Getac S400 semi rugged notebook

Getac has announced its entry into the semi-rugged notebook arena with the S400. Getac calls the S400 'bruise-proof', and says it's ideal for field service and light military applications.

The Getac S400 looks more like a lightweight fully rugged notebook than a standard system that's been 'ruggeised': build quality is solid and tough, and it weighs 2.9kg.

The S400 meets IP5X and MIL-STD-810G ratings. These certifications mean that it has been proven to withstand dusty and moist environments as well as cope with shock, vibration and drops. It isn't up to dealing with the worst of hazards, hence the 'bruise-proof' branding.

There are various ways in which the S400 can be customised. There is an optional cold temperature module, for example, which allows the notebook to extend its 0-45 degrees Celsius operating range down to temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius.

The I/O ports are shielded to protect them against damage, and the chassis is made from what Getac calls 'KryptoShell', a material whose component parts aren't detailed but which is able to withstand a 2.5-foot (76.2cm) drop.

The 14.1in. screen has a native resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels and it can be configured with multi-touch support for use when wearing gloves. You can also opt for a 700-nit display designed to allow readability in bright sunlight. GPS, webcam and mobile broadband are optional extras, but all models have Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth.

The Getac V400 runs Windows 7 Professional and can be configured with an Intel Core i5-520M processor or a Core i3-350M processor. Integrated Intel or discrete Nvidia graphics controllers can be selected. RAM runs from 2GB to 8GB, and you can choose a 320GB hard drive or an 80GB SSD. There is an optical drive.

There's a good range of ports and connectors, including PC Card, ExpressCard, CardReader, VGA out, three USB 2.0 and one USB 2.0/eSATA combo, serial, Ethernet, FireWire, microphone and headphones and optional modem.

Sandra Vogel