From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A rugged (or ruggedized) computer is a computer specifically designed to reliably operate in harsh usage environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty conditions. They are designed from inception for the type of rough use typified by these conditions; commercial units upgraded for this purpose make poor substitutes. Vehicle mounted environments (e.g. public safety vehicles or utility trucks) are well suited for rugged computers as the vibration and jolts inherent there would cause failures in typical portable computers.

Rugged laptops, tablet PCs and PDAs are used by construction workers, emergency services, and military personnel.

Contents 1 Standards 2 Noteworthy Brands 3 Uses 4 References 5 External links

• MIL-STD-810 (also know as MilSpec): a military standard, issued in 1962, which establishes a set of test for determining an equipment suitability to military operations. Often used as a reference in the commercial laptop industry.

• IP (Ingress Protection): see Ingress protection rating

• IS (Intrinsic Safety): see Intrinsic safety

• ATEX (Potentially Explosive Atmospheres): see Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

• NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association): see National Electrical Manufacturers Association

• Intermec
• Symbol Technologies
• Panasonic Toughbook

In addition to human-portable systems like handheld, wearable and laptop/notebook computers, Commercial Off The Shelf^[1] Computers may be vehicle mounted, Advanced Vehicle Computers, which perform navigation, communications, or even control functions in various orbital and combat vehicles. These systems are also used in in unmanned vehicles ranging from missiles to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Other rugged computer systems are stationary ^[2] Industrial Computers designed to HAZLOC standards to withstand specific environmental challenges.

Many rugged computers are used by military and public safety users, and there are unique systems for specialized use. One, based on ruggedized computers and displays, developed and manufactured by OIT- Oceana Integrated technologies ^[3] is a Diver navigation system based on a rugged PDA and Defender unit.

Rugged computers have been found to be more effective devices to be used by field workers for field service management in the field because of the varying conditions they must undergo. Rugged mobile computers are used in the field by varied industries including break and fix, security, logistics, postal, courier, local council etc^[4].

1. ^ Ruggedized COTS
2. ^ Rugged Flatpanel
3. ^ Oceana Integrated Technologies
4. ^ Field Service Management Industries Sourced March 2007

• A report on rugged laptops from WhatLaptop
• Choices and specs for a rugged laptop
• GE Fanuc Embedded Systems Ruggedized Systems Manufacturer
• VT Miltope Ruggedized Laptop and Server Solutions
• Stealth Computer Corp. - Rugged Computer Manufacturer
• Panasonic Toughbook - Rugged Notebook Manufacturer
• Computer Dynamics - Flatpanel Computer Manufacturer
• VarTech Systems - Industrial Rugged Computer Manufacturer