Rugged vs Consumer Tablets: The Real Math Behind TCO

Rugged vs. Consumer Tablets: The Real Math Behind TCO

2025-11-05

What is TCO and why does it matter? When choosing devices for field operations, the sticker price is just the start. The real costs come from downtime, repairs, replacements, and shorter lifecycles. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) looks beyond day-one price to include acquisition, operation, maintenance, disposal, and residual value. In this edition, we show why consumer tablets—though cheaper upfront—often cost more in the long run. Rugged devices reduce failures, extend support, and deliver stronger value, helping teams stay productive and budgets predictable.