As smart phones are starting to become more and more popular on construction job sites, not just any phone will do. It has to be able to survive the rigorous day-to-day activities that ordinary phones can’t. Tool giant, DeWalt, has recognized that trend and are now tossing their hat in the ever growing “tough phone” ring.
The DeWalt MD501 does not have an official release date yet, but is expected to retail in the typical $500-600 range, according to reports. The phone is powered by Android operating system and comes with all of the standard features we’ve come to know and love, but with a few extras for the hardworking construction crowd, including:
- Waterproof up to 6.5 feet (2m) for up to 30 minutes.
- Can work in temperatures from -4 to 140°F (-20-60°C)
- Can withstand drops from 6.5 feet (2m) on concrete
- Extra sensitive screen can sense pressure through work gloves
- An amplified loudspeaker, so you can hear over all of the commotion on a job site
- Bright View glass, which is easier to see in the sunny outdoors
- Wireless charging, so you don’t have to fiddle around with wires
- A radio, so you can listen to all of the classic rock your heart desires
- 7-8 hours of talk time
It’s nice to see construction industry leaders continuing to pay attention to the construction industries needs with regards to technology. Though it's not the most powerful smartphone on the market, it does provide extra durability. We have a lot of specific needs on our job sites, so customization is huge for company buy-in. For right now, it appears that this release will only be in the UK, as DeWalt has partnered with UK rugged phone manufacturer Global Mobile Communications.
DeWalt MD501 | DeWalt Phone
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