How to Choose Rugged Laptop in Your Auto Repair Shop

Why should you choose a rugged laptop instead of the conventional one? Yet, why just "rugged" laptops might also not be enough for the automotive industry?

We all know that an unpredictable and harsh work environment requires a sturdy computing device. It also includes the automotive professionals who often work in exciting work-life but greasy, fast-paced, and unsteady settings. That kind of environment can present dangerous conditions for the regular fragile computer hardware. Not to mention, the unintentional knocking over the device onto a concrete floor can cast an instant death spell for the device. Pushing the laptop on the machinery tool cart or work table can result in dangerous jolts and vibrations that compromise the machine. So, what is the solution?

The Benefits of The Rugged Laptops

In our previous blog, What Is a Rugged Laptop? We have mentioned how a proper rugged laptop should have at least two forms of certification. That is, the MIL-STD 810G/H and Ingress Protection (IP) rating. These certifications serve as a series of performance tests to ensure products meet specific requirements for various defense-related purposes.

If a device meets military standards, it is more than fit to be used around an auto shop. That also means it will maintain its integrity even if dropped on concrete, left in a hot garage for hours at a time, or badly shaken on the tool cart.

With the IP65 protection, the device is well protected against dust and can resist a direct blast of water also moisture. So, you can bring the rugged laptop into the garage during a wash or carry it outdoors in rainy weather to capture a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You won't have to worry about water spray harming your device.

Other Benefits of Convertible Rugged Laptops

Although a rugged laptop is a great mechanic laptop, it might not be enough for the needs in an auto shop. The technicians need to view and interpret the data captured from the vehicle everywhere and various ways of handling it. They need a large touchscreen, a keyboard, and fast performance. Also, it must provide mobility.

Take the Winmate's L140TG-4 Convertible Rugged Laptop, for instance. It can be flipped 360 degrees all-rounder and works both as a tablet and laptop. So, you can conveniently hold and move from the driver's seat to the engine bay to sit on a toolbox, providing mobility and various data input options with the touchscreen and keyboard.

The flexible dual hinges allow the L140TG-4 to transform from a laptop into a tablet computer and vice versa. They are stiff enough to prevent the screen from wobbling when you tap on the glass, yet flipping the panel around to transition into the tablet mode doesn't require much force. It strikes the right balance between sturdy and practical. Also, its 14" screen is easy to use for data entry, analyzing multiple diagnostic data, and tough enough for workshops.

A rugged laptop does everything a standard laptop can do. Including checking in customers, processing service documentation, and running automotive CAN software. It can be used for repair diagnostics or other added functions when combined with other peripherals. And since this device uses lightning-fast processors, 11th Gen. Intel® Processor Family – Tiger Lake Processor, it can simultaneously support all of this software.

Are you looking for a tablet PC, or rugged laptop, or both for your workshop? Find them at www.winmate.com