Tough portables survive knocks

Rugged laptop and Tablet PC from Itronix could cut TCO

Itronix last week added a laptop and Tablet PC to its range of ruggedised wireless devices. The GoBook VR-1 is the world's toughest semi-rugged notebook computer, according to the firm, while the Duo-Touch Tablet PC is a fully sealed unit aimed at field workers, emergency services, and the military.

"The VR-1 is our first entry into the semi-rugged market, so we set out to make the best laptop in terms of durability, published standards, and sheer computing performance," said Itronix president and chief executive Thomas Turner.

Available from October, the VR-1 meets military specifications for vibration, humidity, and temperature range. It has a magnesium alloy case with shock-mounted display and hard drive, and can survive a 30in (76cm) fall and continue working, according to Itronix, although it is not fully sealed against dust and moisture.

"For firms with highly mobile laptop users, the value proposition [of the VR-1] is that it will take drops and temperature challenges, and substantially reduce your annual laptop failure rate. It may cost more to purchase, but its total cost of ownership (TCO) will compare favourably with commercial notebooks over three years," said Turner.

The GoBook VR-1 is based on a 1.86GHz Pentium M processor with up to 2GB memory and has a 12.1in display with optional touchscreen.

Battery life is quoted at about four hours, or up to seven hours with an extended battery option. Prices start at £1,959.

Shipping now, the Duo-Touch Tablet PC is aimed at staff who work outdoors, such as engineers and emergency service workers. It is designed to cope with rain, wind, snow, dust, vibration, shock, and temperatures from -20øC to 60øC.

The Duo-Touch display supports a digitiser for pen input but is also touch-sensitive, allowing staff to select options using a fingertip. It is based on a 1.1GHz ultra-low voltage Pentium M with 256MB memory and costs from £1,879.

Both models offer four-way wireless support, comprising Bluetooth, GPRS, WLAN, and GPS capabilities.