Why Choose A Rugged Laptop?
The first time you look at a rugged laptop, you may find it hard to understand why it’s a better choice instead of a regular commercial type. After all, the benefits aren’t obvious right away, and these machines command a high price tag.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who needs to be able to work under any conditions and in almost any location, rugged laptops may fit the bill. They offer flexibility, durability, and deal with almost any situation.
For instance, workers in environments that expose computers to vibration, falls, electromagnetic emissions, dust or liquids are all good candidates for these durable machines. While the high price tag puts some people off, the fact that these computers can take almost anything really does make it worth it.
A good rugged laptop will offer a strong casing with no gaps and a sealed keyboard. Liquids, dust and damp will be kept out of interior compartments, and won’t be able to cause damage to delicate components. You can use your laptop in the dustiest, dampest conditions without fear that your information will be lost.
If vibrations or a fall could be a hazard, you’ll want to make sure you choose a rugged laptop that’s been built with protection against shock and vibration for the case and the hard drive, too.
If you work around power transmission equipment or radio equipment, you could have trouble with ordinary electronics. That’s because these kinds of emissions damage delicate parts in ordinary computers. Choose laptops protected against emissions and your information will be safe.
Fragile laptop parts might seem like they’re hard to protect, since LCDs and rotating hard drive platters are relatively delicate. However, rugged laptops use some pretty sophisticated methods.
Instead of an ordinary plastic case, these rugged laptops use high impact plastic or magnesium alloys. They may also have rubber bumpers on the corners to keep them in good shape, and you’ll get a carrying handle with many models.
Slightly smaller screens are less susceptible to damage, though rugged laptops use screens that can be read more easily in bright light. Hard disks are mounted on shock absorbing devices to keep the shock of a fall from being transmitted to them.
There are even a few newer rugged laptops using smaller capacity solid state drives instead of traditional mechanical ones, and devices with motion sensors to stop a hard drive platter before the computer reaches the ground.
These computers are made waterproof using gaskets around case joints, rubber membranes under the keyboards to reduce dirt, dust, and liquid absorption and rubber casing around all connectors.
Some rugged laptops meant for outdoor use in all seasons even have tiny heaters to keep components at the right temperature, and large keys that can be used by someone with gloves on. There are even models that glow in the dark for night use.
Wondering if a rugged laptop is the right option for you? It’s a simple question with a simple answer - if you work in a rough environment of any kind, there’s a pretty good chance that these are the machines for your job.
Tags: computer;internet, computers, computing, laptops, notebooks, technology