Oct/Nov 2006

High-specification ruggedised notebook computer

The XR-1 is the first notebook in the GoBook range to appear since General Dynamics acquired Itronix earlier this year. The XR-1 replaces the GoBook 3, and features military-level ruggedness that one would expect form a company which is a key supplier to the US military.

General Dynamics says the XR-1 is the first ruggedised notebook to use Intel's Core Duo processor 1.83GHz processor. This is seriously fast, and brings two types of benefit: users can either run powerful applications simultaneously, or select a slower processor speed to preserve power, yet still obtain usable performance.

The XR-1 sports new screen technology which provides good contrast even in bright light. There are two styli for data entry - one each side, which can also be done via the touch screen or spill-resistant keyboard.

 

The XR-1 has heavy-duty protection against dust and water ingress. External ports are all sealed to maximise protection against dust and water ingress. The casing is magnesium alloy and there are impact-absorbing buffers on all sides. The keyboard can withstand liquids, abrasive dust and abrasive particles. The touchpad can be adjusted to make it easy to use in the wet or when you are wearing gloves.

There is one-handed opening. The USB ports are on the side, rather than the rear, as is ore common to make in it easier to plug in peripherals. There is also space for a multimedia card or storage for a second battery.

There is a single radio on/off switch (located in the hinge) to ensure users can turn the computer off in areas where it might receive or cause EMC interference. The radio itself is very quiet. The radio antenna is in the top of the flip-screen, to minimise any potential interference with GoBook's electronics. Positioning it here also provides a wider angle for reception of GPS signals.

The hot-swap battery facility keeps data for 20 seconds between battery changes. And it is possible to remove the hard disk and the disc and screen have heaters as standard.

Security is pretty impressive too; options include a fingerprint scanner and a smartcard password.

Our verdict

A seriously rugged notebook designed to cope with the most hostile environments.

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Specifications

GoBook XR-1

Processor and memory Intel Core Duo; 1.83GHz processor.

FSB 667MHz; 2Mb cache

512MB RAM; 2GB DDRII DRAM; 32MB dedicated graphics memory

40GB or 80GB shock-mounted removable 2.5in ruggedised SATA HDD disc with HDD heater as standard

Operating system Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Screen 12.1in TFT XGA outdoor ColorVue display; integrated touch screen; heater as standard

Size 1.98in high x 11.8in wide x 9.65in deep; (50mmx300mmx245mm)

Weight 6.4lb (31.kg)

Power 7,200mAH (79.9 watt) lithium-ion battery

Optional 3800mAH (41.1 watt) spare which stores in media bay

Keyboard

87-key full-size sealed keyboard. Either NiteVue keys or backlit keyboard. Touchpad

Expansion slots Type II PC card slot standard; optional Smartcard reader or Express 54 card reader

Swappable media bay accepts DVD-ROM/CD-RW, DVD-RW/CD-RW or second battery

I/O interfaces .RJ-11 modem; RJ-45 Ethernet LAN; 3 USB 2.0 serial ports; external video; Firewire; audio headphones; microphone

Communications 56Kbps V.92 fax/modem; 10/100/100M Ethernet LAN as standard

Options: up to 3RF modems and GPS receiver;

WLAN 801.11a/b/g; WWAN GSM/UMTS/EDGE/GSM;

Bluetooth

Environmental/ruggedness Conforms to IP54 and MIL-STD 810F for water and dust resistance. Sealed I/O ports; SAEJ1455 crash tested. Three-year warranty

Accessories Vehicle cradle; office dock; AC and vehicle adapters; External battery charger; protective keyboard and screen overlays; carry handles and straps. Battery pack, charger, AC adapter, RS-232C cable