Have you allocated 2022 expenses for new mobile devices for your business? At eSquared, we ask our customers five essential questions before recommending hardware and wireless plans that best fit their company and communication needs.
1. What Brand of Tablet Should I Buy?
It depends on your preferred operating system. If your business runs on Apple’s iOS platform, then you are limited to Apple devices, such as iPads and iPhones. If you run on Google’s Android platform, however, your mobile device options are much more numerous. Samsung, Motorola, and LG are some of the most popular brands available for Android.
Our go-to recommendation is often Samsung devices. Samsung offers a wide range of mobile devices that can accommodate any business task, from truck mobility telematics to health care recordkeeping to warehouse management. Samsung products integrate with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Importantly, they offer defense-level data security and safety on their devices to ensure your data is always safe. Plus, it is easy to find available accessories that are compatible with Samsung devices.
2. Do I Need a Ruggedized Device or Will Off-the-Shelf Durability Be Enough?
After we narrow down the operating system and device brand, we take a closer look at how the devices will be used in the field. For health care, education, and technology settings, off-the-shelf devices are usually durable enough for daily use. But workers in the construction, field service, and transportation industries may benefit from ruggedized devices. These mobile devices are designed to withstand drops, hard blows, temperature changes, spills, and dust.
Two Samsung devices offer a convenient comparison between off-the-shelf and ruggedized devices. The Samsung Galaxy A7 Lite is an off-the-shelf device. It has a glass front, aluminum back, and plastic frame. It is available in a wide range of internal memory options so companies can right-size their devices. However, its battery is not removable.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 is a ruggedized device. Like the Galaxy Tab A 8.0, it has a glass front and aluminum back. But it also features a tougher frame that protects the device from drops and blows. It is dust and water-resistant and MIL-STD-810H compliant, which means the Active3 can withstand military-grade environmental conditions. Though the Active3 offers fewer memory options compared to the Tab A 8.0, it has a removable battery.
3. Do My Workers Need Vehicle Mounts?
If your mobile devices will be deployed in a vehicle part- or full-time, eSquared highly recommends investing in vehicle mounts. Mounts keep devices safely out of the hands of workers when they are behind the wheel.
eSquared has relationships with most mount vendors such as ProClip, RAM, or GPS Lockbox for mobile device vehicle solutions. ProClip phone and tablet mounts include a mounting base and device holder. The bases are designed to fit specific makes and models of vehicles. ProClip also offers custom-fit ELD mounts for fleet services and transportation companies. RAM vehicle mounts are durable, stable, and can accommodate any type of mobile device. They are good options for companies that deploy different-sized devices in the field. GPS Lockbox has a heating and cooling element built into some of their hardware, called ATMOS.
4. Do My Devices Need Cases?
If you invest in ruggedized devices, chances are you don’t need a separate case. But for all other mobile devices, you will want to supply durable cases. As you likely already know from experience, a good case and screen protector can prevent a lot of damage, interruptions, and heartache.
OtterBox cases are the industry standard in protection and durability and an easy recommendation for the eSquared team to make. They provide exceptional protection without looking bulky. OtterBox products come in four different product lines that offer increasing protection against drops, blows, and spills. They are available for most mobile device models. However, many of eSquared’s customers use Poetic Cases, as they are often a more affordable option.
5. Is AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile the Right Wireless Carrier for My Company?
Once you have your hardware and accessories figured out, it’s time to consider the wireless plan that best fit your needs. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are the national carriers we trust. Each has its advantages and disadvantages for different industries. Coverage may vary by location, especially if your fleet vehicles travel through rural areas. There are too many variables to cover here, but you can get in touch with us to learn more about your wireless carrier options.
Once you’ve answered these five top questions, you’ll have a much clearer idea of the type of devices and accessories you and your team need. This will help you make a better buying decision for your company. Remember—you don’t have to make this decision alone. The eSquared team are experts in device procurement, kitting, deployment, and support. We’re here to support you in your purchasing decision and device deployment. Contact us today for support.
