Introduction
Have you every dropped one of your electronic devices only to have it break when it hits the ground. This may not be much of a loss when it comes to a small portable radio, but when it comes to an expensive computer system and the data that resides on it, it is a big deal. Wouldn't it be nice to have electronics designed to withstands the shocks of being dropped, soda spilled on them or being used in extremely cold or hot climates? That is precisely where rugged computers come in.
What Is A Rugged PC?
Rugged PCs were first developed for military purposes. They had a need for computer systems to be used in extreme climates or conditions that standard electronics just can't handle. Typical stresses on the computers include shock (drops or jolts), vibration, moisture (humidity or submersion), temperature (cold or hot), particulates (sand) and altitude. Resistance to these various stresses is what separates a rugged systems from standard ones.
The ability to survive a drop off a table or a soda being spilled onto a keyboard is why rugged PCs are such a draw for those that have to carry a laptop frequently through various high risk situations. After all, would a business traveler really want a soda being passed between an airline host and a seated passenger spill on an operating PC during turbulence? That is a risk of air travel. So is dropping a bag that holds a notebook PC or simply bumping it off of a desk.
Semi-Rugged Vs. Rugged
If you are looking for a rugged PC for use, you will invariably run into the terms semi-rugged. The difference in terms has to do with the level of features it has for resisting the various stress factors, which testing specifications that the PC has been tested to or if the system has been independently tested against the manufacturer's claims. In general, rugged PCs have been tested by independent companies against specific testing standards to verify that it meets the manufacturers claims. Semi-rugged systems do not have to meet these same requirements. As a result, a semi-rugged machine may be resistant to a lower level of G forces in the shock test and splash test but will not function in harsh temperatures.
Testing Standards
The big thing for rugged PC is the various testing standards used to certify the machine as rugged. There are a variety of different certifications that a system can receive. Each of these standards has specific goals that must be reached in order for it to pass that standard. One might have a drop test distance of 3 feet with the machine in a non-operating state while another might require it be at a different height or be operating at the time of the drop. Because of this, it is important to find out more about what tests for certification a machine were used.
There are a variety of different organizations that have specifications regarding rugged computers. The military is one of the more common groups as they were the first to issue testing guidelines for manufacturers willing to sell them system. They have gone through a variety of different versions but the most common is MIL-STD-810F. Any PC that passes this is acceptable for US Department of Defense use. Beyond this, there are a variety of manufacturer and group standards that can be applied to rugged electronics. Be sure to read on what the exact test specifications are when comparing two rugged PCs to determine how they really are for durability.
One other thing to consider about the various testing standards is who conducted them for certification. True certification should be done by an independent group from the manufacturer of the PC. Systems that are not backed by independent tests should be suspect when it comes to the claim of being rugged.
Drawbacks to Rugged PCs
The ability to withstand many of the basic dangers to a laptop computer are great, but they do have drawbacks. The primary cost to a rugged PC is that it typically is larger and weighs more than a standard laptop. This has to do with the extra materials and components needed to shield the internal electronics for the various dangers. As a result, rugged notebooks tend not to be as portable as a traditional PC.
The other issue that consumers have to deal with for a rugged PC is the cost. The extra materials used to shield the PC from danger tend to add extra cost to a laptop PC. This could be as little as a few hundred dollars but can lead to several thousands depending on how much the PC is designed to withstand. It is possible to reduce the costs of rugged PCs, but this is generally done at the sacrifice of features inside the notebook.
Conclusions
Buying a rugged PC system require much more research by the consumer prior to purchase. The fact that the manufacturers have different definitions, standards or tests used to approve a rugged or even semi-rugged PC means that there can be radical differences between two similarly labeled PC. The important thing to do prior to purchasing such a system is to determine what hazards you are likely to encounter and how resistant you want the PC to be. Once you have this information, be sure to thorough investigate what testing was done by the manufacturer and independent testing labs before making that final purchase.
