Ruggedized PDA cases let you safely take your handheld computing devices into the field with you. Whether you have employees in the field in IT, construction, agriculture or any number of other jobs, you know how important it is for them to stay connected to the company’s database.

You also know that accidents can and do happen that can ruin a PDA in a matter of seconds. Providing ruggedized handheld cases for each PDA you have in the field is just insurance for your investment.

Suppliers of ruggedized PDA cases provide them in a variety of sizes and shapes. Rugged handheld cases also come in a variety of materials. It’s just a matter of finding the right industrial strength PDA cases for your business. When you purchase industrial strength PDA cases, consider the following:

1. Find ruggedized handheld cases that are compatible with the PDAs in your inventory.

2. Look at the test rating for the rugged PDA case to see how high a drop onto concrete it can withstand.

3. Work with suppliers of industrial strength PDA cases to get a price you can afford to pay for the rugged PDA cases.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look at plastic or polycarbonate blend rugged PDA cases

Each ruggedized PDA case should fit snugly around the PDA or pocket PC. The makers of ruggedized PDA cases know it's impossible to make a case that fits perfectly on every model. The wide selection plastic cases available makes this option your best bet for finding ruggedized PDA cases for your models.

I recommend: An industry leader, OtterBox makes rugged PDA cases to fit almost all sizes of PDAs. A PDA in an OtterBox ruggedized handheld case should survive a 4-foot drop to concrete. If your company’s mobile devices are pocket PCs, PriceGrabber.com offers rugged cases for the HP iPaq line. Like the OtterBox models, these ruggedized cases can protect the PDA in the event of a 4-foot fall.

Pick aluminum rugged PDA cases

Because it's lightweight and tough, aluminum ruggedized PDA cases are a good choice. While there aren't as many metal-based rugged PDA cases on the market, you can still find one to fit almost any PDA.

I recommend: ExtremePDA.com has a selection tool on their website that allows you to select your metal rugged handheld case. StyliSource.com offers aluminum ruggedized handheld cases, in addition to aluminum covers.

Find rugged PDA cases for your special needs

If your crews work around water, you may need to purchase rugged PDA cases that are waterproof. Or, you may prefer clear silicone protectors for your PDAs.

I recommend: KwikTek, Inc. offers a line of bags that lets you use your PDA underwater. BodyGuardz, a product of NLU Products, LLC, offers transparent ruggedized handheld cases made of the same protective material used on the front end of cars to protect them from rocks and chips.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you purchase ruggedized handheld cases for your business, consider which PDA slots your employees regularly use. If the industrial PDA case doesn't allow easy access to the most frequently used ports, the employee is likely to remove the PDA from its case.