Rugged computer vendor Durabook has launched its latest semi-rugged enterprise laptop, the Durabook S14I, which can withstand 4-foot drops on hard surfaces as well as mild dust and water exposure, and can be operated in a wide range of temperatures from -4 degrees F to 140 degrees F.
Built to serve enterprise workers in a broad range of outdoor business environments, the Durabook S14I includes a 14-inch Full HD IPS DynaVue touch-screen display (1,920-by-1,080 resolution) with Stealth and Night Vision modes, as well as a choice of 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and a standard Intel UHD Graphics 620 graphics processor or an optional Nvidia GeForce GTX1050 card. The machine, which starts at $1,849 from authorized resellers and will be available in November, runs on Windows 10 Pro.
The machine also includes a wide range of connectivity capabilities, such as an Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 9260 WiFi card, Bluetooth 5.0 and a Sierra Wireless EM7565 4G LTE module, which is certified for use with Verizon’s network. Also included are connection ports for HDMI, VGA, SIM, RJ-45, USB3.1, USB 2.0 and LAN; a display port; and slots for a PCMCIA + Express card or PCMCIA.
The laptop, which includes a built-in carrying handle, also has a waterproof keyboard, a fingerprint scanner for security, a quick-release hard drive so that sensitive data can be stored in a safe environment and an IP53 protection rating, making it suitable for use in locations where rain or dust is prevalent. The Durabook S14I can also be used with a stylus to allow signature or graphics captures wherever it is being used.
A hot-swappable battery is also included to allow workers to keep using the laptop even if the battery becomes discharged.
“Our customers are demanding more from their semi-rugged devices, as they expand the definition of the modern workplace,” Joe Guest, the president of Durabook Americas, said in a statement. “The design of the Durabook S14I challenges users to take the device out of the office and into the field, where they can work without compromise.”
Durabook users include all branches of the U.S. military as well as public safety agencies, field service organizations, and companies involved in oil and gas exploration, logistics, health care, utilities and automotive markets.
Tom Wang, chief operations officer of Durabook Americas, told eWEEK that the semi-rugged features of the new machine make it a good choice for many workers who don’t perform their jobs in extreme conditions but need something tougher than standard-issue office laptops.
“A typical user for this machine or any semi-rugged device might be an insurance adjuster working in Florida assessing hurricane damage, or an automotive technician in a service bay where the device is used as a tool,” said Wang. It also might be mounted in a police cruiser or in a military field environment.
“It’s not for extreme environments, like the heavy vibrations encountered in a military helicopter or torrential downpours or environments where a device might drop more than 4 feet to a hard surface,” he said.
Durabook’s machines compete in the marketplace with similar rugged and semi-rugged devices from competitors including Panasonic’s Toughbooks.
Durabook Americas is the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corp.
