Sept/Oct 2004

Computer manufacturer Itronix has launched what it describes as the most highly-specified ruggedised laptop computer on the market.

Its GoBook III has an Intel Pentium M 745 processor running at 1.8GHz - putting it at the top end of current Centrino-based business laptops. It also has a fast third-party graphics card, the ATI Radeon 9000.

The Intel Centrino chipset includes Wi-Fi wireless connectivity at 802.11B and G speeds. Other wireless connectivity options include GPRS/EDGE and Bluetooth. The model also introduces the option of Itronix' first built-in GPS module, which sits in a special housing cut into the lid for optimum orientation (and hence enhanced satellite access).

Itronix says the specification has been developed for the many users who now require the power to handle complex graphics on mobile devices - particularly for real-time GPS-linked mapping and location finding. The same philosophy lies behind its use of the standard Windows XP operating system rather than a derivative of the more compact CE version.