Engineering

Conker NS6 and NS6 Pay Review

When it comes to the best rugged Windows handheld in the market, Conker NS6 and NS6 Pay have it all. UK-based Tablet Technologies recently relaunched this powerful device to meet the demands of companies for tech and mobility. Packed with excellent features, this rugged windows tablet could be the best investment for your business.

If you are looking for a Windows handheld device, you will likely find plenty of them in the market. After all, many manufacturers are cashing in on using Windows as the operating system to support business operations. The difference the Conker NS6 brings to the table is its robust external hardware. This means your team can continue using the device no matter where or what.

What Are Rugged Devices?

Rugged devices have been making a name for themselves in numerous industries in recent years. These devices are tech tools that are designed to stand the toughest environments. As a result, rugged devices are the perfect device choice for a range of industries. This includes companies that operate in harsh areas like mining, military, construction, delivery, retail, health, and more.

The difference that a rugged device provides is that it is made to last. A true rugged tablet or mobile device must be able to demonstrate its durability in both field and laboratory testing. Therefore, for a device to be considered “rugged” must meet a minimum of IP54. Higher IP ratings mean better protection from dust, water, shock, and even pressure.

Conker NS6 Rugged Windows Handheld

The newly revamped Conker NS6 and it’s slightly different version NS6 Pay includes amazing features that will help your business become truly mobile and tech-ready.

The Smallest Rugged Windows Handheld of 2020

When it comes to size, Conker NS6 rules. First of all, the new Conker NS6 is small and compact compared to any other rugged Windows handheld in the market. As a consequence, the device is easy to bring anywhere. If you want the smallest and lightest Windows device, Conker NS6 will deliver. This tool offers a portrait phablet format that is a true one-hand-held and fits easily in the pocket.

Here is a side by side comparison of a regular iPhone versus the Conker NS6

Secondly, this robust rugged Windows tablet comes in at 185x 93 x 20mm, which means it is the size of your typical consumer mobile phone. It weights at 380 grams a little heavier but it makes up with a powerful performance and truly rugged hardware.

Thirdly, this device features a 6″ display, which is huge for a typical handheld. The device comes with a 1280 x 720 resolution so you will get 245 pixels per inch. Which means the “retina” territory is very sharp.

Finally, the interface runs via capacitive multi-touch. That means if your team uses gloves while working, you can expect that they can easily access the apps that they need. Conker NS6 screen is protected with a Corning Gorilla Glass for extra strength. Its IPS display is bright (430 nits), which allows perfect viewing angles.

Specifications of Conker NS6

Specifications Conker NS6
Type	Rugged WindowsHandheld
Processor	Quad-core Intel Cherry Trail X5-Z8350
CPU Speed	1.44GHz (1.92GHz burst)
RAM	4GB LPDDR3
Storage	64GB eMMC
OS	Windows 10 Home or Enterprise LTSB/CBB
Graphics	Intel
Expansion slots	1 x Micro SDXC (max 128GB), 1 x micro SIM
Display type	IPS TFT with LED backlight (430 nits) with Gorilla Glass
Display size/res	6.0-inch 1280 x 720 pixel (245 ppi)
Digitizer/pens	10-point capacitive multi-touch
Keys	Power, volume up/down, barcode trigger, Windows key
Housing	Plastic with rubber boot
Operating Temp	14° to 122°F (-10° to 50°C)
Sealing	IP67
Drop	4 feet
Size (WxHxD)	7.3 x 3.7 x 0.83 inches (185 x 93 x 21 mm)
Weight	13.4 ounces (380 grams)
Power	Removable, rechargeable 3.7V/5,000mAH, 18.5 whr
Interface	1 x micro USB (power + OTG), 1 x 3.5mm audio, 1 x 4-pin pogo dock
Cameras	2.0 MP (front), 8.0 MP (rear)
Scanner	Optional: Motorola 1D SE655E, Honeywell 2D N3680
Sensors	Accelerometer, ambient light, gyroscope, e-compass
Wireless	Dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, 3G WWAN, uBlox NEO-7 (GPS/GLONASS, QZSS)

 

Windows 10 in Your Fingertips

Windows 10 is one of the most powerful operating systems. Unfortunately, because Windows 10 is a huge and fairly heavy OS there are not a lot of choices when it comes to a handheld that runs on this OS. It is even rarer in the rugged device arena to find a device that runs on Windows 10. Conker has successfully brought this OS into your fingertips within a robust handheld device which is the NS6.

The Conker NS6 runs the full version of Windows 10 – an amazing feat for a small device. Imagine enjoying a full laptop experience in a small compact device. It allows you to pull all your data together on all your Windows 10 devices.

Having said that, it is important to look at the benefits of having a Windows 10 device at your fingertips.

 

Enjoy a familiar interface

A windows 10 handheld bridges the gap between a desktop experience and a touch-optimised device. This means anyone familiar with using a desktop will be able to transition fast when using a Windows 10 tablet. Your team should be able to take advantage of existing product features and allows you to use modern apps that run on any desktop.

One Universal Windows Experience

Windows 10 is a choice of many companies because it delivers as one. It has one security model, one comprehensive app platform, one management approach and one deployment method across several devices. The universal experience makes it easier to put all your data and work together. That means whether you want to integrate the information from your office’s computers, your laptop, and into your mobile phone you can have it all.

Windows can support a range of software. This means if your company requires specific software, you can easily integrate it into your device.

Advance Management and Security 

Another good reason to choose a rugged Windows 10 handheld for your operations is that it offers the most comprehensive security and management. Windows 10 has a range of security and identity protection that will help ensure data security when moving information from one device to another. Furthermore, you can add additional applications to provide an added layer of security to your data and information.

Improve Device Management 

Windows 10 allows users to continue enjoying unique features such as Active Directory and System Center. This enables total control over different Windows devices. The new operating system has device fixed-mobile device management features, as well as, cloud-base capabilities just like in a regular laptop and desktop.

Innovate Continuously 

Windows 10 reduces the need for time-consuming and expensive updates to an OS deployment. This OS is compatible with a range of existing apps and also has new tools.

Run Legacy Apps

A Windows 10 OS allows companies to run proprietary software that you have made specifically for your company. It is easy because your programmers do not need to worry if their work is compatible with all the devices.

Compatible with Oracle Simphony 

The Oracle Simphony is an enterprise, point-of-sale software platform that allows businesses to support tap and pay features on their devices. Simphony improves operational efficiency by allowing centralized menu management, mobile ordering while streamlining integrations to the latest technologies.

The integration of Oracle Simphony into the Conker NS6 Pay makes it an even better rugged Windows handheld. This means the tool can support a range of industries like health, hospitality, retail, warehouse, and delivery.

 

Converting your devices means you can also adapt operations to the “new normal”. As the world grasps the aftermath of the 2020 health crisis, many businesses are now adopting no-touch or limited touch transactions. A tap and pay feature means you can accept payment from customers without needing to hold the credit card.

Benefits of the Oracle Simphony

For companies operating in the hospitality and retail industries, Oracle Simphony provides a huge list of advantages. Here are some of the features to look forward to:

• Features consistent offline capabilities
• Completely integrated for enhanced precision and customer service
• Improves retail or kitchen communication and efficiency
• Features Cloud-based suitability including allowing companies to remotely access analytics and real-time reports
• Supports Mobile POS, complete with mobile payment, digital menu boards, and online ordering
• Easier and precise cash management capabilities
• Features a conversational ordering platform and a fluid workflow
• Efficient and reliable kitchen management
• A rich user interface keeps customers engaged with live content
• Supports a range of mobile payment options including Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Multiple hardware options with Mobile-enabled capabilities

Outside and Inside Features of Conker NS6

When choosing the best-rugged device for your company, it is important to see how it performs both outside and inside.

Ruggedness

Conker NS6 is quite rugged. It is manufactured with the toughest materials to withstand constant use and exposure to various conditions. This device comes with an IP67 rating which means it can withstand most dust, dirt, water, and shock. An Ingress Protection rating this much means it can withstand being drop unto concrete from a height of 4 feet. It can also handle being immersed in metre of water for up to 30 minutes. Finally, it can stay working with a wide operating temperature range of 12 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 to 50 degrees Celsius). Nevertheless, even with these insane rugged specs, you can enjoy a sleek and clean overall design and finish.

Conker NS6 Performance 

Given that this device is the ultimate rugged Windows handheld, it is important to understand its performance. Most full Windows 10 devices are desktops, laptops or at least full-size tablets. Therefore, having a full Windows 10 in your pocket is truly amazing and a feat not many companies can achieve.

Many other companies have tried but inevitably failed because Windows 10 simply takes too much space and memory. As a result, most rugged Windows handheld cannot run smoothly or experience lag. Conker NS6 changes this by adding larger RAM and storage.

Conker NS6 is the ultimate pocket-size computer that can hold its performance versus many traditional Windows tablets from mainstream vendors.

Battery 

Conker NS6 uses a 5000 mAH battery comparable to most of the latest commercial Android devices in the market today. This enormous battery life means you can enjoy using it for a day for undisrupted content consumption, calls, or connections. This added feature makes it a great tool for companies that have long working hours or those that operate in shifts.

Battery life is important because it means convenience especially if your operations do not have easy access to charging stations all day. Having a reliable battery that can stay on even with multiple apps on at the same time is crucial to ensure that there is minimal downtime.

Audio 

Audio for your handheld device is a good added feature in case you need to contact your employees while they are on the job. And to meet all the rugged requirements, Conker NS6 comes with a waterproof, built-in microphone and speaker.

Excellent cameras

Like most of the mobile phones and tablets in the market today, Conker NS6 comes with reliable cameras to help deliver rich and crisp images at all times. This device comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front camera.

Cameras are crucial in many industries especially if needing to take photos of areas, items, or services delivered. With a reliable camera in a Windows 10 device, you can put all your information or data in one place.

Image from: ruggedpcreview.com

Industrial-grade barcode scanner 

Probably one of the most important features is that Conker NS6 comes with is an industrial-grade barcode scanner. While it is true that companies can always download an app to scan items from their smartphones but scanning will use the phone’s camera.

Unfortunately, a mobile phone camera is not made to be a scanner. Conker equipped NS6 with scan engines that will allow you to accurately scan and store information.

Additional items 

Conker NS6 is suited for additional tools like a stylus to allow you to enjoy convenience. For example, certain industries rely on using a stylus to accept signatures – consider delivery and warehouse management.

Choosing the right rugged device for your business

When choosing a rugged device, it is important that you know what your specific needs are. While rugged devices have been making names in many industries, it is not as popular as a regular commercial device. Therefore, it is important to understand the simple “ruggedness” terms and features.

Battery Life 

Battery life is important because your entire device depends on a good battery to operate. Because of the “rugged” feature, many sellers of tough phones are unable to include an external battery. As a result, many rugged devices have low battery life. Conker NS6 changes this completely by adding the latest in the industry. This means not compromising anything and allowing companies to enjoy continuous use.

IP Rating 

As mentioned before, IP Rating is crucial if you want to make sure your device is rugged. Ingress Protection is an international standard that classifies the degree of protection versus intrusions of solid items like sand or dust, accidental contact, and water during electrical contact. This standard aims to provide users with detailed information of what a certain device has to offer.

IP rating typically includes the letters IP and two numbers. To be considered “rugged” a device must have at least an IP rating of 54.

The Bottom Line with Conker NS6

If you are looking for the ultimate Rugged Windows Handheld, you will love everything about the Conker NS6. It includes all the “rugged” features that you are looking for in a mobile device but also the powerful Windows 10 operating system. Imagine bringing your laptop or desktop right inside your pocket whenever and wherever.

Conker NS6 comes with a reliably bright 6-inch and capacitive multi-touch display allowing perfect viewing angles. This feature allows your employees to use the device even when outdoors. Along with an improved RAM and storage capacity, you can enjoy a full Windows 10 performance at all times. The additional feature which includes a tap and pays feature allows for some sectors like retail, hospitality, delivery and warehouse management to take full advantage of this device.