A rugged laptop is a workhorse that won’t let you down, no matter the conditions. From Australia’s extreme heat to constant vibrations, water and the odd drop on concrete, a rugged laptop can handle it all.
Just a few years ago, compromises needed to be made if you wanted a tough laptop. However, in 2021, you’re spoilt for choice with a range of powerful, highly secure notebooks and laptops that can do it all. Now, the hardest part is deciding which device is right for you. Here we take a look at three rugged laptops we consider to be the best the market has to offer.
Getac B360 PRO
Pros
Cons
Manufactured and certified by international third parties to MIL-STD 810G and up to IP67 standard, this device can handle the shocks, extreme temperatures, vibrations and water that are common in the harshest Australian environments. There’s no compromise with the B360 PRO. This laptop will not let you down; doing everything you’ll need it to do while operating at a high level of computing power and overall ruggedness. There’s no lag like some other computers that need to catch up to speed, because the device offers real-time rapid response with extraordinary CPU performance. The B360 PRO is powered by a 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 Processor with Intel® UHD graphics as standard or with optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX1050 4GB discrete graphics controller. Up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB SSD storage space comes in handy for workers requiring real-time processing. The screen uses LumiBond® 2.0 Technology to allow for finger, pen, and glove touch. The FHD LCD displays are energy efficient and offer crisp readability with excellent screen brightness and resolution for outdoor work.
The B360 PRO has an optional DVD or Blu-Ray reader for data transmission, installation and back-up. A high capacity hot swappable battery provides extra battery life. This device also has an additional serial port for connecting other equipment.
Getac’s B360 PRO is designed to suit the requirements of utilities, manufacturing and public safety organisations with the computing power that field workers need - along with the added benefit of being light, portable and rugged. The laptop is shock resistant, dust resistant and can cope with high-speed water spray including salt water from any direction, and can operate in extreme operating temperatures of -29°C to 63°C.
The B360 PRO takes ruggedness one step further to meet the specialist requirements of the defence force. Mission-critical COTS computing delivers high-powered processing and reliability that’s needed in operational environments.
The oil and gas industry is using the B360 PRO for field data analysis, workplace safety and asset management. The right device can save the organisation many times the cost of the device if it helps minimise downtime and maximise productivity. With IO serial ports, the Getac B360 PRO is compatible with legacy technology while able to manage assets in diverse locations.
For more information, see the Getac B360 PRO.
Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2
Pros
Cons
If you like the option of a laptop with a detachable keyboard, the newly released Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2 is ideal. Workers who regularly move between the field and office, such as police and emergency workers, are able to convert the Toughbook from a tablet into a laptop by attaching the optional emissive backlit keyboard.
Panasonic’s Toughbook FZ-G2 comes with Windows 10 Pro and is powered by a 10th Generation Intel® Core i5-1031OU vPro™ processor. With a 10.1-inch display that can be operated with gloved hands, this laptop is suitable for all field work - especially as the quality display is visible in sunlight.
The Intel® WI-Fi6 AX201 module detects its location and automatically optimises the Wi-Fi settings. This device can connect to mobile broadband with 4G LTE, whilst also supporting 3G.
The standard battery life is 12 hours, but with the optional extended battery, the run time can be extended to 18.5 hours. The device also allows for hot swapping of batteries.
If a high level of security is a requirement for your organisation, the tablet comes with TPM (TCG V2.0 compliant), as well as password security - including supervisor password, user password and hard disc lock.
The standard configuration of the FZ-G2 includes 16GB RAM, 512GB OPAL SSD, a standard battery pack, and an IP55 digitiser pen. Altogether, you’re looking at around 1.2kg in weight.
The Toughbook is rated iP65, meaning it’s dust tight and safe against water spray from a nozzle. Not only that, this device is certified MIL-STD 810H, so it can handle all the knocks.
Expansion options include HF-RFID (NFC) readers, barcode readers, Gigabit LAN, true serial ports, thermal imaging cameras and smart card readers.
For more information, see the Panasonic Toughbook FZ-G2.
Getac V110 Rugged Tablet & Laptop
Pros
Cons
Another excellent convertible laptop for those who like the flexibility of having both a rugged tablet and laptop. For a rugged device, the V110 is ultra-thin (at just 39mm) and light, but strong with a magnesium alloy chassis. Rubberised polymers provide additional protection and shock absorption. With an 11.6-inch display, you wouldn’t think you’re using a notebook.
It’s the perfect device for use on-site, as you can remove the rubberised backlit keyboard and then reattach it when you’re back in the office.Powered by 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and running on Windows 10 Pro, this is a very fast rugged device.
The V110 is equipped with a 3D antenna that allows for exceptional internet speeds. The notebook also uses Intel® Wi-Fi 6, AX200 802.11ax, an excellent WiFi speed for any rugged device.
The Getac V110 lets you work longer than ever before. Using two batteries, the V110 will give you up to 13 hours run time, and if you hot swap with a spare battery (optional extra), you can keep on working without having to power down the machine.
Working outdoors in bright sunlight isn’t a problem for the V110. The display uses the powerful LumiBond 2.0 technology to shine bright at 800 Nits and deliver sharp visuals. With four advanced touch modes - touch/rain, glove or pen mode, you can choose how you use the display screen. The additional stylus pen makes it easier to sign off on important digital documents and make notes, ideal for notebook users. The integrated Intel® HD Graphics make this laptop a viable option for those field workers who require real-time 3D graphics, video, or post processing in the field.
The last thing you want is for your device to fail you because of security breaches, viruses or malicious software. The Getac V110 uses the latest in advanced security software to ensure you don’t fall victim. The Trusted Platform Module 2.0 inspects your rugged notebook for any tampering or suspicious activity every time the computer starts up. A fingerprint scanner and Windows 10 multi-factor authentication are both available. This device also has the capability to transfer sensitive data securely, using the advanced NFC/RFID reader technology that’s built into the device.
The V110 is rated MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-810H and IP65 standards so it can withstand sudden drops, shocks, and vibrations, while continuing to work in heavy rain, dust, humidity and extreme temperatures.
For more information, see the Getac V110.
For all products supplied by Roaming Technologies, our extended warranty support comes at no charge for the lifetime of the device. This means we'll be your single point of contact to assist in any warranty or repair issues, ensuring your device gets back into the field as quickly as possible.
Shipping costs and delivery lead times will vary depending on the product options and order quantities required. With the use of Australia-wide distribution centres, drop shipments direct from vendors and overnight shipping, we offer industry leading product availability.
If you have any queries about the best rugged laptop for you and your organisation, contact the experts at Roaming Technologies online or and speak to one of the rugged experts on 1300 131 933.