We've already discussed doors that cover ports, but as with any laptop, you should consider which ports you need. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The laptop also has two USB 2.0 slots, two USB 3.0 slots, an HDMI port, and a stereo headphone/mic jack. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. If you dont see an app that should be here, let us know what it is. More common chassis materials include magnesium or magnesium-aluminum alloys, with rubber or rubberized bumpers on a laptop's corners a popular protective measure against drops. The number 4 means the system is proof against objects larger than 1mm, such as most wires; 5 means some and 6 means complete protection against dust and sand. You don't necessarily need what a manufacturer calls a rugged or semi-rugged laptop in order to get some additional durability features. The laptop has a 14-inch FHD touch display, and its equipped with an Intel Core i5-1145G7 vPro processor. Because no independent agency certifies MIL-STD compliance, it's up to you to look for documentation or details of which tests a product passed, who conducted the teststhe manufacturer, or an outside laband how the tests were performed. You can tell right off the bat that it has a durable design. On the keyboard dock, you get two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, VGA, Serial, and another gigabit LAN port. In addition to the level of ruggedness, other things to consider in your purchase include the resolution and brightness (measured in nits) of the screen, along with how sensitive the touchscreen is. The laptop also has an 8 MP webcam for better Zoom calls, and it even comes with an autofocus feature. It even has an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash since its also a tablet. You probably shouldnt perform any demanding work on it anyway, because its not really made for that. Obviously, the thin plastic of many consumer models turns to shrapnel when faced with what rugged PCs go through, though it's amazing what a little reinforcement can do. The laptop uses an SSD, and you can pick between 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. While its screen may be small at 10.1 inches, it features WUXGA resolution and touchscreen capabilities -- even through gloves. Mobile devices obviously run a bigger risk of getting damaged, since they are transported far more frequently than desktop PCs. The first digit after the letters "IP" denotes safety against solids, on a scale of 0 to 6. Some Lenovo ThinkPads, HP EliteBooks, and other business systems are reasonably resistant to bumps and bruises, though they can't survive high dives or liquids in excess of minor keyboard spills. The successor to the 5420 brings 11th-generation Intel Core processors and optional 5G connectivity with it. Manufacturers try to make the choice easier by dividing systems into "semi-rugged" and "rugged" -- the former meeting many everyday durability requirements, while the latter provides additional levels of protection for the harshest conditions. Rugged tablet PCs are fantastic portable devices that can be brought pretty much anywhere, in any conditions. They take money from brands to skew results. It also packs a solid Intel Core i5 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB solid-state drive inside. A solid addition to the semi-rugged laptop class, Acers Enduro Urban N3 is less expensive than some hardier machines, but it's made to survive moderate drops, spills, and everyday city hazards. Many rugged laptops are water and dirt resistant, resistant to drops and shocks, and can handle operating in both very hot and very cold temperatures. And we'll guide you to reviews of some of our favorite true-rugged laptops. Reallyrugged laptops are vertical-market dwellers, designed for work in the field or on factory floors. Too many are simply trying to capitalize on affiliate revenue. The Panasonic Toughbook 55 comes with some pretty top-notch specs, but its not quite as durable a laptop as others. to help and inform you, our reader. Not at all. Such laptops are water, dust, and drop resistant. The laptop has an integrated tetra-array microphone that works great with its 1080p webcam and built-in 92 db speakers. If you would like to expedite the addition of your listing, you may purchase our Expedited Delivery The Toughbook 55 confirms the trend toward "semi-rugged" laptops. Rugged laptops often come with a touchscreen display for a more user-friendly experience. That's why many of the true-blue rugged models come with pop-out carrying handles. They may be carried by first responders or military personnel, or get mounted on police-car dashboards. The 7404 Rugged Extreme uses an Intel HD4400 Graphics Card, Intel Dual Band WLAN, and Triple RF Passthrough. Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox. by our editors after testing. Those who like the versatility of the 2-in-1 laptop (but need a larger screen than the Toughbook 55) should take a look at this system from DT Research LT330. Accidental damage included in three-year warranty, Stylus garage on less intuitive (left) side for most users. The displays resolution is 1366 x 768 HD, and it has a resistive coating. Let's run through the key things to look for as you shop. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. With an IP53 rating, the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 isnt the most rugged of rugged laptops, but this machine is eminently customizable and packed with features that enterprise users expect. for addition within one week. Take a look at our Razer Blade 15.6 review for a more stylish laptop thats not built to be used in the wild. The build and battery life of this machine makes it a contender for top-rated laptops. Technically a semi-rugged laptop, the Durabook S14I survives almost as much torture as fully rugged units. 
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Let's be clear right up front about one thing: When PCMag refers to "rugged laptops," we're not talking to business travelers worried about a little turbulence knock-about in an airline overhead compartment. The Toughbook 55s display supports a stylus pen, and you can use it with gloves. Unfortunately, theres no USB C port on this laptop. Back to school: Must-have tech for students, How to answer "tell me about yourself" in interviews, Apple explains why iPhone cases are a waste, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top home batteries: Essential battery backup systems, Our favorite pellet grills: Alternatives to gas and charcoal, The 5 best wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, The top GPS trackers and devices for kids: Find your child fast. Panasonic's Toughbook G2 detachable survives drops and splashes, and its expansion modules are a boon for field and factory workers, as well as first responders. Machines built for duty on factory floors are among the last that still have RS-232 serial ports, often used for connection to legacy data-collection equipment. Our mission is to empower you to find the product youre looking for and get exactly the information you need to make the right buying decision. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If youre looking for the best rugged laptop or the best laptop that can serve you well for years to come, the Panasonic Toughbook 33 is your best bet. Its a tough laptop with a 13.3-inch Full HD IPS touch display. I mentioned that many business systems have spill-resistant keyboards and drainage holes in their bottoms to save your bacon if you spill a few ounces of water, so it's no surprise that rugged keyboards are designed not to drown with even greater amounts. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If you plan to use the laptop for long hours at night, you can use its handy Night Mode, which helps preserve night vision and decrease eye strain. Since it has an LED backlight display, you can expect it to look fantastic in bright or dark environments. I was picked to write the "20 Most Influential PCs" feature for PCMag's 40th Anniversary coverage because I remember them allI started on a TRS-80 magazine in 1982 and served as editor of Computer Shopper when it was a 700-page monthly. And the separate accessories and docks you can buy for this convertible laptop arent very cheap either. Acer is touting its Aquafan technology, which the company claims will help to repel water from penetrating the laptop; Gorilla Glass covers the display to provide additional moisture protection. A laptop that is listed as "military grade" doesn't necessarily mean that it was developed for use by the Army or other military branches. Oopscapacitive tech doesn't work. Thanks for your submission, we will consider your entry next time this post is updated. The laptop packs a punch with its Intel Core 6th Generation i5-6300U processor, and it runs on Windows 10 Professional 64-bit. It comes with an Intel Core i5 10210U 1.6 GHz processor, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage. The 5430 is about a half-pound lighter than the 5420 at its 4.35-pound starting weight, and Dell says you can get over 24 hours of battery life if you use a pair of hot swappable batteries. Thanks for reading, and let's be careful out there.
See Also: Go through our Panasonic Toughbook Cf 54 review for another rugged laptop. Outside, the magnesium-alloy chassis is strong enough to earn multiple rugged certifications, and it locks into an optional keyboard dock with a combo kickstand/carrying handle. Long-lasting batteries are hot-swappable. We know seeing all the choices on the market can get confusing, but were here to let you know what the best rugged laptops you can get your hands on in 2022 are. The answer (obviously, Chuck Norris) is about as inconclusive as advertisements forlaptopswith vague, overlapping descriptions like "semi-rugged," "fully rugged," and "business-rugged." Depending on the weather where you work, some manufacturers offer a choice of keyboards built for wet or wetter conditions, the latter with rubberized or coated keys that sacrifice a little typing feel to provide extra protection. A unique feature this rugged laptop has is its dual, hot-swappable batteries. For example, classroom-computer specialist CTL says the lid of itsChromebook NL61TX(supplanted since our review by the NL7X) can withstand the weight of a few books piled on it in a desk or backpackcan withstand, in fact, 365 pounds of pressure before the screen breaks. 
Unbiased, No B.S. Laptops Under $500 : In Depth Reviews & Buyers Guide, The Amazon Cyber Monday Deals and Sales on TVs, Tablets, Laptops, Smartwatches and More. These laptops still offer the same features most modern laptops have, but they wont have the most minimalist or modern designs. These kinds of laptops are great for anyone who has to work outdoors for any length of time, such as people at construction sites, on geological surveys, and in the military. When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. All of their ports will have to be sealed off if you want it to survive getting dropped into a body of water. And compared with the rugged competition it's a relative bargain. Few computer vendors push their products over every hurdle that the standard posits, including such tortures as gunfire-recoil shock, icing or freezing rain, whether a laptop might spark an explosion in flammable-gas atmospheres, andwait for itresistance to fungus. Customers get the Toughbook 55 preloaded with Windows 10 Pro and a three-year limited warranty with the purchase. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Your listing will be reviewed and placed accordingly Even some Chromebooks carry the same designation as these hardy travelersMIL-STD 810G, which indicates compliance with a series of tests required for the US Department of Defense to consider using a piece of equipment in a military setting. The number 2 means you can't stick your fingers into the device.