For any kind of work environment where there may be a large amount of particulate in the air, for less temperature-controlled areas, or for any place where users may carry dirt and grime to workstations, ruggedized and industrial computers are a popular option for keeping hardware running well. These kinds of industrial laptops and PCs are also useful when a piece of hardware may sometimes have to sustain drops and falls from a chaotic floor area.

When a business needs to figure out how to go about getting ruggedized solutions, managers and owners can often turn to the web to learn more about the fascinating new technologies and what options are out there. Web resources can also get business leaders closer to getting specific use training for the products they may be considering, such as:

1. Options for learning about ruggedized PCs, mobile handhelds, and other gear from consultant shops.

2. Info pages and links to web resources offering industrial computers information.

3. Tips and strategies for use of ruggedized and industrial computers from web forums where current users post about using ruggedized or heavy-duty equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get ruggedized and industrial computers training from consulting shops

One good way to get informed and trained on using rugged computer models and gear is from shops that specifically service, distribute or coordinate shipments of this kind of material. Look for consultants with the expertise to direct your business toward the right goal.

I recommend: Find training resources, from classroom to online, for handling ruggedized systems at Wonderware. Business leaders can also ask the folks at sites like Rugged Mobile Group how their bulked-up mobile products can outfit a shop with computing in a harsh or chaotic environment.

Find ruggedized and industrial computers information from web directories and info pages

Other sites can offer public info on various industrial computer models and how they are used -- check out sites where industrial computer suppliers and others network about these specific technologies.

I recommend: Readers can turn to Rugged PC Review for news on ruggedized computer models and gear, news, according to the site's founders, that is scant within the mainstream media. Get links to more sites for training on industrial computer elements from the DMOZ open directory project.

Find out more about ruggedized computers on public web forums

Another resource is the public web spaces where users of ruggedized computers post to each other about aspects of 'deploying' these technologies in the field. Readers can learn a lot by keeping their eyes open when thinking about incorporating either work station or mobile rugged computer items into their spaces.

I recommend: Get discussions on defining rugged handhelds at CNet forums. Get more on ruggedized products at the forums supplied by vBulletin online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For ruggedized and industrial computers education and training that will stand a business in good stead, customize the information to what will work best in your own environment, with attention to the extreme conditions you may be dealing with.

Since the dawn of the laptop, businesses have taken advantage of computer portability when sending their employees on the road. One of the initial drawbacks of laptops, however, was the lack of durability of portable computers, particularly in industrial environments. Ruggedized PCs are the answer to this problem, providing an industrial computer that can stand up to some bumps and falls.

Ruggedized and industrial computers are generally made to be shockproof, dust and water resistant, and they have cases that can take some hits without being damaged. When you look for the best industrial laptops for your business, be sure to take into account:

1. What computer features you need from your industrial computers, such as processor power and disk space.

2. What kind of environment you will be taking your rugged computer into, and how rugged it needs to be.

3. Which ruggedized computer suppliers provide the most cost-effective solution for your industrial needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify various models and features of ruggedized PCs

Your first step is to learn which companies produce ruggedized and industrial computers, and how they differentiate from each other. Some models are ruggedized to a military grade, able to handle even the hardest bumps, while others are more cost-efficient, built to handle light industrial environments.

I recommend: Laptoping.com has a section on ruggedized computers that is kept up to date with reviews of new models.

Look at companies that specialize in industrial laptops

Several companies specialize in the production of ruggedized and industrial computers. These companies likely offer the most thoroughly road-tested models, and would be the best place to look if you plan on using your industrial laptop in a heavy industrial environment. These PCs are generally built to stand up to even military situations, such as placement on tanks. Needless to say, they can take a beating.

I recommend: As their name says, Rugged Notebooks produces some of the most durable industrial laptops on the market. All of their products are military-certified, and can stand up to heat, shock, water, and dust.

Find out if a traditional manufacturer will fit your needs

In addition to specialty companies, traditional computer manufacturers such as Dell and Panasonic also make a limited number of ruggedized computer models. An advantage to these machines is the reliability and support that these major companies provide. A Dell rugged computer is essentially a standard Dell laptop, one of the best in the industry, enclosed in an industrial case.

I recommend: Panasonic's Toughbook series has been one of the top selling ruggedized computers for years, and should definitely be looked at. Look at the pair of rugged laptops offered by Dell as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for the best ruggedized computers, start by looking at companies that specialize in their production. Then, compare these models with industrial laptops produced by traditional manufacturers to find the best fit.

Many times, a company's computer system needs to be used in a challenging remote field area. Extreme temperatures, wet or dusty conditions, or extreme vibrations all produce problems. Technological advances have helped to solve this with high-quality ruggedized and industrial computers and gear that will stand up to any conditions. Knowing about some of the basic terms for standards and ruggedized elements will help purchasers outfit their companies with the best and most efficient choices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Rugged laptops

Rugged laptop or notebook computers are a solution for businesses that will be sending workers out into remote industrial environments. The ruggedized laptop or notebook is a portable PC with features to withstand dust, heat and other factors.

I recommend: Read up on types of rugged laptop models at Group Mobile.

Rugged monitor

Often, screens are in need of special protection. Rugged monitors protect against temperature changes and debris.

I recommend: Let briefs on rugged monitor types like this Stealth aluminum case monitor bring you up to speed on what makers include in rugged monitors to make them impervious to the conditions of a harsh environment.

PC enclosures and cases

Another option for computers that will be permanently installed in a hot, dusty, damp or otherwise challenging environment is a rugged PC case or enclosure. These are made in many shapes and sizes as 'protective outfitting' for the computers you rely on in the field.

I recommend: Get a visual look at some options for rugged or industrialized computer cases at PC Enclosures.

Flexible keyboard

Along with monitor and motherboard solutions for ruggedized computers, there is the issue of peripherals. The most common solution? A flexible keyboard. Because many of the old DOS-based computers used in harsh environments are primarily operated by a keyboard, having one that is dust resistant is all-important. Industrial elements and debris can clog up a keyboard. New flexible plastic-enclosed keyboards provide a perfect fix for this potential problem.

I recommend: Get definitions, specs and visuals on flexible keyboards at USB Geek.

Military grade

A 'military grade' standard is often a guide to how rugged your computers and gear are. The military tests its gear to stand up to some pretty tough conditions found around the world.

I recommend: Find out more about military grade standards for ruggedized computers at Linux on Laptops.

Ingress protection

The 'Ingress Protection Rating' measures how well a computer can stand up to elements.

I recommend: Check out the details on ingress protection rating and a whole lot of other ruggedized computer terms at this guide from LXE.com, (on page 3).

Industrial computers or ruggedized computers are computers that are meant to withstand the elements. Sun exposure, wind exposure, dirt exposure and rain exposure are all things that ruggedized and industrial computers should easily be able to withstand for normal operation. There are many industries that need such machines to grow, expand and operate their businesses on a daily basis.

Take the time to learn about ruggedized PCs and the costs associated with owning one for your business. Here are some resourceful links to get you started. Think of this as a tutorial in "ruggedized and industrial computers pricing and costs.”

1. Locate pricing and costs associated with industrial laptops and see how these computers might fit your business needs.

2. Find larger industrial computers for use in your business.

3. Locate companies that provide specialty industrial computers, such as water-proof machines.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ruggedized PCs in the form of laptops

Whether you are a mining company searching for commodities or a land developer building on undeveloped land, there are many reasons why one would need a ruggedized laptop computer on the job. Take the time to learn about the various applications these ruggedized computers have built in and see how much it would cost for your business to acquire these machines.

I recommend: Visit the website for Cyberchron Rugged Systems. They have industrial laptop products starting at around $5,000. Promark Technology also sells ruggedized laptops, however they suggest that you contact their sales staff for proper quotes.

Locate larger scale ruggedized and industrial computers

When you need a larger capability than what a laptop will offer, seek out the pricing and costs associated with larger scale industrial computers. These machines will often have a larger memory and be able to perform more functions than their laptop counterparts. Other features such as the ability to connect an entire network of computers are also common among industrial computers and servers.

I recommend: Go to the website for Stealth Computer. They sell many a large-scale industrial computer to businesses around the world. You can use their "quote builder" function to get a quote. These machines start at around $1,500 and go upwards of $10,000 depending on what software is loaded onto the computer. Vartech Systems offers similar machines, though they request that you contact their sales staff for an exact quote.

Locate ruggedized computers that have a specialty feature

Even within the rugged computer industry, there are certain machines that have specialty components. Water-proofing or high altitude machines are just a few of the specialty machines on the market. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these ruggedized computer products to see if they are right for your business needs. Then, determine the pricing and costs associated with owning and operation of such a machine.

I recommend: Visit the website for Noax Technologies for additional information on their specialty under-water computers. They request that a customer contact the sales staff, but pricing range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size and scope of the machine. The company Corvalent also suggests that potential clients call for quotes on their specialty motherboards.