Enterprise Mobility & Connected Devices Blog

Q1 2011: No Slowdown in Rugged Mobile Computer Market

VDC's Mobile and Wireless Practice is about to publish its Q1 2011 Rugged Mobile Market Report. Key findings from this quarterly research:

  • The rugged handheld market grew by 19% in Q1 2011 over Q1 2010 to reach $580 million. The market maintained its strong pace of 2010 into Q1 2011. Interestingly ASPs increased for some vendors while holding steady for others indicating stronger demand for higher end more rugged devices. This will be a trend that we will be following closely to determine to what extent the market is splintering and whether entry class devices are more susceptible to competition from non rugged smartphones.
  • The rugged notebook market grew by under 10% over Q1 2010. The strengthening commercial sector - especially utilities - is helping offset the slowdown in the federal and public safety segments.
  • The rugged tablet market grew by almost 14% to reach $73 million in Q1 2011. Although still largely WinTel solutions, several rugged Android tablets have been (pre) announced and should enter the market in late 2011/early 2012.
  • The rugged forklift computer market grew by over 13% in Q1 2011 over Q1 2010 to reach $56 million. Still a highly project based/niche market this segment is benefitting from continued pent-up demand from the recent recession.