What to Consider when Purchasing a Rugged Computer
You might have heard about rugged computing - the production of computers that can take almost anything you can throw at them. However, do you really need a laptop that's engineered to take it all?
There are lots of different types and styles of rugged computers, from the semi rugged to the fully rugged. There are even laptops made to stand up to the rigorous standards of the US military.
Several different companies make rugged computers, too. Panasonic's Toughbook is one of the most famous, but there are also tough computers made by Getac, Twinhead, Motion Computing, Itronix and others.
If you're thinking about getting one of these machines, you'll need to think hard about what you need it for and the conditions it's capable of dealing with. Not all computers are meant to deal with the same things, after all. Here are some of the problems and precautions that a rugged computer 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.
Vibration is another big problem, and can cause keyboard failure and other damage. People using their computer in large moving vehicles are likely to have this problem. A laptop protected against vibration will have shock mounts for internal components.
Dust and moisture are two other big problems, including environmental dust, spills, condensation and even rain. These can come in through cracks and seams in the case, causing internal problems. A computer that's proof against dust and liquid will be well sealed around each port and seam.
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 may cost more than regular laptops, but they're great for many uses, from outdoor work to frequent travel. That makes them worth it. Only buying rugged hardware lets you be certain you'll have a functioning computer whenever and wherever you might need 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.
There are lots of different types and styles of rugged computers, from the semi rugged to the fully rugged. There are even laptops made to stand up to the rigorous standards of the US military.
Several different companies make rugged computers, too. Panasonic's Toughbook is one of the most famous, but there are also tough computers made by Getac, Twinhead, Motion Computing, Itronix and others.
If you're thinking about getting one of these machines, you'll need to think hard about what you need it for and the conditions it's capable of dealing with. Not all computers are meant to deal with the same things, after all. Here are some of the problems and precautions that a rugged computer 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.
Vibration is another big problem, and can cause keyboard failure and other damage. People using their computer in large moving vehicles are likely to have this problem. A laptop protected against vibration will have shock mounts for internal components.
Dust and moisture are two other big problems, including environmental dust, spills, condensation and even rain. These can come in through cracks and seams in the case, causing internal problems. A computer that's proof against dust and liquid will be well sealed around each port and seam.
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 may cost more than regular laptops, but they're great for many uses, from outdoor work to frequent travel. That makes them worth it. Only buying rugged hardware lets you be certain you'll have a functioning computer whenever and wherever you might need 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.
<< Home