Conker NS6 and NS6 Pay Review – The Best Rugged Windows Handheld in the Market
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.
4 Benefits of Devices With Push-to-Talk Function For Businesses
Effective communication is critical to the success of any business, particularly those in industries such as logistics, construction, and security, where coordination and collaboration among team members are essential. Communication breakdowns can cause costly delays and errors, leading to missed deadlines and dissatisfied customers. This is where push-to-talk (PTT) rugged devices come in handy.
PTT rugged devices are designed to provide instant communication between team members, allowing them to exchange information quickly and efficiently, regardless of their location. This real-time communication feature can be particularly helpful for businesses that operate in challenging environments, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, or outdoor events, where traditional communication methods may be unreliable or impractical.
In addition to real-time communication, PTT rugged devices offer many other benefits for businesses. For example, they can help improve team collaboration, productivity, and efficiency. With PTT rugged devices, team members can communicate with each other instantly, even when they are not in the same location. This means that they can quickly resolve issues, make decisions, and share information, without having to wait for face-to-face meetings or email exchanges.
Moreover, PTT rugged tablets and handhelds can help businesses save time and money. Traditional communication methods, such as phone calls, emails, or text messages, can be time-consuming and costly, particularly if team members are located in different time zones or countries. With PTT rugged devices, businesses can avoid these issues and reduce communication costs, as they can communicate with their team members instantly, regardless of their location.
Finally, PTT Windows or Android rugged devices offer many security features that can help businesses protect their data and assets. For example, PTT rugged devices can be programmed to work only within a specific network or with specific team members, ensuring that sensitive information is not leaked to unauthorized personnel. Additionally, PTT rugged devices can be equipped with GPS tracking, allowing businesses to monitor the location of their team members and assets in real time.
Push-to-talk rugged devices are an excellent tool for businesses that rely on communication and teamwork to achieve their goals. With their real-time communication, collaboration, productivity, and security features, a PTT rugged tablet or handheld can help businesses improve their operations, reduce costs, and enhance their overall performance.
The failure of communications
Efficient communication is vital for businesses, as it directly affects their profitability. Inefficient communication processes can cost companies a lot of money. According to a report by Seimens, the average company spends 40% of its workweek dealing with communication inefficiencies. This means that businesses are wasting a significant amount of time and resources that could be used for other productive activities.
Furthermore, the same report indicates that a company with at least 100 workers could be losing up to half a million dollars due to communication issues. This is a significant amount of money that could be better invested in improving the business or increasing profits.
With this in mind, businesses must adopt communication tools that are efficient and effective. Push-to-talk rugged tablets and handhelds are an excellent example of such tools. They allow real-time communication, which helps to reduce the time spent waiting for responses, leading to increased productivity and faster decision-making.
Push-to-talk rugged devices also have the advantage of being more reliable than traditional communication tools. For instance, mobile phones may have areas of poor signal coverage, while walkie-talkies require all users to be within a specific range. Push-to-talk rugged devices, on the other hand, work on a cellular network and can be used in almost any location, making them a reliable option for businesses.
How rugged devices with push-to-talk function are helpful
Push-to-talk (PTT) is a useful function that enables workers to communicate instantly and efficiently. It works by using a wireless cellular service that operates in voice broadcast and reception mode, allowing users to communicate with each other instantly using a single button switch. With PTT mobile devices, workers can easily relay important messages, no matter where they are or what they are doing.
This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require their workers to be in constant communication, such as those in the logistics and transportation industries. It can also be beneficial for emergency response teams, construction workers, and healthcare professionals who need to communicate quickly and effectively in high-pressure situations.
PTT can also save time and increase productivity by eliminating the need for workers to type out messages or make phone calls. Instead, they can simply press the PTT button to communicate with their team members. This not only saves time but also helps to prevent misunderstandings or miscommunications that can arise from written or verbal messages.
Additionally, a PTT rugged device often has a rugged design, which makes them durable and resistant to extreme conditions such as high temperatures, dust, and moisture. This makes them ideal for businesses that operate in harsh environments or require their workers to work outdoors.
Overall, the push-to-talk function is an excellent tool for businesses looking to improve their communications and increase efficiency. By investing in PTT devices, businesses can save time and money while enhancing their workers’ ability to communicate quickly and effectively.
4 Benefits of Devices with push-to-talk function connects multiple people at once
The push-to-talk (PTT) feature on a rugged device is essentially an enhanced version of a walkie-talkie. It allows for the connection of a large group of users, typically up to 249 simultaneously, through the simple push of a button. This feature can be particularly useful for businesses with mobile workers, as it enables instant communication between team members, regardless of their location.
During busy operations, even a short phone call can become a significant time waster. However, communication is crucial for any business, and companies with mobile workers will often need to make calls to delegate tasks and check on progress. According to research by Bell Canada, a construction foreman can save up to 49 minutes in their workday simply by using the push-to-talk function.
The PTT feature is also incredibly versatile and can be used in various industries. For example, emergency responders can use it to coordinate their efforts in real-time, while event planners can use it to manage their staff and ensure that everything runs smoothly. With its ability to connect a large group of users instantly, the PTT feature is a valuable tool for any business looking to improve its communication and efficiency.
Manage employees across geographies
In today’s fast-paced world, more and more workforces are becoming increasingly mobile. To handle communications better, devices with push-to-talk functions can greatly improve connections. Push-to-Talk provides instant communication and prolonged connectivity between devices, allowing information and instructions to be relayed efficiently at all times. This can be especially beneficial for businesses with mobile workers, as it ensures that team members can stay connected and work together seamlessly, regardless of their location. With the ability to provide reliable, real-time communication, a push-to-talk rugged device can be a valuable asset for any business looking to improve its operations and boost productivity.
Communications clarity
A key aspect in any workforce management is the need for effective communication. The information must be readily transmitted and responses should be given immediately. Moreover, time-sensitive operations can easily lose revenue due to poor communications. Therefore, there is a constant need to use devices with reliable connections. Push-to-talk devices allow for a clear and constant connection between workers at all times.
Cost control
Effective communication is a crucial aspect of managing any workforce, as the timely transmission of information and prompt responses are essential. Poor communication can result in revenue losses, especially in time-sensitive operations. To ensure reliable communication, it is important to use devices with dependable connections. Push-to-talk devices offer a clear and constant connection between workers at all times, enabling efficient communication and streamlined operations.
Connecting multiple workers at once helps reduce call costs. Furthermore, it reduces the expenses for long-distance usage. According to another research by Bell Canada, foremen are able to save more than $17,000 in expenses thanks to devices with push-to-talk function. That is because there are fewer mistakes and safer relay of information.
When it comes to choosing devices to use for your operations, it is crucial to consider the functions that it offers. Rugged devices with push-to-talk functions can help improve overall operations. Conker offers some of the most advanced rugged smartphones and tablets in the market today. Check out our list of Android and Windows rugged devices.
Using a push-to-talk rugged device to connect multiple workers at once can help businesses reduce call costs and minimise expenses for long-distance usage. According to a study conducted by Bell Canada, foremen can save over $17,000 in expenses by using push-to-talk devices. This is due to the reduction in mistakes and safer relay of information that the devices provide. In addition to cost savings, push-to-talk devices also improve efficiency by allowing for quick and effective communication between team members, regardless of their location.
Conker Rugged Devices
Conker is a UK-based technology company that specializes in providing rugged mobile devices for use in challenging environments. The company offers a wide range of military-grade products, including rugged tablets, handhelds, and wearables, all of which are designed with ingress protection to withstand tough conditions and extreme temperatures and perform reliably in a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, and more.
One of the key features of Conker’s devices is their ruggedness. They are built to withstand drops, spills, and the harshest environments, making them ideal for use in demanding settings where traditional devices would be easily damaged. A Conker rugged device also has various IP ratings that offers water and dust resistance, and they come with scratch-resistant screens and reinforced corners to protect against accidental damage.
In addition to their ruggedness, Conker’s devices also offer powerful performance and long battery life. They run on the latest Android operating system and are equipped with powerful processors, ample storage, and high-resolution screens. The battery life of these devices is also impressive, with some models offering up to 20 hours of continuous use.
In addition to their rugged build and versatile features, Conker’s mobile devices also come with excellent technical support. The company offers comprehensive technical support and maintenance services to ensure that their devices are always in optimal condition.
Conker’s technical support team is well-trained and knowledgeable, providing prompt and efficient assistance to their customers. They offer various services, including device setup, software installation, and troubleshooting, to help businesses get the most out of their rugged devices.
Moreover, Conker also provides maintenance services, including repairs and replacement of parts, to ensure that the devices continue to function properly over time. This helps businesses avoid costly downtime and ensures that their operations run smoothly.
Book a 15-minute discovery call with an experienced consultant to find the right device for your business needs.