Are Rugged Mobile Computers Value For Money?
Have you heard about rugged computing? These computers are portable computers - laptops and notebooks - that have been engineered to deal with some of the harshest conditions in existence.
There are many different kinds of rugged computers, and they come in a number of different types. Some are used by the US military, and are made to hold up to particular standards set by that organization.
There are a number of different companies that make these types of computers. One of the most famous kinds is the Panasonic Toughbook. However, Geta, Motion Computing, Itronix, Twinhead and other companies all make computers that can deal with rough conditions.
It's important to pay attention to what you need a rugged computer for, and what the computer you're thinking about buying will stand up to. After all, not all computers are made to deal with the same kinds of conditions. Here are a few of the trials and protections that a rugged computers might have.
Some of the most common threats include drops, falls, and jarring - from a desk, while in transit, or even a tumble down a long drop. This could damage the casing, screen, and hard drive, and computers that will resist this kind of damage must have a protected hard drive - these drives can sense motion and will stop operating. There are also computers with light metal alloy cases and shock protected screens.
Another real issue is vibration from large moving vehicles. It can cause keyboard failure and problems in most other components. If your laptop is going to have to deal with vibrations, it should have shock mounts for all internal parts.
Moisture and dust are two major enemies of your computer as well. Spills, environmental dust, rain and condensation can all enter through cracks in the computer and damage the internal components. Some rugged mobile computers are made with seals around every seam and port to keep dust and water out and allow them to be used even in the rain!
Many rugged computers are also exposed to extreme temperatures, both high and low. People working in the field or who may need to leave their computer in a place that's not temperature controlled want to know that their laptop will keep on functioning. Insulated computers that have better cooling systems and even small heaters can survive conditions that other machines wouldn't make it through.
Rugged computers are usually more costly than regular ones, but they're also worth it for many uses. If you travel a lot, work outdoors, or otherwise put your computer through a lot of stressed, you should look into these tough little machines. After all you want to be sure your computer will work whenever you require it.
A consumer grade laptop is great if you never leave the office, never change temperatures, and aren't in danger of dropping your machine. However, if you're going to be putting your computer under any stresses at all, a rugged machine is definitely the way to go.
Related Reading:
The Laptop Repair Workbook: An Introduction to Troubleshooting and Repairing Laptop ComputersThe Laptop Repair Workbook includes twelve full page troubleshooting flowcharts for laptop hardware troubleshooting and explanatory text for every decision point. The book begins with an introduction to basic laptop terminology, troubleshooting procedures, and cost decisions. Supplementary illustrated tests and procedures are available on the publisher's website, www.fonerbooks.com. An ebook version is also available direct from the publisher.
Laptops All-in-One For DummiesThe all-in-one guide to buying, using, securing, and transporting a laptop—it's ten books in one! If you want to take a computer with you on a trip, to a coffee shop, or into the kitchen when you're cooking, laptops are just the ticket. They're portable, powerful, and popular—but they're not desktops, so you’ll want to know what you’re doing from the get-go. This terrific, ten-minibooks-in-one book covers all the bases: how to choose the best laptop for you, what you need to know when you’re on the road, how to get more productive and more.
- Shows you how to keep your laptop running smoothly and safely at home, at work, in the classroom, and on the road
- Includes ten books in one: Choosing the Best Laptop, Setting Up Your Laptop, Running Basic Windows Operations, Using Common Applications, Playing with Multimedia, Managing Your Power Supply, Upgrading Your Laptop, Networking and Linking to the Internet, Protecting Your Laptop, and Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Offers advice and tips on using your laptop safely and efficiently, including what accessories you need
- Reflects the very latest technologies, including Windows 7 and the new Microsoft Office 2010
This easy-to-follow For Dummies guide tells you everything you need to know about laptops!
