Thursday, July 23, 2009

Why Would I Need A Rugged Laptop Computer?

By William Jobe Cyrus

Rugged or ruggedized laptops are computers made to be portable and convenient, while being able to stand up to harsh or extreme conditions. They can deal with very hot or cold temperatures, wet and dusty conditions, vibrations and other situations where an ordinary computer might not work.

These computers are usually designed from step one for reliability and durability. That makes models adapted from normal consumer laptops a less good choice, since they lack the engineering to make them really rugged. Rugged laptops are usually heavier, larger, and made using older technology than an ordinary laptop, and are difficult to find in a retail store, so they're uncommon among private consumers.

Rugged laptop computers can be expected to include a number of different design features, though you're unlikely to see all of them on every computer. Some machines are less rugged than other examples, and most brands produce models with varying degrees of ruggedness.

Features that make a laptop computer rugged can include sealed keyboards, LCDs, ports and connectors that keep dust and liquid out, shock mounted storage drives that can cope with sudden drops and constant vibration, and electronics that operate on less power than those found in conventional laptop computers. That maximizes battery life. Wireless communication methods are also extremely common.

This type of computer usually has an extremely bright display that can be read in all kinds of lighting, from dark to in direct sunlight. Magnesium alloy cases and frames or magnesium alloy roll cages protect the contents of the computer, and passive cooling keeps components from overheating. The components themselves are also some of the toughest around.

Rugged laptops can be found in all kinds of sectors and situations, from medical emergency staff to police and fire department use. Military personnel make use of rugged laptops, as do utility companies and some companies, such as those in the mining, oil drilling, and construction fields. These laptops go anywhere hard use is expected.

All rugged laptops share the same general goals. They're trying to create a controlled environment where stresses won't reach to damage electronics. However, more durable electronic parts are also common, in order to minimize damage.

Rugged laptop computers are made by a number of different companies, including Panasonic's Toughbook, Twinhead and General Dynamics, as well as some other manufacturers. They're often hard for the general public to purchase, as the biggest demand for these computers is for larger organizations, and their cost is fairly high. However, it is possible to purchase them for personal use, usually online.

A rugged or ruggedized laptop is an excellent choice for any organization which needs performance and reliability, no matter what the conditions. Workers who can expect to deal with varying environments should use ruggedized computers instead of standard consumer models. These laptops are far more reliable and require service far less often than a regular laptop, making them a good bet for getting things done on time, every time. - 22787

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