As if we needed further proof that smartphones are tools. Dewalt, the maker of a plethora of devices and gadgets for construction pros, has introduced the MD501 smartphone.
The phone is designed for building industry workers. It is waterproof, dustproof, and it can withstand drops up to nearly six feet and temperatures from 144 F to below zero. It is IP68-certified, meaning it can be submerged in two-meter-deep water for up to 30 minutes. The touchscreen, which is made of the strong Gorilla Glass, can still be used with gloves.
Along with all the standard smartphone features, like GPS, a 13 MP camera, a radio and MP3 player, and a Bluetooth receiver, the MD501 has dual SIM capabilities (making it easier to separate business and personal use) and Qi charging. Instead of having to connect and unplug cables, the phone can be charged by placing it on a Qi charging pad.
The MD501 is Android-powered and has 4G internet speeds. More specs and ordering information can be found here.
Dewalt is joining a market already occupied by construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, the maker of several industry-grade smartphones.
Related Stories
| May 11, 2012
2012 White Paper: High-Performance Reconstructed Buildings: The 99% Solution
Download the complete White Paper, Chapters 1-10
| May 11, 2012
Chapter 10 Action Plan: 18 Recommendations for Advancing Sustainability in Reconstructed Buildings
We offer the following recommendations in the hope that they will help step up the pace of high-performance building reconstruction in the U.S. and Canada. We consulted many experts for advice, but these recommendations are solely the responsibility of the editors of Building Design+Construction. We welcome your comments. Please send them to Robert Cassidy, Editorial Director: rcassidy@sgcmail.com.
| May 11, 2012
Chapter 9 The Key to Commissioning That Works? It Never Stops
Why commissioning for existing and renovated buildings needs to be continuous to be effective.
| May 11, 2012
Chapter 8 High-Performance Reconstruction and Historic Preservation: Conflict and Opportunity
What historic preservationists and energy-performance advocates can learn from each other.
| May 11, 2012
VFA to acquire Altus Group's Capital Planning division
Strategic move strengthens VFA's facilities capital planning market osition in North America.
| May 11, 2012
Betz promoted to senior vice president for McCarthy’s San Diego Office
He will oversee client relations, estimating, office operations and personnel as well as integration of the company’s scheduling, safety and contracts departments.
| May 11, 2012
CRSI appoints Brace chairman
Stevens also elected to board of directors and vice-chair.
| May 11, 2012
Dempster named to AIA College of Fellows
Altoon Partners’ technical and construction services leader honored for his contributions.
| May 11, 2012
AIA launches education and training portal
New portal to host Contract Documents training, education resources in one convenient place.
| May 10, 2012
Chapter 7 When Modern Becomes Historic: Preserving the Modernist Building Envelope
This AIA CES Discovery course explores the special reconstruction questions posed by Modern-era buildings.