Weekend Warrior
If you’re in search for a portable, but rugged notebook to take with you no matter where you go, there are lots of options available. These notebooks range in durability from “semi-rugged” to “rugged” which is the most durable. There is even a tablet PC option available. So, here’s our list of some of the best rugged notebooks for your extreme traveling.
Panasonic Toughbook-18
What makes this rugged notebook unique is the fact that it can transform itself into a tablet PC. It has WiFi, Bluetooth, EVDO (compatible with Cingular, Sprint, and Verizon networks), and GPS built in! The Panasonic Toughbook-18 is considered rugged because of the fact that it has a moisture and dust resistant LCD, keyboard, and touchpad. It also has sealed port and connector covers, along with a shock-mounted removable hard drive. This comes in a stainless steel case, which means that you could shake it around and it still wouldn’t skip! It weighs in at 4.5 lbs. which is impressive considering that it is built to last! The price is just over $3,000. It comes in a magnesium alloy case with a handle. Additional details:
- Windows XP Professional Operating System
- Intel Centrino Mobile Technology
- 10.4″ outdoor- color LCD swivel screen
- 3.5-7 hours of battery life
Rough Rider III
Another option is the Rough Rider III which is super ruged, and heavy-duty! It has been tested under a variety of extreme environmental specifications and the results prove that you can take this just about anywhere! It has been tested for temperature, humidity, altitude, shock, vibration, drop, and enclosure. It can be dropped from at least 3 feet and still survive. It also can be brought to an altitude of 15,000 feet. Other details:
- 1.4 1.6/GHz Intel Pentium M processor
- 60 GB hard drive
- Built in Wi-Fi
Rough Rider Max
The Rough Rider Max is similar to the Rough Rider III, and has been tested under the same environmental specifications. One difference is that it can be dropped from 4 feet, and was tested on a free drop onto a wood plate. The test was done 26 times, and the computer was able to survive those tests. I’d love to know what this computer sells for, but unfortunately you have to call for the pricing.
If you plan on any extreme vacations or travel plans, you may want to check out the Rough Rider III, the Rough Rider Max, and the Panasonic Toughbook 18 which will give you a variety of rugged options to choose from!
Source: Rugged Notebooks
Later when I have fun cash I’d like to buy one of these just to take it to a sink and rinse it off. Make for a few heart attacks.
i have been using one of those rugged models when i am in my army reserve unit. but i don’t recall what the model and makers was. i will write it down next time and see how tough our models are.
the stainless steel covered monitor is very tough, and although the size isn’t that bigger then a regular laptop, it looks very impressive. but we didn’t get to test it as we were sitting in a very nice and safe room. hopefully i won’t get a chance to test drive it in the field. well, maybe in training.
a panosonic rough laptop was used in the iraq war (actualy thats supposedly all they realy use ) but one guy was ina firefight and held one up a bullet went through the screen hit the hdd and saved the guy from his head popping off….they replaced the hdd and the whole thing still workd (quoted from the gadget show channel 5 ok uktv)
Wow, that’s impressive!