Talking Rugged Notebook
Copyright 2005 Richard Keir
A rugged notebook offers mobile professionals the ability to work in any environment and in any location. Versatile and powerful, rugged notebook computers are designed specifically for both in-plant and outdoor industrial (and military) applications. Built to handle the toughest environments, fully ruggedized notebooks should have IP54 environmental protection, meet MIL-STD 810F and have heavy duty - generally magnesium alloy - cases. Rugged notebook computers enable professionals to work smoothly in adverse environments and are adequately equipped to face almost any tough situation with ease. Naturally, these rugged notebook computers are heavier than non-rugged models but offer substantially more protection than standard laptops.
RuggedNotebooks.com offer a variety of semi-rugged and rugged notebooks, wireless tablets and even rugged PDAs in their Recon series. They also offer custom solutions.
Arguably the most rugged and heavy-duty notebook available is the Rough Rider III from www.RuggedNotebooks.com.
Meeting IEC and MIL-STD 810F, temperature, humidity, altitude, shock, vibration and drop standards, the case also conforms to IEC 529 and Ingress IP 54 requirements. It has extensive configuration options and a second bay available with internal PCI connector that supports a wide variety of options including two additional COM ports (RS232, RS422, or RS 485), two additional PCMCIA slots, a SCSI-2 port, DGPS or wireless modules, an auxiliary battery, or fixed floppy drive. It can be
configured with 1.4 or 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium M processor, up to 2GB of DDR RAM, a 60GB HDD, and up to a 14.1 inch screen.
It also provides extended wireless communications with 802.11b Wi-Fi, GSM/GPRS and DataTAC connectivity. As you might expect, all this ruggedness comes with a penalty and with the primary battery installed, the Rough Rider III rugged notebook weighs 12.7 pounds, definitely not a light-weight.
RuggedNotebooks.com offers a variety of semi-rugged and rugged notebooks, wireless tablets and even rugged PDAs in their Recon series. They also offer custom solutions. As one of the premier providers of notebook computers that meet and exceed military (810F and 461E) and industry standards (IP54), anyone interested in a high quality semi- or rugged notebook should make it a point to check them out.
Sterling Computer Sales in Landenberg, PA, offers a series of rugged notebooks meeting MIL STD 810E (which primarily involves small drops and rough transport). Their RB1500 has a rubber mounted HDD, spill-proof keyboard and magnesium alloy case.
It comes with a 15.1 inch TFT boasting sXGA+ resolution (1400X1050) and a Pentium 4 Mobile 1.6Ghz processor. You can stuff it with up to 2GB of DDR ram and a 100GB HD. For communications this rugged notebook includes modem, Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wireless. This might be better considered a semi-rugged, but the price with default options starts at only $1,595.
The Durabook N15RI is a rugged notebook that has a magnesium alloy top and bottom case - which is 20 times stronger than plastic. This rugged notebook has anti-shock mounting and spill-resistant keyboard, scroll buttons and touch-pad.
While it meets some (modified) 810F military specifications for ruggedness it doesn't appear to be IP54 compliant and is probably best viewed as a more rugged than usual semi-rugged notebook.
It still provides the mobile professional with a tough, durable notebook at a more reasonable price than a fully rugged notebook.
HP also has a rugged notebook series - the HP nr3610 Rugged Notebook.
This model meets MIL STD for ruggedness in the areas of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), low pressure, humidity, sealing, temperature and vibration - and the Ingress IP-54 Protection rating for dust and water.
However, it is very pricey for a notebook with a 12.1 LCD (over $4000) and nearly impossible to find currently.
Another rugged notebook, offering the choice of 14.1" and 15" Tflex displays - which work very well both outdoors and indoors, is the Argonaut Ranger. The hard drive and LCD are both shock mounted and the case is constructed of magnesium alloy.
Both models of this rugged notebook - Argonaut Ranger - meet military specifications for ruggedness. The keyboard is spill-proof and the circuitry of this rugged notebook makes use of anti-corrosive technology for extra protection. Designed particularly for marine use the TFlex display works extremely well under any lighting conditions - from full darkness to direct sunlight.
Panasonic has its ToughBook line of semi-rugged and rugged notebook computers which are also worth looking into.
The semi-rugged notebooks have a variety of features from the T2 with touchscreen weighing in at only 2.7 pounds to the Toughbook 51, available with a 2GHz Intel Pentium M 760, a shock-mounted 80 GB HDD and up to 2 GB of DDR2 SDRAM,
with a 15 inch TFT Active Matrix Color LCD and a standard Combo Drive of a DVD multi-drive, weighing in at about 6.7 pounds. Base pricing for the T51 seems to start around $1600.
The Panasonic Toughbook-29 is a fully rugged notebook tested to MIL STD 810F.
The vibration and drop-shock resistant design has Intel Centrino Mobile Tech and integrated 802.11 a/b/g wireless LAN. It has a 13.3 inch outdoor-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD (optional touchscreen), a shock-mounted removable HDD in a stainless steel case, sealed port and connector covers and a full magnesium alloy case with handle. With battery and floppy drive it weighs 7.9 pounds. Base version pricing seems to be around $3500 currently.
One thing you need to be aware of about rugged notebooks - particularly full MIL-STD ruggedized models - they can be a little hard to find at your local computer store - or even on some of the big internet sites.
The substantial added costs of manufacture and testing - and sometimes, the performance compromises that are made, make them a questionable option for the usual notebook user.
If you will be working under harsh conditions, then they may be your only rational choice.
However, for a user who will simply be doing a lot of traveling, day in and day out, and wants a notebook computer that can better tolerate the inevitable shocks and bumps, a semi-rugged notebook could be a much more affordable option, providing reasonable protection and better performance at a lower price.
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Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Houston, Texas (ContentDesk) October 3, 2005 -- Power Technology Inc. (OTCBB: PWTC) announced today it has manufactured an Advanced Glass Matt prototype battery containing its patent pending reticulated vitreous carbon current collectors and the prototype will be delivered to a major hybrid automobile manufacturer for comprehensive testing.
After Power Technology performs initial tests of the prototype, it intends to deliver the prototype battery to the manufacturer by November 1, 2005 for the manufacturer's complete evaluation and testing. Bernard J. Walter, President of Power Technology said: "Hybrid vehicles utilizing the Power Technology higher energy capacity, lighter weight, lower lead content batteries are the perfect application of our patent pending technology.
In the current high energy cost environment, we believe our batteries can make a significant difference in hybrid operating cost and efficiency." About Power Technology: Power Technology, Inc. is a Research...
Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Battery > Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Boston, MA (ContentDesk) January 11, 2006 -- First introduced for the 2005 Emmys Ultimate Nominee TV Gift Bag, this featured frame was covered in Swarovski crystals and set at a price of over $25,000.
Among the nominees who received gift certificates toward the frame were Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher.
The Swarovski frame and the home theater package then showcased on the second season of the Gastineau Girls featuring Lisa and Brittny Gastineau.
During the show, the Swarovski-framed TV was placed in Brittny Gastineaus bedroom in her Battery Park, New York.
With over 3,000 Swarovski crystals the TV frame represents a true combination of luxury and technology.
Custom designed and hand-crafted, it took over 100 hours to design, build, and affix each individual crystal.
It was specifically made to fit the Panasonic professional line 42 inch plasma TV, setting the TV apart from ordinary technology as a work...
Battery > CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously. It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6.
The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking."The Escape hybrid...
Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance
Battery > Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance
Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Houston, Texas (ContentDesk) October 3, 2005 -- Power Technology Inc. (OTCBB: PWTC) announced today it has manufactured an Advanced Glass Matt prototype battery containing its patent pending reticulated vitreous carbon current collectors and the prototype will be delivered to a major hybrid automobile manufacturer for comprehensive testing.
After Power Technology performs initial tests of the prototype, it intends to deliver the prototype battery to the manufacturer by November 1, 2005 for the manufacturer's complete evaluation and testing. Bernard J. Walter, President of Power Technology said: "Hybrid vehicles utilizing the Power Technology higher energy capacity, lighter weight, lower lead content batteries are the perfect application of our patent pending technology.
In the current high energy cost environment, we believe our batteries can make a significant difference in hybrid operating cost and efficiency." About Power Technology: Power Technology, Inc. is a Research...
Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Battery > Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Talking Rugged Notebook
Copyright 2005 Richard Keir
A rugged notebook offers mobile professionals the ability to work in any environment and in any location. Versatile and powerful, rugged notebook computers are designed specifically for both in-plant and outdoor industrial (and military) applications. Built to handle the toughest environments, fully ruggedized notebooks should have IP54 environmental protection, meet MIL-STD 810F and have heavy duty - generally magnesium alloy - cases. Rugged notebook computers enable professionals to work smoothly in adverse environments and are adequately equipped to face almost any tough situation with ease. Naturally, these rugged notebook computers are heavier than non-rugged models but offer substantially more protection than standard laptops.
RuggedNotebooks.com offer a variety of semi-rugged and rugged notebooks, wireless tablets and even rugged PDAs in their Recon series. They also offer custom solutions.
Arguably the most rugged and...
Battery > Talking Rugged Notebook
Wireless Extenders Offers New Signal Booster at 800MHZ To Increase Cell Phone Coverage in Homes and Offices
Atlanta, GA (ContentDesk) December 21, 2005 -- Wireless Extenders, Inc. (www.wirelessextenders.com), a leader in developing new products that enhance wireless cellular communications, announced their latest product, the YX500-CEL.
This reliable product captures and amplifies the 800MHz signal for cell phone users in homes or offices where cellular signal cannot penetrate.
This product joins the strong-selling YX500PCS and the YX600PCS versions that are compatible with all PCS (1900Mhz) phones.
According to research, over 35% of cellular phone users nationwide experience poor quality or loss of signal strength when using a cell phone in their office or home.
Increasing the indoor coverage can translate into increased productivity and savings.
Some of the benefits include extending the battery life, replacing landlines phones, reducing or...
Battery > Wireless Extenders Offers New Signal Booster at 800MHZ To Increase Cell Phone Coverage in Homes and Offices
Happy Camper RV Club Doubles Membership, Surprises Customers with Freebies, Creates a Unique Environment Online for RV Travelers
Monroe, LA (ContentDesk) May 5, 2006 -- Happy Camper RV Club is well-known throughout the camping industry as a half-price discount rv club.
With over 1,000 campground and RV park locations in the US and Canada, the club has doubled membership in the last two years by giving "more than what is promised" to its members, and creating a web site that gives RVers a fun environment online for trip planning and learning.Club president, Anne Pierson, describes the secret to the club's success by stating, "We always give more than we promise, and our members love the extra bonuses we create to serve them - above and beyond our promise of saving 50% on camping.
Members never know when they will get an email from us with a fun "freebie" they can request by mail, or an interesting addition to our web site."Our goal is to surprise and delight our visitors and members with added value wherever we find it.
As an example, our friends at RV Education 101 gave us a generous...
Battery > Happy Camper RV Club Doubles Membership, Surprises Customers with Freebies, Creates a Unique Environment Online for RV Travelers
The Skinny on RFID
RFID is the abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is a method used to store and retrieve data using RFID transponders or tags. RFID tags have antennas that allow them to accept and respond to queries from the RFID transceiver. There are passive and active RFID tags. The difference between the two is that passive tags do not need an internal power source, but active tags do.
RFID technology is already used in many technologies today. The future of RFID technology seems limitless as new ways to utilize its effectiveness are discovered frequently.Passive and Active TagsAs stated before, passive RFID tags do not have an internal power supply. There is a minute electrical current induced in the antenna by the radio signal it receives. This small current is enough to power the tag to respond to the signal. Passive RFID tags have a very brief response because of their limited power.
They are very small, and may be used in the future for medical purposes or, as...
The Skinny on RFID
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The Happy Tinkerer - Making Homemade Devices For The Fun Of It
I've always liked to make gadgets and gizmos that have some function, either useful or not so useful. It started with the simple things that many kids make - slingshots, a simple bow and arrow, a toy boat. Occasionally I made more involved items such as a canoe and a dune buggy. Then there was the grass hut - 12 feet across, octogonal in shape, and thatched top to bottom with a thick layer of grass. I built it in a remote location, near a stipmine filled with water.
Hauled the cut grass...
The Happy Tinkerer - Making Homemade Devices For The Fun Of It Talking Rugged Notebook keyboard
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