Lenovo is most often known for their ThinkPad business systems, but the company also offers a number of systems aimed at the education market, like the ThinkPad X130E.

The X130E is a much tougher model of the ThinkPad X120E which I reviewed last year, and is well equipped to handle the hazards of the classroom. While it isn’t rated for it, I could probably drive my car over it and it would keep working.

The portable form factor, incredibly durable build and excellent keyboard pair up with an all day battery to deliver a well equipped solution for the education market.

ThinkPad X130E - Education Geared Netbook

So far, my only complaint about the system is the very touchy and small touchpad, but an external mouse or smaller fingers will help with that.

The ThinkPad X130E I have in for testing uses an AMD E 300 1.3GHz processor, 2GB RAM and has an 11.6 inch display with a 1366×768 resolution. You might think that this system is underpowered, but I didn’t find it sluggish while going about the tasks I would expect students to be doing such as web browsing, note taking, flash heavy websites and running multiple programs at once.

I’ll get into all the features in a second, but as soon as I picked up the X130E I knew it was a well built notebook. Everything about this device feels durable and well built. Even when I tried to flex the base or lid, I came up with white knuckles instead of buckling plastic.

I haven’t given the notebook a proper battery test yet, which will simulate web browsing until the battery dies, but during my daily use I found that it was easy to get 5 to 6 hours of battery life without worrying about screen brightness. I wouldn’t be surprised if this notebook can last the full schoolday with the 6 cell battery.

As I mentioned, the keyboard is rock solid and perfectly sized for students and teachers. The touchpad is a bit small, and it takes some getting used to. So far it is touchy, even though it is a newer clickpad style touchpad.

Education Ready

The ThinkPad X130E is ready for the hands of schoolkids everywhere thanks to a rugged design and the reinforcement of potential break points. Lenovo has also included security features and customization options that schools will appreciate.

After spending a week with the ThinkPad X130, I can attest to the build quality of the notebook. These design features are more than bullet points on a sales sheet.

The keyboard on this notebook is great, not the best ThinkPad keyboard I have used, but pretty close. It certainly blows away consumer notebook keyboards. This island style of keyboard means that the students won’t be able to pull keys off, at least not without a screwdriver and lots of leverage.

Hinges are tested to withstand heavy use.

Lenovo also made the entire system more rugged, starting with the cover and corners. The corners on the X130 are 33% stronger than the x120E and include rubber bumpers to cope with bumps and drops.

The display bezel is thicker, to protect the display from damage while in transport and the hings have been designed to last 30,000 cycles, or 100 times a day. The ports on the notebook include all of those education environments need including Ethernet and HDMI. The ports are recessed, and Lenovo has made the Ethernet port stronger to prevent damage if a pupil pulls the cord out without pressing down on the tab.

The ThinkPad X130E has recessed ports and a stronger Ethernet port.

Administrators will enjoy the security features including TPM, Intel Anti-Theft (only on the higher end model) and a hard drive retention program that lets the user keep drives that fail under warranty so that IT can dispose of data themselves.

The ThinkPad X130E is available today, but you can only get the Red version shown above in large orders for schools, which can choose from other customizations as well. The ThinkPad X130E starts at $429.

Stay Tuned for our full review of the ThinkPad X130E.

ThinkPad X130e Mini Review: Built Like a Tank, Ready for School is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

HP invited a number of foreign and domestic press to tour its campus in Houston, Texas where HP notebooks are designed and engineered. On the first day, upon arrival, HP left a welcome kit that introduces the theme of the three-day tour: HP’s Making of Elite, which will highlight not only the technological innovations behind the company’s flagship EliteBook notebooks, but also the strength, durability, and material selection in the design process. I’ll be updating this space with more information from my stay with HP in Houston, Texas in the coming days, but for now, you can get a quick look at the USB key (hidden inside a pen cap) that will unlock the mission.

The Key to Unlocking the Secret to HP’s Elite Tough is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Notebooks.com.

General Dynamics Itronix has just announced a new fully rugged notebook designed for users that need a rugged notebook that goes the extra mile, and most importantly the last mile. The General Dynamics Itronix GD8200 is a fully rugged notebook designed to withstand 35 environmental tests including MIL-STD-810G, IP65, and UL 1604. The new GD8200 is designed for military, first responders, public safety and other mission critical applications where durability and portability are important.

GD8200 Specs

The GB8200 is packing a 2.2GHz  2nd Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 8GB DDR3 RAm and multiple hard drive options including Solid State configurations. The notebook uses Intel integrated graphics on the 13.3″ DynaVue II display that delivers a 3:1 contrast ratio for improved outdoor visibility without requiring so much brightness that the battery is shot instantly. The display is touch enabled and designed to work with gloves.

From a user standpoint, the backlit keyboard will allow work to continue in low lit environments and the new to this model multitouch mousepad will bring the gestures found on many consumer notebooks to a fully rugged device.

The GD8200 has numerous 4G LTE options including support for Verizon and AT&T 4G as and Sprint connectivity as an option. These options can be configured when you purchase, but also can be swapped out by IT in the field if carrier options change.

GD8200 Ruggedness

When it comes to the ruggedness rating, General Dynamics Itronix goes all in with certifications from numerous sources and a great number of tests to ensure this notebook won’t let public safety and military users down in critical moments. From vibration and rain to the ability to use the notebook in potentially explosive environments, the GD8200 has a pretty long resume. Here are a few highlights;

• MIL-STD-810G certified ƒ
• Withstands the punishing 48-inch drop military specification ƒ
• IP65 certified against dust and water intrusionƒ
• MIL-STD-461F compliant for electromagnetic emission and susceptibility
• UL 1604 Class 1, Division 2 compliant for safe use in potentially explosive environments
• ƒ Tested to a stringent helicopter vibration profile and ASTM D4169-99ƒ
• Magnesium alloy casing and shock-mounted hard drives
• Crash-tested for in-vehicle safety

You can find out more about the GD8200 Fully Rugged notebook from the General Dynamics Itronix website which lists more specifications and certifications.

General Dynamics Itronix GD8200 Gallery

General Dynamics Itronix GD8200 Survives 35 Tests Including Shake & Bake is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Dell has just announced the Dell Latitude E6420 XFR fully rugged notebook and the Dell Latitude E6420 ATG semi-rugged notebook with the latest Intel Sandy Bridge processors and discrete graphics. These rugged and semi-rugged notebooks aren’t just designed to be standalone tools, but rather full solutions for users that need to meet specific needs such as mobile digital forensics or mobile video evidence that law enforcement professionals need.

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR

The Dell Latitude E6420 XFR is the fully rugged solution from Dell which includes greater protection and ruggedness, competing with the high end fully rugged Panasonic Toughbooks. The Dell Latitude E6420 ATG isn’t as rugged, but still delivers a rugged notebook that mobile professionals are looking for.

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Specs

The new rugged notebooks from Dell include Intel Core i3/i5/i7 Sandy Bridge processors and Intel HD 300 graphics as well as NVIDIA NVSTM 4200M discrete graphics with 512MB RAM. Both notebooks have 14″ displays with different characteristics and hot swappable battery options for the media bay. These notebooks also come with USB 3.0 support.

Dell Latitude E6420 ATG

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Display

The Dell Latitude E6420 XFR has a 14″ impact resistant LCD with Direct Vue for sunlight readability. This display is tested for impact resistance by dropping a 1′ steel ball 20 times on different locations. The Dell Latitude E6420 ATG has a 14″ touchscreen responsive display that is designed to work with gloves on. Both of these displays have special coatings for glare and reflection and allow for a higher brightness at a lower nit rating compared to the competition.

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Ruggedness

One of the ways in which the E6420 XFR and ATG are able to deliver a fully rugged and semi rugged notebook experience is with the Dell BallisticArmor technology and components. Dell tells us that one of the key parts of this BallisticArmor is a composite polymer that offers high compression and allows these notebooks to spread the impact our across the device for added strength while keeping the weight manageable.

The Dell Latitude XFR is able to meet MIL-STD-810G, IP-65, MIL-STD-461F, and UL1604 standards including the ability to survive a 6 foot MIL-STD transit drop. In layman’s terms, this notebook is tough.

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Solutions

As we mentioned, the XFR and ATG notebooks from Dell are designed to deliver not just a rugged notebook, but to fit into a technology solution. These solutions include Mobile Video Evidence Management, Mobile Digital Forensics and Rugged Servers.

Dell Rugged Solutions

Mobile Video Evidence Management

•       Pre-imaged video capture software available on Dell rugged laptops including the Latitude E6400 XFR, XT2 XFR and ATG models

•       Image stabilized in-cab video cameras (up to four) with up to 26X zoom, redundant video stream capture

•       The integrity of evidence is protected from point of capture, to the data repository and ultimately the courtroom.

•       By capturing information in a digital format, physical storage requirements and related costs are reduced, and professionals can directly upload evidence wirelessly from a patrol vehicle to a central evidence repository saving time and increasing efficiency

Mobile Digital Forensics

•       Built to expand on Dell’s original Digital Forensics solution for parallel processing of digital evidence

•       Automatically and securely examines data stored in PCs, laptops and mobile phones (including MAC OS and Linux), both volatile memory and hard drives, USB sticks and other external memory devices, and satellite navigation systems

•       Analyzes and reviews live and deleted files in all image, movie and Microsoft Office file formats as well as internet activity, email, internet chat and online search terms

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Service and Warranty

The Dell Rugged Solutions come with a collection of warranty options which can include next day service, or repairs in 4 hours of a call so that mission critical applications can get back up and running as soon as possible.

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Pricing and Availability

The Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and the Dell Latitude E6420 ATG are available today with prices ranging based on configuration, market and solution needs.

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Gallery

Dell Latitude E6420 XFR and ATG Bring Rugged Power to Police and Professionals is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

Panasonic has just announced the new Toughbook 53 and an update to the Toughbook 52 rugged notebooks. The Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are designed to go into conditions that would make other break into pieces. If you aren’t familiar with the Toughbook line, it has some of the ruggedest notebooks on the market — these notebooks can survive a fall to the deck of an aircraft carrier, being pulled behind a snowmobile and more. The Toughbook 53 is a brand new notebook and the Toughbook 52 has been updated to include the latest Intel 2nd Gen Core i processors.

The new Panasonic Toughbook 53 comes with the latest Intel Core i5 and Core i7 Sandy Bridge processor options and a claimed battery life of up to 10 hours. The Toughbook 53 has a 14″ display with a 1366×768 resolution with a 2,800 nit brightness so that you can see the display outdoors. The notebook can also include an optional touch screen, 1.3MP webcam and integrated mobile connectivity including 4G LTE from Verizon, possible the first for a business notebook and certainly the first for such a rugged device.

The Toughbook 53 comes with a a healthy offering of ports and security options including a fingerprint reader ands Smartcard slot. The notebook will hook up to your peripherals thanks to the included ExpressCard, SD card reader, PC Card slot, HDMI,VGA, audio , Ethernet, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connections. The notebook can also be configured with a Firewire port if you need one for your applications. For storage, the notebook starts with a 5400RPM drive buit can be ordered with a faster 7200RPM drive or an SSD.

Panasonic ToughBook 53 Hands On Video

The Toughbook 53 is designed to meet the demands of a rugged environment surviving drop tests on all sides from 30 inches and packing a spill resistant keybaord that can reportedly be used in the shower. As we mentioned, Toughbook notebooks are designed to go where other notebooks can’t. The specific rating is for MIL-STD 810 for altitude, humiditiy and dut. The built in shock mounted feature is tuned to protect the internals from movement while in use as a passenger.

The Toughbook 53 will be available in June with an Intel Core i5 2nd Gen processor for $1,899 and the Core i3 version will land in August for $1,599. The Touchscreen Toughbook 53 is set to arrive in July with a Core i5 2nd Gen processor for $2,499. No specific dates were given for the Toughbook 52 with Sandy Bridge processors.

Toughbook 53 and Toughbook 52 Gallery

Panasonic Announces Toughbook 53 w/ Sandy Bridge and Updates Toughbook 52 Rugged Notebooks is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The Dell Latitude E Family of notebook was launched last month with a collection of great business class looks and features. We just got the Dell Latitude E5420 in for a full review, but we wanted to share this comparison between the E5420 and the smaller Dell Latitude E6320 which one of our local readers brought to a local gathering of technology lovers.

The Dell Latitude E5420 is a 15.6″ business class notebook with a metal finish that is designed to handle the hazards of working in mobile business setting. The 13″ Dell Latitude E6320 has many of these same features, but is designed to meet tougher ruggedness ratings ( MilSpec810G) and has a smaller 13.3″ display. Essentially, the E5420 is designed with a desk user in mind and the E6320 is more optimized for a business traveler that needs a more rugged machine.

The Dell Latitude E6320 which we had limited time to play with is a fully spec’d system with a speedy SSD that booted quite quickly, noticeably faster than what our standard hard drive equipped E5420 could do, but if you want, you can opt for the SSD on either model.

The primary thing that stood out to us during this hands on comparison was that the Latitude E6320 has incredibly nice lines and design. We are fans of the slanted edges which are more pronounced on the E6320 as well as the slightly brown finish which warms up the device. The design is very similar to the E5420, is bolder on the smaller notebook. Another thing we noticed on the inside is that the E6320 has silver bevel and visible screws, whereas the E5420 we have in for review keeps the screws behind a black finish

Inside, the keyboards look and feel the same with a backlight option, though the E6320 has an orange accent running around the edge of the notebook.

While there are several differences, the Latitude E5420 and E6320 do have some things in common. Both notebooks use the same Latitude E Family docks, both can use the same battery, and both of these models offer easy access to the internals with a two screw cover. Additionally, the keyboards are the same, including backlighting, but there is an orange accent on the E6320.

Dell Latitude E5420 and Dell Latitude E6320 Gallery

Dell Latitude E6320 and Latitude E5420 Hands On is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

While there has been an increasing number of tech toys designed for kids such as laptops like the Toshiba L635, a company called Brainchild is now focusing on the tablets designed for youth called the Kineo tablet. The rugged tablet–at least rugged enough to handle the abuse of children–runs the Android operating system and is designed for the education market.

For its rugged feature, Kineo is advertised to be able to handle at least 500,000 impressions on its touchscreen, though it’s unclear how that compares to other Android or Windows tablets or even the Apple iPad.

Advertised with about 10 hours on a single charge, the 7-inch educational Android slate matches the Apple iOS iPad in battery life. The device comes with Android 2.1, which means sadly that Adobe Flash 10.1 Mobile isn’t supported as the plug-in requires at least Android 2.2, and comes with WiFi, an 800 MHz CPU, 2 GB internal storage, and a display resolution of 800 X 480, which is WVGA and is the same pixel resolution as on most high-end Android smartphones. Unfortunately, the resolution is smaller than the 1,024 X 600 pixels found on Samsung’s 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which also bests the Kineo with Android 2.2.

There are some parental controls to keep kids safe by limiting access to the Internet and certain apps. The tablet is available for pre-order right now for $300 and will ship next month.

Via: SlashGear

After Laptops for Kids Craze, Kineo Focuses on Tablets for Kids is a post by Chuong Nguyen from Notebooks.com.

Trident Case announced the release of a new line of rugged protective cases for the Apple iPhone 4, iPad, HTC Droid Incredible, and the Samsung Galaxy S and Vibrant smart phones. These cases are intended to be extremely durable and protective. They come in nine different colors with mostly black silicone and colorful highlights.The case is a non-slip material to keep it in your hand instead of on the floor or ground.

The screen is protected by a screen protector that is designed to be anti-glare, dust, and scratch. It also promises to resist unsightly finger prints.

The case should protect the phone from drops, with an anti-shock design.

The jacks and ports are also protected by silicon covers which can be removed for access. The cameras have a polycarbonate film over them that is designed to keep dirt away while still allowing them to be used. If you have a Droid Incredible, the vulnerable camera lens is protected with this case.

The case comes with a detachable belt clip to be worn on a belt or removed. The case also comes with a unique ear phone jack extender. They describe it thus:

Audio jack extender included to provide 100% compatible connection to ALL types of 3.5mm audio jacks. Connect your iPhone™ 4 to AUX input of your car and home stereo system without fitting problem. The TRRS connector is compatible with the microphone function of the iPhone™ 4.

The Kraken iPad case will be $44.95 and the iPhone 4 case as well as the other phone cases are $34.95.

Trident Case Announces Kraken Series of Rugged Case for Smart Phones and the iPad is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

Rugged Notebooks makes just what the name suggests notebook computer for the demanding work place, like the military, police and fire, or anyplace where a typical computer might not last. They are announcing the Eagle series.

These ruggedized notebook computers will start at $1,695. They meet the FBI user-authentication guidelines allowing users to access the National Crime Information Center by providing biometric fingerprint readers and SmartCard readers. They also have a BIOS feature called Absolute Computrace which helps the owner trace the computer if it is lost or stolen and even will delete some or all of the data on the PC.

The US Military 810F and 810G standards for drop, spill or shock are met by these notebooks. There is a rubber Guard Protection system that helps protect the screen from shock. The optical drives are have a lock to keep them from accidentally opening and being broken off and there are port covers attached to the computer to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside the PC. The touchpad is also sealed.

The notebook is five and half pounds and carries a 14.1-inch display. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo and will hold up to 8 GB of RAM. The display can optionally be touch screen and is a transflective sunlight display meaning it is viewable in direct sunlight. It also has a built-in webcam.

The ports on the system include HDMI out, up to Gigabit Ethernet and an RS-232 serial port. There is RAID 0/1 support for dual hard drives to be backed up instantly. The hard drive can also be fully encrypted.

For wireless connectivity there is broadband 3G available along with Bluetooth and GPS. The systems will run either Windows 7 or XP Professional. For information see Rugged Notebooks.

Detailed  Specs:

CPU

• Intel® Montevina Technology
• Intel® Pentium Dual Core 2.0GHz (T4200), FSB 800Mhz ,1MB L2 Cache, 35W TDP
• Optional: Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.10GHz (T6500) FSB 800Mhz, 2MB L2 Cache, 35W TDP
• Optional: Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.53GHz (P8700) FSB 1066Mhz, 3MB L2 Cache, 25W TDP
• Optional: Intel® Core 2 Duo 2.80GHz (T9600) FSB 1066Mhz, 6MB L2 Cache, 35W TDP

L2 Cache

• 1-6MB, depending on CPU

Memory

• 2GB 800MHz DDR2 Standard
• 8 GB Maximum (Microsoft XP Professional/Vista 32-Bit versions will see only 3.24GB)

Chipset

• North Bridge: Intel® GM45, optional Intel® GL40 (factory option)
• South Bridge: Intel® ICH9M
• Computrace Enabled BIOS for use with Lojack for Laptops Recovery or Absolute Computraceâ„¢

Video

• Intel® GM45 Integrated Graphic Controller
• Shared System Memory up to 780MB

Display

• 14.1″ WXGA (1280×800)
• Optional: 14.1″ WXGA+ (1440×900)
• Optional: resistive touch panel (Factory option, comes with Stylus and OS upgrade to touchscreen)
• Optional: sunlight readable display
• Optional 1.3 megapixel webcam

Hard Disk

• Field Changeable/User removable 160GB HDD with SATA interface
• Optional: 500GB 5400rpm HDD
• Optional: 7200rpm HDD
• Optional: Extreme environment rugged hard drive
• Optional: Solid State Disk Drives (SSD) 16 / 32 / 64 / 128 / 256GB
• Optional: 160GB Hardward Encrypted High Security HDD
• Optional: Second HDD with RAID (Media Bay)

Communication

• Integrated 56 Kbps v.92 fax/modem
• Integrated Gigabit 1Gbps Ethernet (RJ45 connector)
• System supports Wake on LAN from S5/S4 on wired LAN connection on AC power

Wireless

• Intel Link 5100 Mini Express Card Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n
• Internal 2nd Mini PCI Express slot to support either WWAN/3G or WiMAX or GPS
• 3G & WLAN cannot operate at the same time
• Optional: Bluetooth 2.1+EDR

Media Bay

• Field Changeable Side Opening Bay
• Super Multi DVDRW drive with bezel lock
• Optional: Second 2.5” SATA HDD (RAID)
• Optional: Weight Saver Blank

Expansion Slots

• PCMCIA Type II slot
• 4-in-1 Media Card Reader (SD / MMC / MS / MS Pro)

I/O Devices

• One PCMCIA Type II slot
• 4 in 1 Media Card Reader (supports MS/MS Pro/SD/MMC)
• Smart Card Reader
• Touchpad
• Optional: 1.3 megapixel webcam

I/O Ports

• 1x RS-232 Serial
• 1x PCMCIA Type II
• 4x USB 2.0
• HDMI
• VGA
• RJ-45
• RJ-11
• 4-1 MultiCard Reader
• Mic-In
• Line Out
• Docking Port

AC/DC Adapter

• Input: AC-100-240V 50/60Hz, Output:DC 20V/3.25A/65W

Audio

• High Definition Audio/Stereo
• Two 1.5 speakers
• Internal Microphone

Battery

• Standard 6 cell 4400mAh Li-Ion battery (approx. 4hrs)
• Optional: 9 cell 6600mAh Li-Iobn battery (approx. 6hrs)

Operating System

• Standard: Windows XP Pro (Windows 7 license with XP Pro downgrade)
• Optional: Windows Vista Business
• Optional: Windows Vistaâ„¢ Ultimate
• Optional: Windows 7 Home Premium
• Optional: Windows 7 Professional (32 or 64 bit)
• Optional: Windows 7 Ultimate (32 or 64 bit)

Dimensions / Weight

• 352mm (W) x 256mm (D) x 37-41 mm (H)/ 13.8″ (W) x 10″(D) X 1.45″ ~ 1.61″(H)
• 2.5Kg/5.5lbs (with 6 cell battery)

Security

• BIOS Administration password/ Boot password
• Smart Card Reader
• Fingerprint scanner
• Kensington Lock
• TPM 1.2

Warranty

• 2 year standard warranty
• 1 yr battery warranty (when purchased with laptop)
• Optional Express Service and Extended Warranty

Keyboard

• Spill resistant keyboard with drain hole
• White LED projected keyboard light

Special Upgrade Options

• Sunlight Readable LCD with up to 1440×900 resolution
• Internal 3G module
• Encrypted Hard Drive
• Extreme environment rugged hard drive
• Solid State Drive up to 512GB
• 48 Hour Express Red Repair Warranty with no cost overnight shipping
• Antireflective/antiglare screen protector film (enhances outdoor viewability, can be used on touchscreen and non-touchscreen models)
• BIOS-enabled Absolute Computrace asset tracking and recovery

Environmental Specifications

Temperature

• Operating Environment Temperature： 5℃ to 35℃
• Storage Environment Temperature： -20℃ to 60℃
• Surface temperature (max): 20 deg C on Magnesium-alloy D cover; 15 deg C on palm rest and touch pad at 25 degree C ambient.

Humidity

• Operating Humidity： 10% to 90%

Drop

• Meet 2.5 feet with 26 drops to 2” of plywood over concrete with unit off and display closed.
• MIL-STD-810F, Method 516.4, Procedure IV, Height Modified.

Ingress Protection

• C-face (keyboard and display) is spill proof, including keyboard, buttons and indicators
• Vented case with fan

Regulation

EPEAT Silver, Energy Star 5.0, RoHS Compliance

Rugged Notebooks Introduces Eagle Series is a post by Kevin Purcell from Notebooks.com.

Today, Sweden-based Handheld Group announced the newest addition to their rugged computer lineup, the Algiz XRW. The company claims that this 10.1-inch notebook “redefines the world of rugged mobile computing.”

The Algiz XRW is a full-featured notebook that runs Windows 7 Ultimate. However, unlike most other notebooks, this one can supposedly handle extreme environments. The Algiz XRW carries a IP65 rating against sand, water, and dust. Additionally, it withstood drop tests of nearly four feet and temperatures from -21 °C to 70 °C.

Aside from the ruggedness factor, the Algiz XRW sports a 2GHz Intel Atom processor, a 64GB solid state drive, and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. The notebook’s 10.1-inch widescreen display features sunlight-readable MaxView screen technology, making it a viable option for outdoor use.

The Algiz XRW was built with mobility in mind. Aside from the small form factor and weight of only about 3.3 pounds, the notebook comes with an array of wireless options. It features bluetooth, WLAN, GPS, and optional 3G. The 3G can provide GSM/UMTS/EVDO data transmission along with Gobi 2000 technology, which allows the user to choose what wireless frequency they would like to use. The Algiz XRW also features a 57.6 Wh battery that operates for up to 8 hours on a single charge.

The Algiz XRW is available for order immediately, with the first customer order shipping in December.

Want a little more power? The Getac V200 offers an Intel Core i7 processor and the Panasonic Toughbook F9 offers an Intel Core i5 processor. Both of these options beat the Intel Atom processor the Algiz XRW uses, but tend to be a bit more expensive.

Algiz XRW Rugged Notebook Announced is a post by Carter Sprunger from Notebooks.com.