19 Apr 2016

DeWalt and Global Mobile Communications release rugged Android smartphone

DeWalt and Global Mobile Communications have developed the DEWALT MD501 Android smartphone for day-to-day use within the construction industry. It has a IP68 rating (the device is waterproof, dustproof and weatherproof) and dual micro SIMs (to allow differentiated business/personal use. It also has a reinforced screen and outer casing, which conform to MIL-STD 810G for drop-protection, allowing the MD501 to withstand up to two metre drops onto concrete. The 5” screen is made of HD Bright View Gorilla Toughened Glass 3 and is compatible for use with gloves for maximum ease of use while working on-site.

The MD501 is equipped with a 13 MP rear camera. The device has an operating temperature range of -20°C to 60°C and it is battery is designed to provide 7-8 hours of talk-time. The MD501 also includes wireless Qi charging as standard. The device has 4G in both its dual SIM slots. The suggested retail price of the MD501 is £379.00 ex VAT and it will be on general release from 25 April.

“We live in a globalised, connected world; and for tradespeople in particular, it’s more important than ever to remain connected, active and reachable by phone,” said Darren Barber, DeWalt UK marketing director. “The DeWalt MD501 Android smartphone offers all the performance of a high-end smartphone, as well as the intelligent, robust and durable DeWalt design integrity that pushes our products to excel in on-site environments.

“For professional tradespeople working for themselves or running their own business, their mobile device is a crucially important job-tool, needed constantly on-site for a multitude of reasons: organising jobs, calling in the necessary equipment or staff or adapting to alterations as they arise. For these professionals, an empty battery or malfunction is enough to derail a job. The DeWalt MD501 is the trade solution for our professional end-users, offering a high performance rugged mobile within a market vastly underserved in mobility terms.”