Taking the job in hand

Throughout the global mining industry, the computing tool of choice for personnel in remote locations, or for those constantly on the move, has generally been the laptop. In recent years, though, the growing capabilities and sophistication of smartphones have chipped away at the edges of traditional...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Engineering and mining journal (1926) 2017-01, Vol.218 (1), p.46-46
Main Author: Carter, Russell A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Automobile safety
Cameras
Computer programs
Computer simulation
Connectivity
Consumption
Efficiency
Information management
Keyboards
Laptop computers
Mathematical models
Mining industry
Operating systems
Tablet computers
Tablets
Technology application
Training
Vehicles
Wireless access points
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Throughout the global mining industry, the computing tool of choice for personnel in remote locations, or for those constantly on the move, has generally been the laptop. In recent years, though, the growing capabilities and sophistication of smartphones have chipped away at the edges of traditional laptop territory such as email and video communications but some tasks simply require a standard keyboard and larger screen for efficiency and convenience. There may be useful roles for these popular consumer products in office or light industrial settings, but most mobile-computing experts point out that even when they are mounted in protective cases, they will always be consumer-grade products that are not designed or built to withstand rough use in harsh environments. For a user or company contemplating a step up from consumer units to industrial-grade tablets or computers, the price jump can be daunting, with the cost of an ultra- or fully ruggedized tablet often two to four times that of a consumer model.
ISSN:0095-8948