I read with much interest your Product Intelligence article in the March 2006 issue of Military & Aerospace Electronics concerning how military users are giving second thoughts to the needs for ruggedized laptop and notebook computers. I couldn’t agree with you more.
The lost data, downtime, reloading of software, as well as the secure disposal of sensitive data are all compelling reasons to think beyond conventional laptop PC’s as viable military-use components. Powerful and effective in-field computing for our troops is paramount to maximize their efficiency.
Essentially, all “ruggedized laptops” contain an Achilles’ heel-a fan-that not only permits the ingress of sand, dirt, etc., into the device, but also causes overheating when it eventually fails, as all moving-part devices do.
At Duratab, we have overcome this problem by designing an efficiently heat-piped PC that has no fan. In fact, all components are sealed, and to prove it, we have a demo unit filled with sand that runs perfectly (think Etch-A-Sketch) under all conditions.
Coupled with a rugged touch screen that is finger usable (no keyboard or stylus required), housed in a cast aluminum case, with titanium faceplate, our XE is a full performance computer that is the perfect Mil solution. Our XE can be sealed in a plastic bag and dropped in water.
In fact, one of our customers, a hazardous waste handler, does just that. Even so enclosed, the XE runs flawlessly for up to seven hours, and the touch screen can be used through the sealing bag.
Our unit can withstand a 15-foot drop, is available with DuroCoat surface coating, and is available with a carrying handle and/or strap option. We’ve been building hardened tablet PC’s since 2001 for the handicapped, police, fire, and construction industries. These guys count on it day after day, and we don’t disappoint them. The XE is not a PC clone dressed up as a rugged PC, we design, build, and service them in the United States (we don’t like the term “ruggedized”; it’s virtually meaningless in truly tough applications).
Bob Butler
DuraTab USA, Abington, Mass.
www.duratabusa.com
