In automotive repair shops, finding the right mobile device that stands up to rough handling and meets the latest performance and data needs can be challenging. Historically, the industry had to accept a legacy problem in product design: increasing ruggedness came with a performance penalty. The balance between the two is crucial, as the device must withstand harsh environments while processing ever-increasing amounts of data driven by AI-automated workflows. One of the best rugged laptop and durable laptop class for automotive service, led by the Getac S510, gives shop owners the best of both worlds: resilient durability and AI readiness. For those operating in harsh environments that may not require the highest level of durability, a rugged laptop presents a powerful workshop tool, balancing rugged features with flexibility and is particularly suitable for automotive service.
For years, automotive professionals have faced a dilemma when choosing mobile devices for their operations. Service shops expose devices to drops, spills, grease exposure, brake dust and vibrations for nearly the entire duration of a shift. The good news is that technology manufacturers are stepping up to meet the challenge. Now, one of the best rugged laptops, powered by Intel® Core™ processors, are designed to meet performance and durability needs without compromise, offering a solution that withstands harsh conditions while ensuring high performance thanks to the efficiency and power of Intel® Core™ technology.
Service shops expose devices to drops, spills, grease, brake dust, and vibrations daily. The best rugged laptops can meet performance and durability needs.
In its 2023 MarketScape report, IDC indicates that rugged devices can match consumer-grade device performance while delivering higher durability operation and longer lifetimes. Getac defines rugged laptops by the following criteria:
The IDC MarketScape report highlights that 44% of enterprise organizations use rugged PCs, and another 38% deploy durable tablets and handheld devices. The challenge IDC cites with more widespread rugged adoption is not an educational one:
Investing in the best rugged laptops lowers the total cost of ownership over consumer-grade models.
A real challenge, however, is the first-cost outlay needed to step up to add rugged laptops to the business. The best durable laptops can cost between 2-3x consumer or gaming laptops with comparable processing power, SSD storage, and good battery life. It’s easy for a leader to direct the team toward a lower first cost and add measures to protect the device (although the USB port is not protected for consumer models, even with a case). This circumstance is especially true for modern auto repair shops that can feel like an office.
The risks to this approach are higher operating costs, lower service efficiency, and, ultimately, lost revenue. Over a year, a shop may need to buy more consumer-grade devices than durable ones, leading to unplanned expenses that can have surprise negative impacts on the shop’s profitability. At the end of the day, the device will be treated like any other tool in the toolbox!
TCO incorporates a full life cycle view of the costs of operating a device. First cost is essential, but consumer device inefficiencies exist and are hard to predict over time. These “cost leaks” include:
Getac recently commissioned a study to assess the TCO of rugged devices, with results summarized and published throughout the finance industry. The study surveyed 990 IT decision-makers and found that rugged laptops delivered benefits across all sectors Getac serves. Decision makers were global, located in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, China and APAC, and Latin America. Key findings included:
The full brief details the other factors that can influence rugged device adoption, like:
Automotive technicians need the durability and reliability of rugged devices for streamlined workflow solutions.
Rugged devices must withstand variable failure modes based on application (auto service vs. military)
Corner failure is a primary mode of drop failure, so the enhanced rubber bumpers provide clear advantages over competitive units that users appreciate. Additionally, including a fingerprint reader as a security feature further enhances the ruggedness and durability of laptops designed for automotive service, offering an extra layer of protection alongside physical robustness. When comparing the ruggedness and durability, gaming laptops and PC laptops are particularly suited for environments demanding reliable performance, with gaming laptops often leading in graphics performance and build quality, while PC laptops offer a wide range of options including durable 2-in-1s and high-performance models at various price points.
Despite the TCO and durability benefits rugged devices give to service shops, development in consumer devices continues to push the market by adding features to protect the device. As a result, shop owners need to consider the durability level they need. For military personnel, fully rugged devices like the B360 are a necessity. They are fit for use in any environment.
In auto shops, however, the environment is often milder in climate and indoors. That said, workshops still present a challenge to consumer grade devices, with primary failure modes being auto fluid spills, grease exposure, vibration, and drops. In this environment, shop owners may select a rugged device over a rugged laptop like the S510.
A primary difference between enhanced consumer vs. rugged is in the certification. All rugged laptops meet the MIL and IP standards and incorporate design expertise to deliver rugged performance without operational interruptions. Consumer-grade laptops aim to address intended failure points but were not explicitly designed with durability enhancements in mind. In addition, consumer devices with standard connectors like USBs are susceptible to failure due to frequent insertion-removal cycles when technicians connect VCIs, measurement tools, and other devices.
A vertically integrated technical partner can provide enhanced benefits over competitive rugged solutions with comparable performance, size, all day battery life, connectivity, and security when incorporating durable protection for an automotive service laptop.
Getac’s vertical integration enables enhanced customization, both in usability and connectivity for everyday tasks. Using building-block style commercial off-the-shelf architecture, users can customize port locations, integrate hot swap batteries, use in direct sunlight, and add accessories to meet application needs.
Through Getac’s unique hardware, software, and service capabilities, this vertical integration can provide automotive shop owners with an integrated technical partner that accompanies one of the best durable laptops in the industry.
Getac is a leader in holistic service technology for automotive repair. The unique ability to provide integrated rugged design hardware and software solutions has helped shops improve and retain customer relationships, building critical trust along the way - while enhancing profitability for the shop.
IDC lists Getac as a leader in manufacturing and supporting the best durable laptops for automotive service. Excelling in both capability and strategy (see Figure 1), Getac adds vertical integration, rugged laptop focus and expertise, and a track record of technical partnership to deliver one of the best durable laptop solutions, providing automotive service shops with the lowest TCO possible.
Figure 1: Capabilities vs. Strategy Comparison of the Best Durable Laptop Manufacturers
Figure 1 shows the leaders: Getac (Rugged Laptops), Panasonic (Toughbook), and Dell (Latitude). Getac’s vertical integration, customization, and holistic hardware-software-service partnership approach enable us to manufacture one of the best laptops for automotive service.
From a durability perspective, the Getac S510 provides the best laptop experience for automotive service shops. It is a rugged, high-performing device that elevates shop profitability.
Automated workflow solutions streamline vehicle turnaround time (throughput), reduce errors, and improve communication, leading to increased efficiency, higher repair quality, better shop profitability, and higher customer satisfaction.
High-intensity usage and exposure to spills, grease, other shop fluids, brake dust, and drops can drastically reduce the lifespan of a durable laptop. These events lead to downtime and the need to repair or replace the device.
Read more about the Getac S510 to learn how it could help improve your automotive service shop’s performance and profitability through reduced TCO.
Russell Younghusband has been involved in supporting industry with mobile IT projects for over two decades. For the last 10 years, he has specialized in automotive business change and efficiency programs to support the OEMs and their franchised networks with customer retention and aftersales strategies.
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