What do you suggest or recommend as being the best device to use as a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) for use by Fire and EMS. We are finally getting MDTs for the first time. Now we need to know what to get or better yet what to stay away from!
Best device to use as MDT for Fire/EMS?
- Thread starter BlueDevil
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SteveC0625
Order of the Golden Dino since 1972
Isn't the county (or who ever operates the CAD system that will drive the MDT's) giving you any guidance on hardware? There may be some specific requirements.
If your system just calls for PC's for the terminals, you'll find that the Panasonic Toughbooks are highly rated. In particular, they have displays that are visible in bright sunlight and are extremely rugged. Another factor is that docking stations and vehicle mounts are readily available for them.
I would suggest a Toughbook, or something with no moving parts. If there is an Android app that will interface with the CAD, then that might be the easy option. (There are inexpensive models, with no moving parts.)
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Brandon-
A Toughbook is really expensive, especially considering they are usually 3-5 years behind "commodity grade" cpu speed and such. But it will take a beating, survive drops and water spray from rain or that nearby fire hose, AND it will be readable in full noon sunlight. No Surface device can compete with it.
Comparing the two is like saying an EasyBake oven, powered by a light bulb, can bake a cupcake just as well as the best Viking ranges. Well, sure it can. There's a very limited overlap in what the EasyBake can do, compared to the professional stuff though.
Dell also is supposed to offer some "ruggedized" devices, but there's a reason that Dell has earned the name "Dell Hell" among a lot of computer professionals. And why Panasonic has earned a rep for having the best field devices around.
They have a limited reseller network, but really, anyone who can sell you one, will tell you there's no competition.
A Toughbook is really expensive, especially considering they are usually 3-5 years behind "commodity grade" cpu speed and such. But it will take a beating, survive drops and water spray from rain or that nearby fire hose, AND it will be readable in full noon sunlight. No Surface device can compete with it.
Comparing the two is like saying an EasyBake oven, powered by a light bulb, can bake a cupcake just as well as the best Viking ranges. Well, sure it can. There's a very limited overlap in what the EasyBake can do, compared to the professional stuff though.
Dell also is supposed to offer some "ruggedized" devices, but there's a reason that Dell has earned the name "Dell Hell" among a lot of computer professionals. And why Panasonic has earned a rep for having the best field devices around.
They have a limited reseller network, but really, anyone who can sell you one, will tell you there's no competition.
Take a look at the General Dynamics line as well. They offer ruggedized laptops with touchscreen. I've got a GD6000 and a GD8000.
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