Question: Why should I consider a rugged laptop?
A rugged laptop is more expensive than a regular commercial grade laptop and you should be aware that while you not get the same configurations available compared to commercial grade laptops, you will have the flexibility to work in a wider variety of environments with a rugged laptop.
If it is important to truly work anywhere and in any type of conditions, then a rugged laptop is definitely your best choice.
Answer:
If you work in an environment that falls within any of the following exposures, you should definitely consider purchasing a rugged laptop.
- Liquid - Rugged laptops have sealed keyboards and the casings are designed to protect against water or other liquids from seeping into the interior compartments. Most times the external ports have protective coverings to keep the elements out. This enables you to use a rugged laptop in wet or damp conditions without fear of losing important data.
- Drops - Rugged laptops have been designed to withstand drops and have stronger casings and internal protection for the CPU, hard disk drive and optical drives.
- Vibration - A rugged laptop has been designed with protection for your hard disk drive and other internal components against shock and vibration. A commercial grade laptop does not have this additional protection and is susceptible to damage caused by vibrations.
- Exposure to Elements - Rugged laptops are created so that they can withstand exposure to rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind, fog, dust, sand, extreme cold and heat, salt spray and/or humidity. High levels of sealing and durable casing construction enable rugged laptops to work well in any weather and location.
- Electromagnetic Emissions - Regular commercial grade laptops won’t ordinarily work well in areas which are in close proximity to radio or power transmission equipment and can actually be damaged working in such environments. A rugged laptop on the other hand has been designed with protection against these emissions and will not have any problems operating in these locations.