google spinoff uses pay-as-you-go business model to spur growth in geothermal systems
Dandelion Energy is turning to a pay-as-you-go plan similar to rooftop solar panel leasing to help property owners afford geothermal heat pump systems.
Contractors | Dec 6, 2022
Slow payments cost the construction industry $208 billion in 2022
The cost of floating payments for wages and invoices represents $208 billion in excess cost to the construction industry, a 53% increase from 2021, according to a survey by Rabbet, a provider of construction finance software.
Mixed-Use | Dec 6, 2022
Houston developer plans to convert Kevin Roche-designed ConocoPhillips HQ to mixed-use destination
Houston-based Midway, a real estate investment, development, and management firm, plans to redevelop the former ConocoPhillips corporate headquarters site into a mixed-use destination called Watermark District at Woodcreek.
