Oct/Nov 2006

The latest in the range of rugged laptop computers from Itronix (which is now adopting the branding of its new parent, General Dynamics) is said to be the world's smallest and lightest fully rugged wireless model. It weighs just 6.8 pounds and has a small footprint of just 11.8 in by 9.65 in. Depth is also modest at 1.97 in.

The XR-1 uses the new generation of mobile dual-core processor from Intel, the Core Duo, with a rating of 1.83GHz, and FSB (Front Side Bus) rated at 667MHz. Memory is between 512 and 2048 MB of DDRII SDRAM. It comes with a removable, shock-mounted SATA (Serial ATA) hard disk of 40 GB or 80 GB, running at the faster speed of 5,400 rpm rather than 4,700 rpm - which puts it on more of an even footing with the better business laptops.

Also borrowed from the world of mainstream computing is the dedicated ATI M22-CSP/32 external graphics controller, which is said to allowing the GoBook XR-1 to score over 1900 in the 3D Mark 2003 benchmark test. This is over twice the speed of its closest competitor, Itronix says.

Other useful features include a touch-screen display with a multi-layer anti-reflective coating process to improve outdoor viewability, and glow-in-the-dark keys with optional backlighting.

 

The system is said to meet MIL STD 810F (military standard) ratings for drop/shock and vibration and the IP54 (ingress protection) standard for water and dust.

If you're looking for serious ruggedness, you might also appreciate the special keyboard design, which is said to be able to withstand liquids and abrasive dust and dirt particles. The notebook's sealed design can even withstand bleach-water submersion and scrub tests, required after exposure to toxic substances, the company says.

As for wireless capability, the system has the capability for up to four embedded concurrent systems - GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.

The price quoted for the US base version when we closed for press was $4,330.