Laptops Arena

You are probably expecting that a rugged notebook computer to look bigger than standard models, and to be heavier, but Asus is an expert in technologies and design, so the latest model released might be one of the best choices for mobile computing in field work.
To sustain this, Asus encased the model in a strong magnesium alloy chassis and added rubber bumpers to protect it against shocks, finishing with a strong film with anti-scratch properties.

Tested to military specifications, Asus B51 supports drops from up to 75 cm height, while the hard drive has a sponge protection system. The keyboard is spill resistant featuring a specially designed drainage path.

If we talk about performance we have to mention the components that power the new notebook from Asus, and here we have an Intel Core 2 Duo T8300/T8100/T5850/T5750 processor, the Mobile Intel GM965 chipset, Intel GMA X3100 graphics chipset, Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG/4965ABGN connectivity, up to 4GB DDR2 RAM memory, S-ATA hard drive with up to 320GB storage capacity, an optional built-in 1.3MP camera for videochat, optional Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and an 8-cell battery.
The Mobile Intel GM965 Express Chipset with the X3100 graphics chipset supports Windows Aero effects from Windows Vista operating system, and features Intel Clear Video Technology for imaging enhancement, and the 3D graphics support with more than 2X scores on 3Dmark06. It has dual-channel memory, 800/533 MHz system bus, PCI Express x16 graphics ports and PCI Express x1 I/O ports, Serial ATA, and USB 2.0 connectivity. The next generation of remote client network management for business, called Intel Active Management Technology, is also supported via the advanced chipset.

Users can choose from a few processing speeds according to their needs, and the options start with a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5750, and up to the 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T8300.

Asus B51 rugged notebook runs on Windows Vista Business operating system and measures 36.5 x 27.3 x 3.82 cm at a weight of 3.1Kg including the battery.
In the following video posted by Asus on YouTube you can see a short presentation of the new rugged notebook computer.

Good news for MacBook Air fans! (and for me) According to AppleInsider, the price for a brand new MacBook Air with Solid State Drive got cut off with $500. So as you can see in the picture prepared by the editors at AppleInsider, the price dropped from $3,098 to $2,598 in just a month.

If you haven’t noticed yet, the price for NAND Flash memories is getting lower and the 1.6GHz model with SSD drive is available now at $2,398, which is a significant difference compared to the initial cost. This happened after Apple reduced the price for the 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor to $200, and the drop off the 64GB SSD drive price to $599 from $999.



At this moment, the other version of the MacBook Air with Intel Core 2 Duo processor clocked at 1.6GHz, 2GB memory, 80GB PATA hard drive at4 4200 rpm, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, and Wi-Fi module, costs $1,799. The PATA hard drive, also known as Advanced Technology Attachment with Packet Interface, is the original ATA interface that connects hard disks, solid state disks and CD-ROM drives inside computers. PATA allows for parallel connectivity with cable lengths of up to 18 inches, but after SATA standard came out it conquered the market even if PATA was the most popular interface. Serial Advanced Technology Attachment allows for faster data transfers, supporting hot-swapping (replacing devices during operation), thinner cables for more efficient cooling, and improved data integrity checks.

It is not a disadvantage for the MacBook Air users, but the $2,598-model adds faster processing speeds, while both configurations sport a 13.3-inch glossy widescreen LED display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, optimized for best viewing in low light conditions, 2GB memory, and the Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared memory.

The world’s thinnest laptop measures 0.16 to 0.76 x 12.8 x 8.94 inches at a weight of 1.36 Kg.

Promoted as the world’s smallest rugged computer, Intermec CN3 measures just 160 x 81 x 33 mm at about 450 grams, which makes it the perfect rugged mobile handheld device for the work in the field.
Intermec is specialized in the integration of technologies like RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems, bar code printers and label media, into portable computers, to provide some of the best tools for identification, tracking and management of supply chain assets. Its new CN3 computer has GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WAN Radio, built-in 2MP camera for proof-of-service or vehicle inspection, all in a very slim yet rugged device.



Mobile workers can access it via the touch-sensitive screen, and store media on the 128MB RAM memory. It supports 3G EV-DO or EDGE connectivities, and comes with the following accessories: Single Dock USB Host/Client, Ethernet Module, Modem Module, Quad Multi-dock Ethernet, Quad External Battery Charger, Magnetic Stripe Reader Snap-on, Auto Adapter, Belt Clip and Vehicle Dock.
Other features include 256MB Flash ROM, miniSD card slot for up to 2GB storage, the Intel XScale PXA270 processor with 520 MHz speeds, and the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system.



The transflective TFT LCD display shows clear images even in low light conditions thanks to the LED backlight technology, and measures 3.5 inches in diagonal. It is a large 240 x 320-display with 64K color capability. The QWERTY keyboard also features backlit.
As it is ruggedized, the handheld operates in temperatures between -10°C and +50°C and should be stored in -20°C to +70°C environments. It survives side drops from 1.5 meters.

To make Intermec CN3 more useful, Trust Digital, a provider of enterprise mobility management software for government organizations, added support for its enterprise mobility management platform, featuring power-on password and automatic encryption to secure stored data. Using the integrated Remote Smartphone Assist utility, users can find solutions for device usage and application synchronization errors.



"Our customers use Intermec devices to mobilize their business applications - yet more examples of how enterprise mobility is moving beyond email," said Dan Dearing, Trust Digital's vice president of marketing and product management. "Ruggedized, handheld devices eliminate paper trail inefficiencies that have long been part of corporate business processes, but their small size and PC-like computing power have introduced new security and management challenges for IT. Our Enterprise Mobility Management solution gives IT a single platform to meet these challenges for a variety of mobile applications and users - all over the air and from one central location."

Intermec CN3, world’s smallest rugged computer, is available at prices around $1,500.

The mobile field worker needs a durable handheld with wireless connectivity and powerful processing. Panasonic Toughbook U1 ultra-mobile PC seems to meet these requirements, being powered by the Intel Atom processor technology.

"Panasonic has always been at the forefront of making mobile computing technologies work for users in all conditions," said Rance M. Poehler, president, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "We were the first to deliver rugged notebooks in a standard form factor, the first to create a rugged convertible tablet and we have made incredible leaps in mission-critical business computing with our innovations in semi-rugged desktop replacement and sub-notebook technologies. The ultra mobile rugged U1 is another example of how we take advances in mobile technology and make them reliable advances--with new product categories designed for users on the frontiers of mobility where value is truly driven for organizations."



The Intel Atom is recognized as one of the world’s smallest chip measuring almost 25 mm, with the lowest power consumption and packing 47 million transistors. It is one of the most powerful processing chips available and is designed for small devices requiring increased system responsiveness and longer battery life.

"Panasonic builds the new Toughbook CF-U1, but our customers designed it," said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "The form and functionality is a direct result of more than two years of feedback we solicited from an array of government and commercial organizations seeking to address the needs of a broad range of mobile users. We've responded with a highly portable and durable device that offers integrated features such as an LCD touchscreen, solid state drive as well as an optional fingerprint scanner for user authentication. Data capture is enabled using 1D and 2D barcode and RFID readers and a 2-megapixel digital camera. The Toughbook CF-U1 offers full-shift battery life, a sunlight viewable screen and seamless connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3G-mobile-broadband internet connectivity, all within an extremely rugged package for maximum reliability."

Pansonic Toughbook U1 can be used in extreme working environments such as construction sites, mining operations, oil and gas refineries, manufacturing facilities, railroad yards, city streets and storage warehouses. It is a great handheld computing unit for insurance adjusters, building inspectors, police officers and firefighters.

"The Intel Atom processor delivers high performance at dramatically low power while maintaining PC compatibility and enabling the best internet experience in small devices," said Anand Chandrasekher, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company's Ultra Mobility Group. "Intel's low power technologies, combined with Panasonic's longstanding leadership in rugged PCs, are making it possible for mobile field workers to be more productive while reducing TCO for the IT manager."

The ultra-mobile PC runs on Windows Vista or Windows XP operating systems, which provide a friendly user interface, while being designed with an ergonomic QWERTY keyboard with backlight for easy typing in dark environments, the 5.6-inch Panasonic LCD 1024 x 600 pixel display with increased sunlight readability, LED backlight and anti-reflective coating, no fan to eliminate noise, hot-swappable batteries so the user won’t have to stop the operations when replacing the discharged battery, and a durable magnesium alloy chassis with protection against bumps and drops from 4 feet high.

"The entrance of the largest rugged notebook manufacturer onto the UMPC market is a key validation of the UMPC for enterprise applications," said Venture Development Corporation analyst David Krebs. "VDC's research validates that UMPCs will receive strong consideration for enterprise applications that require a balance of device portability and application richness and functionality that an x86 device with a full OS provides."



Specifications include optional 3G mobile broadband, Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, optional GPS module, 1.33GHz processing speeds, up to 32GB removable Solid State Drive storage, 1GB memory, USB, SD card, microphone, headphone jack, expansion bus, optional built-in camera, optional fingerprint reader, optional bar code scanner, and 9 hours of battery life.
It’s a powerful handheld device measuring just 2.2 x 7.2 x 5.9 inches at 2.3 lbs with both batteries, and will be available in August. Panasonic Toughbook price starts at $2,500.

MSI has just introduced two new laptop computers, a lightweight business model PX210 and the PR211 optimized for power entertainment on the go and business applications.

MSI PX210 is a classic-stiled laptop with a simple design and a magnesium alloy casing colored in black and silver. On the inside it features the AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor technology, an ATI RX781+SB700 chipset, ATI Radeon HD3450 graphics with 256MB DDR 3 VRAM memory, up to 4GB DDR2 RAM memory on two slots, up to 320GB S-ATA HDD storage, 2 built-in speakers, built-in high-resolution 2MP web camera, Fax/Modem, Gigabit LAN, optional Bluetooth, wireless LAN, HDMI port, a 3-in-1 card reader, 3 USB ports, Blu-ray drive, and an 8-cell battery type.

It is a laptop computer designed for business professionals and runs on Windows Vista Business operating system.
With an operating system dedicated to business-oriented users, the notebook provides an user-friendly interface, useful applications such as Remote Desktop Connection, and security features such as Encrypting File System and Windows Defender.



In addition, the Bluetooth connectivity lets you send and receive files wirelessly at short ranges, to and from other enabled devices, wherever you are. To go beyond these limits you can use the Wi-Fi wireless connectivity when you arrive in a hotspot, and enjoy your morning coffee in a pub, while finishing your projects.
Using the HDMI port you can connect different devices via one single cable, as it supports TV, high definition devices, up to 8 channels of digital audio, and transmits uncompressed digital stream at 5Gbps speeds.

The system measures 303 x 231.5 x 16 mm at a weight of 1.8Kg, and has a 12.1-inch TFT WXGA display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.
MSI PR211 runs on the same Windows Vista operating system version and is powered by an AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor, with the ATI RS780+SB700 chipset.
The 12.1-inch TFT WXGA display delivers great graphics thanks to the ATI Radeon HD3200 video card. It too supports up to 4GB RAM memory, and comes with 2 speakers, Fax/Modem, Gigabit LAN, optional Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, card reader, 320GB HDD, optical drive , the 8-cell battery model and measures 303 x 231.5 x 16-29.5 mm at 1.8Kg.

Both models integrate also AI Array Microphones that suppress background noise and reverberation enhancing the communication over the Internet, as well as fingerprint reader technology.