What Is Rugged? A Guide To Rugged Terms, Testing, And Certification

Consumer and commercial grade products are built to be used under the most benign of conditions. Some computers are defined as semi-rugged or built to withstand coffee spills and some drops. But how can one determine if a computer is “fully rugged,” that is, able to operate under the harsh conditions they will encounter if utilized for extreme jobs and outdoor areas?

By definition, a tablet that is rugged is designed and built specifically for hazardous situations and must conform to rigorous military and industry standards. Compliance with these standards must be determined by third parties. The two most important methods of determining “ruggedness” are the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system and the U.S. Department of Defense “Test Method Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests,” commonly referred to as MIL-STD 810. These ratings and standards provide independent and objective criteria with which to grade specific characteristics of a rugged computer.

When determining which rugged tablet or computer to purchase for your industry, these ratings and specs can often seem arbitrary or confusing. To help demystify the rugged computing world, Xplore Technologies offers this guide to rugged rating and testing systems for mobile devices. This guide explains IP ratings, MIL-STD-810G tests, and offers a few pointers on rugged factors to consider when making your purchasing decision.

Download the complete white paper below to read more.