field.formattedValue returns a Date not String ... WHY?

Hi,

I have a date field.

I just wanted to know what is the difference between the below field properties?

Field Name = ReceivedDate

1. ReceivedDate.rawValue

2. ReceivedDate.formattedValue

On my machine, ReceivedDate.formattedValue retruns STRING value (if I use typeof ) but on other machine the same code throws  error.

I am assuming it is returning Date because of which typeof throws error.

Is ReceivedDate.formattedValue system depenedent?

I changed system clock formats and application stopped couple of times (different date formats).

Its very urgent, please help.