As pen and paper scheduling and work orders continue to get phased out, more and more field service technicians find themselves with tablets in their hands when working in the field. With the right field service software, a tablet can become an incredibly powerful tool.
Of course, most of them weren't built for the rigors of the typical job site. Simply put, they weren’t designed to be in the basement next to an overflowing drain or on a rooftop two stories in the air.
Luckily, a handful of manufacturers have created products designed to keep tablets safe, no matter where technicians take them. Below, you'll find a list of products that will help stretch the longevity and durability of your precious hardware. Let’s get started!
UAG Metropolis Series Cases
Kicking off our list is the Urban Armor Gear Metropolis series cases. This series has been rated to give the best protection while minimizing bulk. It features a special, feather-light composite material with a foldable cover and wake/sleep automation. You'll also find an adjustable stand and an Apple Pencil holder that can charge the pencil when you put it in the holder.
The main thing we love about this case is the level of protection it gives while still being one of the lighter cases on the market. It may not have all the features some others have (such as keyboard compatibility), but it is one of the most durable, all while boasting a smooth, clean, and lightweight design.
The outstanding quality of this case means a hefty price tag of $89.95.
OtterBox uniVERSE cases
Otterbox has been a stalwart in device protection seemingly since the dawn of time, and with good reason. The defender series utilizes a combination polycarbonate and synthetic rubber to create an impact resistant shell that includes the ability to swap your accessories (keyboards, card readers, memory boosts, battery extenders, etc.) without the need to remove the case.
And, with a limited lifetime warranty, if anything should happen to the case, you've got award-winning service and support on your side.
This is our overall top pick for any Android device, retailing at around $74.95.
Poetic Revolution Series Case
The Poetic Revolution case is our pick for Android tablet users looking for an affordable alternative. The Revolution provides 360 degree protection, with a built-in screen protector, port covers, and a full polycarbonate casing with TPU bumpers for shock absorption. It also has a built-in kickstand for horizontal orientation, as well as a special slot for the S-Pen that holds it securely and offers wireless charging compatibility.
As mentioned previously, this case is our favorite “affordable” option, coming in at $26.95 retail.
New Trent GLADIUS
The Gladius from New Trent offers a lot of protection at a budget price. With a rubber outer shell and a built-in screen protector, it also features an adjustable metal stand. One of the coolest features is the 360-degree rotating hand strap that makes it easy to jump from landscape to portrait.
Retailing at $36.95, the New Trent Gladius is our budget pick for use with Apple devices.
Non-Case Accessories
If your tablet doesn’t have any battery power, it won’t do you much good, no matter what software you run. While you can charge the device from your work truck or van, that means trips back and forth to retrieve the device just to put it on/take it off the charger. In some situations, you'll want a portable charger instead. Here’s a brief rundown of our top 3 portable chargers: the best low-profile option, and two awesome solar panel models.
Anker Power Core 20100
Don't let that image fool you, the Anker Power Core is no bigger than a king-sized candy bar. Of course, this "candy bar" packs quite a punch for its meager size. At 1 amp, it can charge an iPad Mini up to four times with one cycle of its own life. Because such a small package can deliver so much battery power, we couldn’t leave it off this list.
This device is pretty affordable, coming in at $45.99.
Big Blue Solar Charger
If you’ve got a little more room to spread out a charger, we can’t recommend a solar charger fast enough. You can place it on your dash while en route to your next installation and it will load up and keep your device chugging along all day. For solar panel chargers, the Big Blue Solar Charger gets our stamp of approval. This 28w charger has an output that is device dependent (meaning that larger devices will charge at up to 2.4A for a single port).
Retailing at $59.96, this is an accessory that not only keeps your devices running, but is also capable of charging a portable charger. That makes it a great companion to the Anker Power Core.
Blavor Solar Power Bank
The Blavor Solar bank is a MUST HAVE device. It provides by far the most utility of anything on this list. It’s a mobile power bank, capable of charging your device up to 2.5 times before it runs out of juice itself.
But wait, there’s more! This device has a solar panel to keep itself charged up, and a wireless charging port. Add to that two USB ports and this bank can charge three battery-dependent devices at once. But that's just where this device begins. It also features a compass and a dual led flashlight! Plus, you don't need to worry about getting it wet. It’s waterproof!
At $28.99 retail, Blavor has made a product that is a must-have for any field technician that relies on a tablet of any size or type to complete their work.
