How tough is your laptop? For off-road typing, and a rugged look, computers built like tanks

Article Abstract:

Laptop computers as a rule are relatively fragile, not designed to withstand being dropped or run over. A few companies, Fieldworks and Itronix among them, build special heavy-duty laptop computers for the use of field workers like repairmen, police or insurance adjusters. The cases are usually made of magnesium. An elaborate gel-based shock absorbing system protects the disk drive. The units are waterproofed, some times with vacuum-seals to prevent condensation damage. LCD screens are also sealed with a sheet of impact plastic shielding the screen glass. The extra care results in a computer that is expensive, technically unsophisticated, but tough. Sears Technician Larry Garrett's laptop survived a tornado. Ruggedized computers are also used by the military and by explorers and outdoorsmen, among them, climbers of Mt. Everest.

Electronic computers, Product information, Computer industry, Design and construction, Laptop computers, Laptop/portable computer, Portable computers, FieldWorks, Itronix Corp.

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Once and future network; wiring the home has made big strides, but has far to go

Article Abstract:

The top two activities for home PC users are surfing the Internet and playing games. As more users within a home get computers, they will probably want to set up a home computer network, so they can share a faster (and costlier) Internet connection or play games against one another. Intel, Farallon, Tut Systems, and Diamond Multimedia Systems are selling network equipment that uses phone lines. Proxim markets wireless equipment. The Intelogis product provides connections via electrical outlet. Prices range $50 to $100 per computer. Installation and establishing connections is still challenging for most home users. In a few U.S. cities, newer homes are being built pre-wired for computer networks.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Data Communications Equip, Computer network equipment industry, Network hardware industry, Product introduction, Technology application, Data communications equipment

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