Cost Of Rugged Vs. Non-Rugged Tablet Computers

By Derek Oja, MobileDemand

We’ve all heard the expression “you get what you pay for.” When it comes to purchasing business equipment – especially if you’re considering something as important as a rugged tablet PC -- any smart CFO will tell you that it’s the total cost of ownership (TCO) that determines what you actually paid.

All too often, hasty or incomplete analysis beforehand can result in short-sighted purchasing decisions. The temptation to save money with a low initial price backfires, as costs to maintain equipment mount and devices don’t last long enough to pay for themselves.

Ruggedness costs more because you get more.

You wouldn’t use golf carts to move merchandise around your warehouse. They don’t have the power, the stamina or the carrying capacity to meet your needs. It’s the same with mobile computers. If you only need light-duty equipment, and those devices will be handled with care at all times, then commercial-grade might suffice.

The mere fact that it’s portable doesn’t make every device the best choice. If your working environment is assuredly – or even occasionally – unforgiving, a rugged tablet PC could very well be more cost-effective.

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