A Rugged Cell Phone for Work or Play

A rugged cell phone is ideal on a worksite, out in the field, or anywhere in the great outdoors. They are often waterproof and won't flinch if dunked in stream, can tolerate being dropped, and in some cases, even being run overby a pickup truck. They also tend to be less temperature sensitive and won't be bothered by dust, dirt, and sand. This durability makes them very reliable in nearly any condition.

While many of these phones offered only basic functions for some years, their capabilities have expanded making them a better option for many users. Still, they aren't going to offer the high resolution multi-touch interface and all of the entertainment features that the most recent, higher end smartphones offer. The only other potential disadvantage is that these phone are often a bit bulkier than some of the other options. While this can be an advantage in a number of situations, if a user prefers the sleekest model, these phones won't be the right choice.

When choosing a rugged cell phone there are a few things to think about.

The primary things to consider intially are the same things that should be examined before purchasing any cell phone. Coverage and the carrier (cell phone company) are important considerations of course. So too, are the various features you need the phone to have. Things like a web browser, built-in camera, GPS functions, and so forth are useful for nearly any user and certainly also for those who work or play outdoors.

Whether on a noisy worksite or simply outdoors, having good noise suppression can make voice communication easier as well. A walk talkie function can be good if multiple users will have a similar phone, and voice activated dialing can also be handy when your hands are busy. A large keypad, simple controls and overall navigation, can also be a plus, especially if gloves are involved.

Other basic functions like a timer, alarm clock, flashlight and so forth should also be considered depending upon the conditions of use. Some users may even benefit from a compass, altimeter, or similar functions.

While all of these phones may be tough, they may not all be equal. For instance, while one phone may tolerate being splashed, another might tolerate being submerged 6 feet in water for 30 mintues. Comparing specifications is a good idea. Many of these rugged cell phones are described as meeting military specifications. This refers to Military Specifications- MIL STD 810F, which you can learn more about here.

A final critical consideration for some users will be the talk time and stand-by time. If a user will be away from anyplace where they can charge the phone, having one that holds a charge well, can be important.

The Motorola Tundra is certainly a rugged cell phone. It is designed to be nearly impervious to dust, rain, humidity, and solar radiation. It can handle shock vibrations, high altitudes, and temerature extremes as well. It's perfect for those who work in rugged conditions as well as for those who just play hard. It's certified to Military Standards MI-SID-810F.

This rugged cell phone provides push-to-talk, walkie-talkie style communication as well as flip phone style. It features integrated GPS to provide both voice and on screen turn by turn driving directions, a 2 megapixel digital camera with 4x zoom, and video capture capabilities, MP3 player (compatible with Bluetooth Stereo headsets), and built in HTML and WAP browsers for internet access. This phone has a 1.6" TFT LCD display and includes functions such as a speaker phone, alarm, calculator, and a phone book that will hold up to 1,000 names.

The Tundra is Bluetooth capable and can provide hands-free communication when needed. It provides users with e-mail, instant, SMS and multimedia messaging capabilities, and is even internationally compatible.

The Samsung Rugby is a flip phone with push-to-talk functionality. It operates on GSM networks and features GPS navigation, a 1.3 megapixel camera with self-timer, white balance control, and panorama mode, as well as an music player.

The Rugby provides a WAP 2.0 browser and HSDPA data speeds for video sharing as well as Bluetooth wireless technology for headsets and handsfree communication. Of course this is also a very rugged cell phone as it meets military specifications 810-F. It's dust, shock, rain, temperature, and humidity resistant.

Users get SMS, e-mail, instant, and multi-media messaging abilities as well as a handy external display, speakerphone, calculator, alarm, voice memo function, and much more. This phone is also available in yellow and can be purchased for as little as $49.99 when signing up for a qualifying AT&T plan.

The Rugby II meets military standards for solar radiation, rain, shock, temperature and more as well, making it another good choice for those who need a rugged cell phone.

It features improved noise suppression and an external speaker, making it easier to communicate in tough situations. It also offers advanced GPS.

Another option for those seeking a rugged cell phone is the Motorola Adventure. This is another flip phone with push-to-talk functionality. This phone features a built-in VCast music player and 2 megapixel camera with self-timer and brightness controls. It can also record QVGA quality video clips.

Users also get voice activated dialing, voice driven menus, GPS support for turn by turn driving directions, and a phone which meets military standards for shock, dust, heat, and vibration.

The Adventure has Bluetooth support for headsets and handsfree communication. It features a WAP2.0 browser, voice memo, alarm, calculator, calendar, speakerphone functions, and more. Users also get multi-media, SMS, e-mail, and instant messaging capabilities.