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
Concrete | Jan 24, 2023
Researchers investigate ancient Roman concrete to make durable, lower carbon mortar
Researchers have turned to an ancient Roman concrete recipe to develop more durable concrete that lasts for centuries and can potentially reduce the carbon impact of the built environment.
Architects | Jan 23, 2023
PSMJ report: The fed’s wrecking ball is hitting the private construction sector
Inflation may be starting to show some signs of cooling, but the Fed isn’t backing down anytime soon and the impact is becoming more noticeable in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) space. The overall A/E/C outlook continues a downward trend and this is driven largely by the freefall happening in key private-sector markets.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 23, 2023
Long Beach, Calif., office tower converted to market rate multifamily housing
A project to convert an underperforming mid-century office tower in Long Beach, Calif., created badly needed market rate housing with a significantly lowered carbon footprint. The adaptive reuse project, composed of 203,177 sf including parking, created 106 apartment units out of a Class B office building that had been vacant for about 10 years.
Hotel Facilities | Jan 23, 2023
U.S. hotel construction pipeline up 14% to close out 2022
At the end of 2022’s fourth quarter, the U.S. construction pipeline was up 14% by projects and 12% by rooms year-over-year, according to Lodging Econometrics.
Standards | Jan 19, 2023
Fenestration Alliance updates liquid applied flashing standard
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) published an update to its Liquid Applied Flashing Standard. The document contains minimum performance requirements for liquid applied flashing used to provide water-resistive seals around exterior wall openings in buildings.
AEC Tech | Jan 19, 2023
Data-informed design, with Josh Fritz of LEO A DALY
Joshua Fritz, Leo A Daly's first Data Scientist, discusses how information analysis can improve building project outcomes.
Multifamily Housing | Jan 19, 2023
Chicago multifamily high-rise inspired by industrial infrastructure and L tracks
The recently unveiled design of The Row Fulton Market, a new Chicago high-rise residential building, draws inspiration from industrial infrastructure and L tracks in the historic Fulton Market District neighborhood. The 43-story, 300-unit rental property is in the city’s former meatpacking district, and its glass-and-steel façade reflects the arched support beams of the L tracks.
Products and Materials | Jan 18, 2023
Is inflation easing? Construction input prices drop 2.7% in December 2022
Softwood lumber and steel mill products saw the biggest decline among building construction materials, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index.
ProConnect Events | Jan 17, 2023
3 ProConnect Single Family events for Home Builders and Product Manufacturers set for 2023
SGC Horizon, parent company of ProBuilder, will present 3 ProConnect Single Family Events this year. At ProConnect Single Family, Home Builders meet in confidential 20-minute sessions with Building Product Manufacturers to discuss upcoming projects, learn about new products, and discover practical solutions to technical problems.
University Buildings | Jan 17, 2023
Texas Christian University breaks ground on medical school for Dallas-Fort Worth region
Texas Christian University (TCU) has broken ground on the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, which aims to help meet the expanding medical needs of the growing Dallas-Fort Worth region.
