Review: Notebook Lets Users 'Go' Really Rugged

The Spokane Valley, Wash.-based vendor's GoBook XR-1 combines extreme ruggedness and high-performance in a notebook PC designed for use in the harshest environments. Not just a reinforced laptop, the GoBook XR-1 is built from the ground up to be rugged enough to withstand the most unpleasant conditions.

Priced at $4,195, the GoBook XR-1 is far from cheap, but it's by no means a run-of-the-mill computer. It features a 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo processor with a 667MHz front-side bus paired with as much as 4 Gbytes of memory.

The CRN Test Center's sample unit came equipped with 2 Gbytes of memory. Graphics are handled by an ATI Radeon Mobility X300 graphics controller with 32 Mbytes of dedicated memory and 96 Mbytes of shared memory. The notebook has three USB ports.

The GoBook XR-1 also includes a 40- or 80-Gbyte SATA hard drive (our the sample unit had the latter). It also has integrated Gigabit Ethernet and an optical drive of one flavor or another. Windows XP Professional SP2 is the operating system of choice, although the notebook is also Vista-ready.

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The GoBook XR-1 features a 12.1-inch outdoor-viewable XGA display with built-in touch-screen capability. Two styluses snap onto the side edges of the display. The keyboard sports glow-in-the-dark keys as standard, and there's optional backlighting for typing in low-light conditions.

Security features include a removable hard drive and a Trusted Platform Module, or TPM chip, which helps secure data and data access. An optional fingerprint scanner and smart card reader help secure the login process. A Kensington lock slot ensures that the notebook will stay where it's put.

The GoBook XR-1 can be had with up to four embedded wireless radios, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and WWAN, with seamless roaming capabilities to automatically connect to the best source.

While this all may sound like what's in just about any notebook, there's a lot more to the GoBook XR-1.

The notebook meets military-standard MIL STD 810F ratings for drop, shock and vibration resistance, and the hard drive is fully encased and shock-mounted. The computer also meets the IP54 ingress protection standard for water and dust. It's water-tight, and the keyboard is unaffected by liquids, abrasive dust and dirt. All of the input and output ports are sealed.

The notebook can also withstand bleach-water submersion and scrubbing, which is a must if it comes into contact with toxic substances. In addition, the notebook can be had with a capacitive or resistive touch pad, which enables its use in the rain or while wearing gloves.

The GoBook XR-1 can boot and operate at temperatures ranging from minus-10 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That's made possible by built-in heaters for the hard drive and display. A stealth mode lets the notebook boot up with no sound or light emissions.

The notebook measures 11.8 inches wide by 9.65 inches deep by 1.97 inches high, but its ruggedness makes it weigh 6.8 pounds -- quite hefty for a notebook with a 12.1-inch display. It's available with a choice of carrying-handle options, including front- or back-mounted bat-hook or briefcase-style hard handles, a soft handle or a shoulder strap. Desktop and mobile docking stations are available.

The ruggedness of the GoBook XR-1 is apparent by its looks alone. The screen lid is thicker than normal, quite rigid and reinforced by a magnesium alloy plate. The hinges are strong as well. The optical drive and PC Card slots are protected by doors with rubber gaskets while, surprisingly, the rest of the ports are protected by doors without gaskets.

The GoBook XR-1 was tested for performance using PassMark's PerformanceTest software, which can be used for free by anyone for up to 30 days. With its dual-core processor and 2 Gbytes of memory, the notebook scored 246.7, which is an acceptable score -- although not nearly as fast as the latest Core 2 Duo notebooks that have been tested in recent months.

Regardless, it's hard to beat the GoBook XR-1 in terms of durability and usability in extreme conditions.

Solution providers supporting everyday road warriors will be better off selling bigger, cheaper, lighter and faster notebooks, but those with customers in construction, law enforcement, exploration, military and so on should definitely carry this notebook.

The General Dynamics Itronix channel program provides MDFs to all distributors and systems integrators, and it's allocated on a business-plan requirements basis and by vertical industry. Free training is provided. Beta testing and development opportunities are offered on a case-by-case basis, based on the partner's aptitude in software support, specific markets, applications of rugged devices or contact with key target customer base.

Demo units are offered at a discount. Rebates, spiffs and awards are also offered on a case-by-case basis. Approximately, 70 percent of Itronix products are sold through the channel.