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Best Rugged Laptop

By William Nam
June 03, 2010

Although their appeal may seem rather limited thanks to their limited power and performance, 'rugged' laptops have their strong points. The rough-and-tumble nature of these computers makes them perfect for lines of work such as construction or field work, where accidents are just waiting to happen. Rugged laptops shrug off drops and impacts which would render a standard laptop useless, and can operate through intense vibration and even withstand water exposure. Ruggedness does come at a price, though – not only are these rugged laptops expensive to buy, they do not offer much in terms of performance compared to other laptops in similar price ranges. These are different laptops aimed at different users, with different expectations from their machines.

Panasonic Toughbook 31

Why it's best: Panasonic's Toughbook 31 takes 'rugged' to a whole new level. Looking more like a rugged briefcase than a laptop, the Toughbook 31 blends supreme ruggedness with outstanding performance, thanks to Intel's latest Core i3 or i5 processors and 2GB of RAM standard. The Toughbook 31 boasts MIL-STD-810G, MIL-STD-461F, and IP65 certifications, and can withstand repeated 6-foot drops without sustaining damage. Locking port covers keep dust out of the sensitive internals, and allow the Toughbook 31 to withstand a fair amount of water. The hard drive is mounted on shocks to prevent damage, and the optional solid-state drive makes an already durable computer even more resilient. The greatest drawback to the Toughbook 31 is its stratospheric price, but if you require this kind of ruggedness, only the best will do. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs

Dell Latitude E6400 XFR

Why it's a best pick: With its beefy carry handle and ruggedized construction, the Dell Latitude E6400 XFR appears more like an armored case than a laptop. That isn't too far from the truth, as Dell touts this computer's exclusive 'Ballistic Armor Protection System' as one of its key features for its ruggedness. At its roots, the Latitude E6400 XFR is much like a standard Latitude E6400 encased in a super-tough protective case. Aside from the tough skin, the internals of the Latitude E6400 XFR are protected well enough from outside materials that it carries IP65 certification. This computer also carries MIL-STD-810F certification, and will withstand repeated 4-foot drops according to the testing. Performance-wise, the Latitude E6400 XFR comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and is offered with up to 8GB of RAM, an optional NVIDIA Quadro NVS 160M 256MB graphics card, and solid state drives to further increase durability. This ruggedness does come at a steep price, with an MSRP reaching into several thousands of dollars for a base model. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs

Rugged Notebooks RNB 230 MAX

Why it's a best pick: With a tough-looking case complete with a carry handle and locking port covers, you know that Rugged Notebooks means business with the RNB 230 MAX. The RNB 230 MAX focuses on durability over outright performance, though you can certainly option it out to high performance stadards. This computer complies with MIL-STD-810F and IP54 standards, and is offered with an upgrade which brings it up to MIL-STD-461E certifications. The internals lack a fan, and the hard drive is mounted on a shock-absorbent base which protects it even further from damage. The RNB 230 MAX features an Intel Core 2 Duo processor clocking in at 1.50GHz – yesteryear's technology, but still sufficient for most needs which require a rugged computer. Rugged Notebooks offers a variety of upgrade options, from more RAM to touchscreen displays and discrete graphics cards, and even 3G connectivity for wireless internet where coverage extends.See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs

Lenovo Thinkpad T510 Laptop

Why it's a best pick: The old stalwart ThinkPad proves that this nearly 2 decade-old design is still up to just about anything thrown at it. ThinkPads are considered to be one of the most overbuilt computers on the market, with a tough outer case housing a full inner chassis system designed to protect the internals from damage whether by drops or impact shocks. The keyboard is entirely spill-proof, and contains small drainage holes that allow fluids to run through designated channels and safely away from sensitive parts. The T500 (predecessor to the current T510) met MIL STD 810G testing standards, including temperature extremes, humidity, vibration, and dust. One of the greatest testaments to the ThinkPad's ability to function in extreme environments is the fact that NASA preferred them for outer space expeditions. Though nowhere near as rugged as Panasonic's Toughbook computers, the ThinkPad T510 will withstand much more abuse than the average consumer laptop on the market today.See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs

Dell Latitude E6410 ATG

Why it's a best pick: The Dell Latitude E6410 ATG is classified as a 'semi-rugged' laptop as opposed to a 'fully rugged' one, meaning it is not designed to take the severe abuse of its more durable cousins. These computers spec out like ordinary consumer-grade hardware, from the Intel Core i5 pro... Read Full Reviewcessor to 320GB 7200 RPM hard drives which allow plenty of versatility. These computers also meet MIL-STD-810G specs, which test the ability of the computer to continue functioning in extreme environments with massive temperature fluctuations, harsh vibration, varying humidity, and high altitudes. Though these computers may never see conditions like the ones just described, it is reassuring to know that your equipment is not fragile. The Dell Latitude E6410 ATG is not designed to be durable enough to survive 6-foot falls, but should function well in most environments without much trouble. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs

Laptops That Last

A guide to the best rugged portables for the price
BY Jonathan Blum | June 7, 2011|

You drag your laptop with you everywhere you go, because you rely on it to run your business. You need something that can hold up to all that wear and tear--but you don't want to break the bank. Thankfully, major laptop makers are finally taking durability seriously when it comes to designing their notebook computers. Features that were once considered high-end, like all-metal casings, state-of-the-art processors and instant web access, have become commonplace. With so many options available, picking the right portable computer for your business isn't easy. For laptops that are built to last, here's our guide to four of the best.

1. 15-inch Apple MacBook Pro

The construction standards pioneered by the Apple MacBook Pro line of notebooks are superior to anything else on the market today. Single-unit, molded aluminum cases and keyboards (which are just now coming to other brands) have been standard in MacBook Pros for years. The trick with Apple is picking which über-box is best for your small business. For now, your best bet may be the recently updated 15-inch, 2 Ghz, 4 GB, 500 GB spinning-hard-drive model.

Sure, the 13-incher is attractively priced at $1,200, and the 17-inch model is a dazzling performer, but the smaller unit is just that--small. The 15-incher has all the features you need: a ridiculously fast quad i7 processor, seven hours of battery life, a slick backlit keyboard and trackpad and a handy MagSafe power adapter that simply disconnects if you (or the dog) trip over the power cord.

2.Toshiba Portégé R830

Toshiba gets credit in the larger PC market for being an early mover into rugged notebook computers. Its latest effort, the Portégé R830, is jammed with features like a 13.3-inch backlit LED display, a built-in DVD drive, 4 GB RAM and support for everything from an entry-level Intel Core i3 processor to a super-fast i7 chip.

But for the money, the i5 model, starting at $1,350, is probably the sweet spot for most small firms. The entire unit is wrapped in a single-piece magnesium alloy case, supported with the latest riff of USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Entrepreneurs can expect most every small-business task--from word processing to advanced business graphics to spreadsheets--to run very well on the R830. The kicker: This bad boy is a feather-light 3.2 pounds. At about an inch thick, that makes the R830 a legitimate ultraportable laptop that can double as a desktop replacement. On bulk-to-performance ratio, it's tough to beat this box.

3. Dell Latitude E5420

Looking for a highly durable, long lasting, metal-enclosed PC on the cheap? The newly redesigned Latitude E5420, a well-provisioned midline unit with an i3 Dual Core Processor, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB of storage, six-cell battery and a backlit keyboard is a heck of a buy. It's wrapped in a sleek anodized brushed aluminum display back, has reinforced steel hinges, a magnesium internal frame and zinc alloy latches. It's also sealed in a bumper casing and has a spill-resistant keyboard.

It should be noted that the E5420 isn't up to über-computing, design work or heavy calcs, but for basic business computing, it's a box worth considering.

4. HP Pavilion dv6t Quad Edition

Though not nearly as tough as others on our list, the HP Pavilion dv6t makes the cut based on its raw computational power, for a price even a cheapskate will love. Its "metal" enclosure is merely a finish treatment, but this $1,000 box offers a legit second-generation Intel Core i7, 6 GB RAM, 750 GB of storage, a good-looking 15.6-inch diagonal high-def LED display and one of our favorite keyboards in the mobile market. The fingerprint reader and USB 3.0 support are also appealing.

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30

Latest version of a pioneering design with upgraded electronics and an outdoor-viewable display
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Note: In January of 2009, Panasonic updated the Toughbook CF-30 to the latest CF-30K version. This included a switch from the Intel Core 2 Duo L7500 to the ultra low voltage Core 2 Duo SL9300 with vPro(TM) technology that potentially enhances security. Standard memory doubled to 2GB and the standard hard disk capacity also doubled to 160GB (SSDs are now optionally available as well). All CF-30 models now have a 1,000 nit LCD with circular polarization technology and anti-glare and anti-reflective screen treatments to enhance screen viewability, further improving in-field usability for mobile workers. Battery life is said to be up to ten hours now even though the faster replacement processor has the same 17 watt Thermal Design Power as the older chip.

Few computers have the history and pedigree of the rugged Panasonic Toughbooks, and among those the CF-27/CF-28/CF-29 and now CF-30 holds a special place as perhaps the most popular rugged notebook computer ever made. With this design, Panasonic essentially pioneered the concept of a ruggedized mobile computer that is tough enough to be used in the field while still remaining affordable. Panasonic's superb industrial design certainly helped, as did their signature use of highly visible magnesium that lowered weight and provided extra strength and protection. Panasonic also kept its flagship Toughbook model updated over the years, with constant improvements. As a result, it won several Pen Computing Magazine "Editor's Choice" Awards while I ran that publication, and has long been a favorite in law enforcement and numerous other vertical market applications.

Rugged Notebook Computer

Sunday, August 01 2010

GammaTech Computer Corp. (Fremont, CA) offers the D14RM rugged notebook tested using the military 810G specification for protection against drop, shock, spill, and dust. It is protected by a magnesium alloy case. Anti-shock mounting protects the LCD and hard disk drive from damage and data loss. Other features are a spill-resistant keyboard, touchpad, and switches, and input/output port rubber caps to protect against dust.

Security features include TPM 1.2 technology, fingerprint technology, and a smart card reader. The computer is powered by the Intel® Core 2 Duo processor, and is compatible with Windows® 7. It comes with a 14.1" WXGA 1280x800 resolution display, and LED lighted keyboard. It includes four USB ports and a HDMI port. Options include a resistive-type touchscreen, built-in Webcam, and internal GPS.

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Sep/Oct 2009 www.PSITmag.com

Refurbished laptops help budget-challenged agencies

Rugged Notebooks Inc., a leading provider of high-end ruggedized notebook computers and related electronic equipment, has launched for public safety agencies “Toughbook Depot” (www.toughbookdepot.com), an eStore that offers significant cost savings on factory-authorized refurbished Panasonic Toughbook computers.

Law enforcement and other public agencies are increasingly turning to alternative sources to meet their Mobile Data Terminal needs in these constrained economic conditions. Toughbook Depot is proving to be one of those sources.

Buying pre-owned and refurbished Toughbooks is helping small municipal police departments and other public safety agencies cope with budget cuts and layoffs by lowering the cost of ownership. This

value is allowing local agencies to keep up with their expansion and still provide the high technology resources that today’s law enforcement requires.

Not every laptop will pass the rigorous, multi-point quality checklist…essential to qualify as a premium, pre-owned and fully refurbished Toughbook computer. These computers initially must be hand-selected from the inventory of all the Toughbook computers received at the refurbishing center. Each piece of hardware must meet stringent functionality requirements and certain cosmetic prerequisites.

Toughbook Depot Total Evaluation

Purchasers require “peace of mind” when they are buying a renovated laptop computer. Public safety personnel depend on their Toughbook computers for top performance and job efficiency. This can range from use in a police car, fire equipment, an ambulance, or any other environment where a fully rugged computer is relied upon for daily use. It is this very reason why full diagnostic testing is executed on every computer. An overall rating of each Toughbook is executed and checked off against individual model configuration specs and performance measures. A multi-point quality evaluation checklist will include (but is not limited to) the following: Exterior cosmetic inspection; Test handles and strap rings; Functionality check of doors, latches and covers; Power-up and boot-up testing; Display functionality (additional testing for touchscreen models); Touchscreen standard calibration; Touchpad functionality/check for wear marks; Keypad functionality/check for wear marks; Screen check for blemishes and/or scratches; Screen image clarity; and Standard battery testing.

Rigorous Reconditioning

To fully assure that Toughbook Depot customers receive the highest quality, each laptop computer undergoes a complete reconditioning and any required “new parts” are installed. For example, LCD screens that do not test as sharp, and that cannot be repaired or replaced, are moved out from the line. Units that are not in “like-new” condition (and can’t be brought back) are designated according to the cosmetic conditions present.

Even though hard drives may have been erased by a previous owner, all drives are checked for residual data. Each hard drive is then thoroughly wiped and data

sanitized in accordance with DOD Compliance Standard 5220.22-M. Buyers therefore are assured of receiving a Toughbook computer with a “clean” HDD.

To gain customer assurance, every Toughbook Depot’s device is examined again prior to proceeding to the last cleaning and packing operation for quality control. All processing and imaging functions are checked once again as well as all ports, covers, latches and seals. A final cosmetics rating is affirmed so the “like-new” identification can be confirmed.

Most people don’t want to type on a keyboard that has been previously used by another individual so each refurbished Toughbook computer is not only wiped, but thoroughly cleansed and sanitized. All ports are cleaned again with an air gun and the port covers securely fastened. In addition, all accessories and documentation are included so every Toughbook is accompanied with new certification documents and manuals for the designated unit. This information can be found packaged in each box, along with a power cord and accessories. Before a Toughbook Depot’s computer is approved for shipping, it is securely packed for extra protection and is repackaged in a new box with appropriate packing material to guard against damage during shipping and handling while in transport.

Toughbook Computers in Action

According to Detective T. Milner of the Sansom, TX Police Department, “The only computer a police department can use is a Toughbook; it’s the only computer you will be happy with…you save a lot over time.” The Sansom Police Department has purchased eight CF-29 refurbished Toughbook fully rugged computers from Toughbook Depot this year.

The City of Hemet, CA also recently purchased 12 multiple CF29 Toughbook computers to be utilized in vehicles belonging to the Department of Housing and Building Inspection. Syd Woods, of the City of Hemet IT Department said, “These will be used for code enforcement within both departments. We are happy with our Toughbook Depot experience… these are the same units we utilize in our police vehicles.” According to Woods, they chose the refurbished units over new units due to the significant cost savings.

Toughbook Depot and El Campo, TX Police work together to cut costs

By PSIT Staff

Police officer using his toughbook while on duty

Toughbook Depot, a subsidiary of Rugged Notebooks, is a premier global provider of new and refurbished Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers. For the past 10 years, Rugged Notebooks has been a leader in providing ruggedized laptops, tablet computers and PDAs to the military and public safety agencies who depend on military tested products and platforms for their field automation. Toughbook Depot offers a unique array of new and refurbished Toughbook® products, vehicle mounting solutions and hard-to-find parts and accessories for today’s demanding public safety applications. Their user-friendly e-store experience combined with product expertise makes Toughbook Depot a valuable partner for public safety agencies.

With savings as high as 75 percent compared to purchasing new items, and combined with a standard one year warranty, Toughbook Depot’s line of refurbished Toughbook products offers tremendous value. Additional warranty coverage of up to three years and optional “No Fault” warranty offer a “No Risk” approach to owning a refurbished Toughbook laptop.

Not every laptop passes the rigorous, multipoint Beyond Process quality inspection of Toughbook Depot’s factory authorized refurbished Toughbook products. Units are handpicked and each component within the unit must pass stringent functionality requirements and cosmetic prerequisites.

The ToughbookDepot.com Web site is dedicated to providing uptodate information about factory authorized refurbished Panasonic Toughbook models for sale online. The Toughbook Depot Web site is updated often with informative content regarding the availability of the most popular models of new and used Panasonic Toughbooks. Frequent updates ensure that customers can check back often and find current information.

As a longstanding leader in the industry, Panasonic was one of the first companies to develop and market specialuse portable computers for demanding situations and occupations like military personnel, the public service sector, law enforcement, governmental agencies, emergency medical services and fire and rescue. ToughbookDepot.com offers a wide selection of refurbished and overstock Panasonic Toughbook computers below retail and at discounted pricing. The staff and parent company have years of
experience to aid you in the selection and service of the Toughbook mobile computer line, accessories, infrastructure and software. “Buying Tough for Less” with assurance is Toughbook Depot’s motto. The Toughbook Depot staff of trained consultants is ready to answer any presales questions, inclusive of ongoing support for your Toughbook computer needs.

El Campo, TX

El Campo, TX is located 70 miles southwest of Houston. The city has a population of approximately 12,000 residents, the largest in Wharton County. The jurisdictional limits encompass sixplus square miles and 1 mile territorial.
According to Chief Terry Marek, the El Campo, TX Police Department has 29 fulltime sworn officers and two parttime reserve officers. Its civilian support staff has 43 employees.

El Campo PD’s Communications Division manages calls for Police, Fire, EMS for the city’s residents, as well as an additional 15,000 residents outside of jurisdictional limits. They answer approximately 13,000 calls for service per year. The department handles 3,000 criminal arrests per year. In addition, the officers of El Campo PD write 4,500 traffic citations and give out 5,800 warning citations, while managing 1,200 official crime reports per year.

Chief Marek said his agency did not receive a substantial increase in funding last year. Therefore, El Campo PD wanted to minimize the cost of the highend rugged laptops they were using at the time. Those laptops cost between $4,500–5,000 per unit. Toughbook Depot’s refurbished Panasonic Toughbook CF29 costs less than half at $1,000 per unit with upgrades. “I’m a fan of refurbished laptops because they are not only looked at once, but twice,” Marek stated. Toughbook Depot’s Panasonic Toughbook units come with the same warranty as new models. Marek said his department had mechanical issues with their old brand of laptops and they often had to be serviced. However, they haven’t run into any of those issues with the refurbished Toughbooks.

Currently, El Campo PD has 15 mobile data terminals (MDTs)/laptops in service, and half of those are the Panasonic Toughbook. Marek said they are intending to replace the other models with Panasonic’s through Toughbook Depot. Toughbook Depot gave Marek the option to “test drive” their refurbished Toughbooks, but Marek didn’t feel the need. “We had purchased three new Panasonic Toughbooks in the past and had no issues for three years while they were in use,” Marek said.

El Campo PD uses neighboring Houston’s Harris County to access the National Data Gathering Network and the Texas Law Enforcement Teletype System (TLETS) for NCIS operations such as running blood checks or protection orders, etc. The division manager of Harris County recommended Toughbook Depot to Marek because they use them and had a positive experience. Marek said EL

Campo PD’s officers use their Toughbooks for many operations, including an electronic citation system for traffic. Similar to a credit card swipe, the system collects data and automatically runs information to check if a driver is insured or not insured, etc. Citations can be printed in the car, and officers can wirelessly download all of their citations to El Campo’s server. This data is then transferred to the courts system automatically as well.

The state of Texas requires mobile videotaping for all traffic stops. Today’s camera systems are capable of downloading video into the Toughbook computer, which can then be copied onto CDs for evidence use.
El Campo PD purchased the additional warranties offered by Toughbook Depot. A oneyear warranty came with the unit. An additional twoyear warranty cost $200, and it is “well worth the price,” Marek noted. “The cost savings by using Toughbook Depot is huge and allows us the opportunity to double the inventory and the number of units in the field,” Marek said.

El Campo uses the Panasonic Toughbooks in the mobile units as well as in the detective division. Officers use them when conducting interviews and taking statements. Marek cited an example of when an officer used his Toughbook to show a video to a woman in order to identify a suspect. They are also used in PowerPoint presentations for training purposes.

El Campo PD is very satisfied with Toughbook Depot’s customer service, technical support and response. “If we have any questions, they are very attentive to our concerns,” Marek explained. It’s clear Toughbook Depot is making a difference in the El Campo Police Department, which in turn makes the city of El Campo safer.

If your department is looking for a complete mobile computing solution or if you would like to learn more about their refurbished Toughbook products, visit www.toughbookdepot.com/psit and watch the “Tough Test” video, or speak with a public safety specialist at (866) 6540192.

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