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(, Read Great Stories Offline on Your Favorite, PC Magazine Digital Edition (Opens in a new window), How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files, How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac, Read Our Dell Latitude 7212 Rugged Extreme Tablet Review, Read Our Panasonic Toughbook 33 (2021) Review, Read Our Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 (2021) Review, Read Our Dell Latitude 5424 Rugged Review, Gateway 15.6-Inch Ultra Slim (2022) Review, What to Do When Your Computer Screen Won't Show a Picture, 4G, 802.11ax, Bluetooth, Gigabit Ethernet. Some Lenovo ThinkPads, HP EliteBooks, and other business systems are reasonably resistant to bumps and bruises, though they can't survive high dives or liquids in excess of minor keyboard spills. We all want to have the most premium laptops available. Home It was built in a way that it can survive intense vibrations, drops, and shocks. The Toughbook 55s display supports a stylus pen, and you can use it with gloves. And often they review only the products that provide the most kickbacks when you buy. The B360 distinguishes itself with a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which sounds weird for a laptop until you remember that this type of laptopactually hasbumpers for protection. And we'll guide you to reviews of some of our favorite true-rugged laptops. And its pretty much hot-swappable when the laptop is running from the wall adapter. And you can buy different docking stations in order to add more functionality to this rugged Toughbook easily. Rather, the manufacturer may note that the system has passed, say, 10 or 12 MIL-STD tests. At a minimum, they've passed MIL-STD tests; at the maximum, they're the next best thing to bulletproof. The 7404 Rugged Extreme uses an Intel HD4400 Graphics Card, Intel Dual Band WLAN, and Triple RF Passthrough. The build and battery life of this machine makes it a contender for top-rated laptops. That way, you can always fully charge the second battery and carry it around in case of an emergency. The Panasonic Toughbook 33 is a laptop that you should only consider if you need a convertible notebook thatll serve you well for at least 4-5 years. The 55 doesn't keep pace on the screen front, however, as the 14-inch display requires an upgrade to get full HD resolution. Virtually all laptop screens are good enough for work in your average office. The Latitude 5414 Rugged has a micro-SIM slot, a VGA port, an HDMI port, a docking port, two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port with PowerShare, two DB9 pin serial ports, two RJ45 connectors, and one jack for speakers, headphones, or mics. The successor to the 5420 brings 11th-generation Intel Core processors and optional 5G connectivity with it. Does this make the certification useless? Whether you're getting wet or getting your hands dirty, these rugged laptops stay productive in the worst environments. The laptop might have a smaller display than its competitors, but it gives users a better experience because of its Intel UHG graphics. The second digit after IP measures protection against liquids, this time on a scale of 0 to 9. The 8GB RAM is very much on the lower side considering the price, but its manageable. I was later the editor in chief of Home Office Computing, a magazine that promoted using tech to work from home two decades before a pandemic made it standard practice. They may be carried by first responders or military personnel, or get mounted on police-car dashboards. Despite this, its MIL-STD and IP53 certified. For these laptops to have the utmost durability, they need a thick, tough casing with durable bumpers. rugged thinnest panasonic unveils tablet fully inch windows pro hardwarezone sg hits surface stores cost nov much You can grab the semi rugged Lenovo ThinkPad P52 instead as it comes with much better and newer hardware overall (e.g., Core i7-8750H). Don't forget to research the brand's ecosystem if you're going to need docks, mounting solutions, orother accessories to complete your purchase. The Panasonic Toughbook 33 features a 7th gen Intel Core i5 7300U inside and utilizes the integrated UHD Graphics 620 for display output. Others feature modular or swappable bays for storage drives or batteries, or slots for mobile-broadband SIM cards so you can go online when out in the field, away from Wi-Fi hotspots. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The solution is resistive touch-screen design, in whichwith a slightly harder push from youthe top layer flexes to close a circuit with another layer beneath it. Panasonic advertises 10 hours of battery life on this laptop. But it isnt all hunky-dory for this laptop all the way through. And on top of that, due to the modular design, you can buy a second battery (6 cell) accessory that you can instantly put in as soon as your laptop battery dies. It comes with IP52 water and dust resistance rating, so you can freely carry it when youre by the ocean or swimming pool. Were on a mission to fix the broken user review system. This makes it easier to separate out rugged laptops from ones that may have some ruggedized features but aren't marketed to those who need specialized systems. Reallyrugged laptops are vertical-market dwellers, designed for work in the field or on factory floors. See Also: Go through our Panasonic Toughbook Cf 54 review for another rugged laptop. Shrugs off abuse that would smash most laptops, Slightly awkward keyboard, and balky touchpad. You'll be able to benefit from some minimal protection against drops and spills, though you shouldn't expect such a notebook to withstand the extreme conditions that semi-rugged and rugged systems can endure. On the tablet, you get a USB 3.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports. The MIL-STD 810G standard spans over 800 pages and nearly 30 laboratory test methods for challenges ranging from weather (high and low temperatures, rain, and humidity) to physical forces (acceleration, vibration, and shock). Because no independent agency certifies MIL-STD compliance, it's up to you to look for documentation or details of which tests a product passed, who conducted the teststhe manufacturer, or an outside laband how the tests were performed. While its screen may be small at 10.1 inches, it features WUXGA resolution and touchscreen capabilities -- even through gloves. It was a boon for the category when jolt-resistant solid-state drives (SSDs) replaced relatively delicate spinning hard drives, but some vendors go beyond thatthePanasonic Toughbook 31actually has a heated SSD that keeps working in frigid temperatures. We'll refresh this guide as we review additional true-rugged systems. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form. Customers receive a 3-year limited warranty upon purchase. At the time of writing, Apple does not have a ruggedized version of any of their MacBooks for sale, either through their official store or authorized sellers. All of their ports will have to be sealed off if you want it to survive getting dropped into a body of water. This rating is measured numerically, rather than by general terms such as "dustproof" or "water-resistant.".

Field and factory workers and first responders will find this semi-rugged laptop almost indestructible. Specs: Display:13.3 inches touchscreen (1,920x1,080 pixel resolution) |CPU:Intel Core i5-10210U |RAM:8GB |Storage:256GB |Battery Life:Not specified |Rugged Certifications:MIL-STD-810G, IP65. Less expensive and lighter than fully rugged units, Drop resistant, sealed against dust and moisture, Battery life slightly shorter than average. Its 8 GB of RAM guarantee fantastic speeds, and you get 512 GB SSD storage. If you have extra cash to spend and need a reliable and durable laptop for your job, you might want to check out the Getac B360. The Dell Latitude 5414 Rugged is another fantastic option from Dell. In short, it covers the durability needs for tough working conditions, Unlike the Toughbook G2, the LT330 includes a keyboard in an all-in-one unit, which means you don't need to spring for an optional accessory if you rely on keyed input. Theres also a full-sized HDMI port, a gigabit LAN port, and an audio line-in/out. Let's be clear right up front about one thing: When PCMag refers to "rugged laptops," we're not talking to business travelers worried about a little turbulence knock-about in an airline overhead compartment.

The laptop has a 14-inch FHD touch display, and its equipped with an Intel Core i5-1145G7 vPro processor. Those who need a laptop that will survive extreme weather conditions or accidental high drops should go for a more rugged laptop. TechJunkie is supported by our readers. Only a washed-out screen tarnishes its appeal. It features a 12-inch WUXGA 1200-nit multi-touch display that has a digitizer. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Dell's Latitude 5424 Rugged is a 14-inch laptop that thrives in harsh environments, though perhaps inevitably, it's overshadowed by its nearly invulnerable sibling, the 7424 Rugged Extreme. If youre looking for the best rugged laptop or the best laptop that can serve you well for years to come, the Panasonic Toughbook 33 is your best bet. You can use it as a standard, rugged laptop or a heavy-duty tablet. The 5 best Chromebook for students in 2022. Theres not much to complain about here as the tablet itself is very sturdily built. The number 4 means the system is proof against objects larger than 1mm, such as most wires; 5 means some and 6 means complete protection against dust and sand. With an IP53 rating, the Panasonic Toughbook 55 Mk2 isnt the most rugged of rugged laptops, but this machine is eminently customizable and packed with features that enterprise users expect. Acer is touting its Aquafan technology, which the company claims will help to repel water from penetrating the laptop; Gorilla Glass covers the display to provide additional moisture protection. On the minus side, you may discover that a resistive pad requires so much pressure that it feels clumsy with a dry, bare finger. Back to school: Must-have tech for students, How to answer "tell me about yourself" in interviews, Apple explains why iPhone cases are a waste, The 6 best Samsung phones: Explore a new Galaxy, The top home batteries: Essential battery backup systems, Our favorite pellet grills: Alternatives to gas and charcoal, The 5 best wireless headphones: Great sound untethered, The top GPS trackers and devices for kids: Find your child fast. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Unfortunately, theres no USB C port on this laptop. Too many are simply trying to capitalize on affiliate revenue. The doors covering the Panasonic Toughbook 33's ports, by contrast, are waterproof, with sliding lockable latches. This laptop is built to be extremely durable, so you can expect it to withstand extreme weather and high drops. Go ahead and beat up Getac's S410 G4. Technically a semi-rugged laptop, the Durabook S14I survives almost as much torture as fully rugged units. Or else, you should stay away from it due to the high price. You can make video calls on this laptop since it has a webcam with a built-in microphone and privacy shutter. On these laptops, note that touch screens are a special case. More common chassis materials include magnesium or magnesium-aluminum alloys, with rubber or rubberized bumpers on a laptop's corners a popular protective measure against drops. Mobile devices obviously run a bigger risk of getting damaged, since they are transported far more frequently than desktop PCs. At $3800, most people expect better hardware than a three generations old core i5 and integrated Intel UHD graphics. Thanks for reading, and let's be careful out there. I mentioned that many business systems have spill-resistant keyboards and drainage holes in their bottoms to save your bacon if you spill a few ounces of water, so it's no surprise that rugged keyboards are designed not to drown with even greater amounts. Shrugs off abuse that would shatter ordinary 2-in-1s, Super-bright touch screen for outdoor visibility, Lackluster battery life with standard cells in test unit, Tiny touchpad, designed for gloved use, can balk at bare fingers. Looking at a typical display panel in direct sunlight can render it invisible, without enough contrast to make out more than the palest ghost of an image. A veteran of the laptop game, Acer is a rookie when it comes to the rugged market. Our lists are constantly reviewed and updated, so you can be sure you're We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. (Lenovo, for instance, touts the "MIL-SPEC testing" for its ThinkPad laptop family.) Models like the Dell Latitude 7424, for one, can even have a steel-reinforced security lock. A sure sign that a manufacturer is serious about an IP rating is sealed portsdoors that cover connectors such as USB ports and HDMI video outputs. A unique feature this rugged laptop has is its dual, hot-swappable batteries. If you would like to expedite the addition of your listing, you may purchase our Expedited Delivery They can survive in scorching temperatures or a freezing winter storm. If youre in a remote location and have to hop on a video call, you will love its 1080p webcam with a dual-array mic and privacy cover. Each and every "Best of.." list on Read More. Laptops Under $500 : In Depth Reviews & Buyers Guide, The Amazon Cyber Monday Deals and Sales on TVs, Tablets, Laptops, Smartwatches and More.

The Dell Latitude 7212 is a well-designed, tough detachable Windows tablet that can take pretty much anything you (and nature) can throw at it. I also love geeking out over comic book movies and Star Wars. If you don't need to lug a big laptop around a job site or other extreme location, you could choose to purchase a rugged tablet instead. It, too, offers 11th-generation Intel Core processors and IP53 certification for weather and dust resistance. We tested and analyzed display, CPU, battery life, rugged certifications, and more. Upon purchase, you also get a three-year DELL Next Business Day warranty. 'ZDNet Recommends': What exactly does it mean? Specs: Display:13.3 inches touchscreen (1,920x1,080 pixel resolution) |CPU:10th-gen Intel Core options |RAM:8GB |Storage:256GB |Battery Life:Not specified|Rugged Certifications:MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G, IP66. reviews and buyers guides. A more stringent abbreviation seen on seriously sturdy laptops is a code such as "IP65." The tablet part itself and the keyboard dock that comes included both have a lot of different ports for easy accessibility. Minimum defenses rugged laptops possess include bumpers that can protect against drops and specially treated keyboards that can withstand liquids being spilled on them (so-called semi-rugged laptops). Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy ride. The rugged laptops listed here are from major manufacturers in the space (Dell, Panasonic, Getac), including some with which ZDNet staff have had hands-on experience. The laptop also has an 8 MP webcam for better Zoom calls, and it even comes with an autofocus feature. to help and inform you, our reader. Survives more falls and hits than a Hollywood stuntman, Many configuration options, including barcode reader and triple battery, Screen favors brightness over color accuracy. Field workers and first responders should be well satisfied, as long as they invest in its optional second battery. Now that might not be good for users that prefer lighter 2-in-1 laptops, but in this case, it actually makes sense. Even some Chromebooks carry the same designation as these hardy travelersMIL-STD 810G, which indicates compliance with a series of tests required for the US Department of Defense to consider using a piece of equipment in a military setting. ZDNet's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. If you plan to use the laptop for long hours at night, you can use its handy Night Mode, which helps preserve night vision and decrease eye strain. They may have to survive being rained on or dropped six feet onto a hard surface, or work through freezing or broiling temperatures, or keep from getting clogged up by clouds of blowing dust or sand. Rugged laptops often come with a touchscreen display for a more user-friendly experience. Some rugged laptops have extra-bright displays of 1,000 nits or 1,300 nits so they can be easily viewed in bright sunlight, and rugged touchscreens can often accept touch input through work gloves. Oopscapacitive tech doesn't work. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. First responders and other field personnel will appreciate its familiar brawn. Mobile Such laptops are water, dust, and drop resistant. That's why many rugged laptops boast extra-bright displays, with 1,000 or more nits of brightness compared to the 200 to 400 of most indoors-optimized systems. The Getac B360 is a winner among rugged laptops for providing full protection in a relatively compact package, a display that works indoors and out, hot-swappable batteries, and a best-in-class warranty. These will typically have touchscreens that can handle input through gloves, and many will have optional keyboards to offer 2-in-1 functionality like the Toughbook G2 and DT Research LT330 noted above.

Components are easy to swap out (including hot-swap batteries), Bright 1,000-nit touch screen with 1080p webcam. Our mission is to empower you to find the product youre looking for and get exactly the information you need to make the right buying decision. And compared with the rugged competition it's a relative bargain.

When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Specs: Display:14 inches touchscreen (1,920x1,080 pixel resolution) |CPU:11th-gen Intel Core options |Battery Life:24 hours with dual hot swappable batteries |Rugged Certifications:MIL-STD-810H, IP53. Specs: Display:14 inches (1,920x1,080 pixel resolution) |CPU:Intel Core i5-10210U |RAM:8GB|Storage:256GB|Battery Life:13 hours|Rugged Certifications:MIL-STD-810H, IP53. What's the price you pay for such super-sturdy survivability? When you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Though it lacks a cutting-edge CPU, Panasonic's Toughbook 31 does everything a rugged laptop should, such as surviving long drops and direct hits from water jets. Excellent connectivity, including optional WWAN, No built-in biometrics or Thunderbolt 3 port. The same goes for the touchpads located in laptops' palm rests. But it also goes beyond the 1,000-nit displays of its competitors, pumping out a whopping 1,400 nits of brightness. We've already discussed doors that cover ports, but as with any laptop, you should consider which ports you need. by our editors after testing. If you dont see an app that should be here, let us know what it is. for addition within one week. For example, classroom-computer specialist CTL says the lid of itsChromebook NL61TX(supplanted since our review by the NL7X) can withstand the weight of a few books piled on it in a desk or backpackcan withstand, in fact, 365 pounds of pressure before the screen breaks. And theres a microSDXC memory card reader too. The B360 has an HDMI port, two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and a microphone/headphone combo jack. You can expect an impressive performance from it because it has an Intel Core i7-4650U processor with a CPU speed of 1.7 GHz (3.3 GHz Turbo). Sign up for Lab Report to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered right to your inbox. You don't necessarily need what a manufacturer calls a rugged or semi-rugged laptop in order to get some additional durability features. Depending on the weather where you work, some manufacturers offer a choice of keyboards built for wet or wetter conditions, the latter with rubberized or coated keys that sacrifice a little typing feel to provide extra protection. The displays resolution is 1366 x 768 HD, and it has a resistive coating. It features a 14-inch touchscreen LED display, and its touchscreen is fully functional, even if youre wearing protective gloves. And if you still use DVDs and are looking for a laptop that sports a DVD drive, the Dell Latitude 5414 Rugged notebook is going to be the better option. In or out of its keyboard dock, Panasonic's 2021 refresh of its Toughbook 33 tablet is built to take all the hardships a first responder or field worker can dish out. Our reviews and buyers guides are always either based on reviews weve done ourselves, or aggregated from trusted sources. While many options on the market hit the mark when it comes to portability, there are few choices for those looking for a genuinely durable laptop. Unusually large for a ruggedized notebook, Durabook's S15AB provides protection from three-foot drops at an affordable price. You can read ourprimer on IP and MIL-STD ratingsfor full details, but here's IP in a nutshell. The laptop has an integrated tetra-array microphone that works great with its 1080p webcam and built-in 92 db speakers. They take money from brands to skew results. Manufacturers try to make the choice easier by dividing systems into "semi-rugged" and "rugged" -- the former meeting many everyday durability requirements, while the latter provides additional levels of protection for the harshest conditions. In addition to the level of ruggedness, other things to consider in your purchase include the resolution and brightness (measured in nits) of the screen, along with how sensitive the touchscreen is. Fine, but what if you're wearing gloves? While virtual threats to our PCs rightfully grab most of the headlines -- as viruses and cyberattacks can affect millions of computers simultaneously -- our gear also faces threats from physical damage. That laptop's rating is IP65 Other things to look for in a rugged laptop start at first sightits outer case or chassis. A specialty producer of rugged systems, Getac has updated its flagship laptop that competes with the likes of the Durabook Z14I and the Dell Latitude 7254 Rugged Extreme (although with a smaller 13.3-inch screen instead of a 14-inch one). Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. The answer (obviously, Chuck Norris) is about as inconclusive as advertisements forlaptopswith vague, overlapping descriptions like "semi-rugged," "fully rugged," and "business-rugged." Thats our promise and our commitment.. Christen and Rex [Founders of Gadget Review], Copyright 2022, All Rights Reserved | Gadget Review. That's why many of the true-blue rugged models come with pop-out carrying handles. But there's no rule about what height to drop a device from. The number 2 means you can't stick your fingers into the device. It has a 14-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, and it features 802.11AC Dual-Band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. You get a 512 GB SSD, which is enough to store large files and heavy programs, and it has an 8 GB 2133 MHz DDR4 RAM. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Even though it comes with just a 1990mAh battery, it actually lasts very long. The laptop has a 10-hour battery life, but you can quickly renew its juice thanks to its hot-swappable twin batteries. The IP stands for "ingress protection"the ability to keep solids or liquids out of the machine's vulnerable innards. If the laptops listed above aren't exactly what you're looking for, you should consider these options: What is the best rugged laptop? You wont have issues with your network signal because the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6. One is, indeed, theliteralprice: Rugged laptops cost a lot more than their civilian counterparts. Overall, the value aspect of the Toughbook 33 isnt that great, to be honest. We're not just tech junkies, but we're also tech experts. Their keyboards are also built in a way where they can take on accidental spillage of liquids. Let's run through the key things to look for as you shop. It even supports a Nano-SIM and eSIM for those who want quick access to text messaging. Laptop manufacturers helpfully label these systems as "semi-rugged" or "rugged," with a few niche companies devoting their entire business to rugged portables. Before we get into brawny machines that can survive six-foot drops and jets of water, we must acknowledge that not all mainstream notebooks are frail and fragile. Its initial battery life is 19 hours, but you can get up to 38 hours if you hot-swap with an optional second battery. Thanks for your submission, we will consider your entry next time this post is updated. While you can't see them easily, many rugged laptops have specially shock-mounted components. It allows you to quickly change its battery once its juice runs out without worrying whether or not you have a charger. Even in semiretirement in Bradenton, Florida, I can't stop playing with toys and telling people what gear to buy. Panasonic has had over a decade of experience making these rugged laptops under their Toughbook series, and the Toughbook 33 clearly shows that. 2022 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Everything starting from the touch screen to the corners and the edges feel solid, and the whole tablet has a lot of heft to it.

Still, for users who need serious computing power in hostile environments, there's no substitute for a laptop that can laugh off mistreatment that would destroy an ordinary machine. Semi-rugged laptops typically have IP52 or IP53 ratings, while more rugged models will sport IP65 scores that indicate greater dust and water resistance. It even has an 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and LED flash since its also a tablet. Like the S14I, it features IP53 certification and meets MIL-STD-810H standards, though it comes with a choice of 10th-generation Intel Core CPUs rather than 11th-gen processors. A laptop that is listed as "military grade" doesn't necessarily mean that it was developed for use by the Army or other military branches. A device rated 1 can resist a few vertical drips; 4 means splashing water and 5 means jets of water; and 7 and 8 refer to immersion in less than one meter, and in one to three meters, of water respectively. You can, however, purchase rugged cases like the Urban Armor Gear for the 13-inch MacBook Pro, the Ibenezer case for the 13-inch MacBook Air, or the Pelican 1085 hardshell carrying case. If you're working in more challenging environments -- on a construction site or in extreme climates -- there are rugged notebooks designed to handle those situations as well. Accidental damage included in three-year warranty, Stylus garage on less intuitive (left) side for most users. Optional keyboard is as rugged as the tablet, Bright touch screen thats usable with gloves.

1996-2022 Ziff Davis. The laptop comes with an HDMI 2.0 port, a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB-A ports, an ethernet port, an audio in/out, and dual SIM support. The Best Rugged Laptops in 2022. The S14I can handle 4-ft drops instead of 3-ft ones as well. The best rugged laptop is the Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged because of its highly powerful CPU and long-lasting battery life as well as being water and shock proof. The design of the laptop might not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but it comes with a sealed RGB backlit keyboard. All of these systems will have passed testing for military-spec ruggedness (MIL-STD-810G or the more recent MIL-STD-810H standards) and some level of ingress protection (from dust and liquids). Take one outside, however, and it's a whole different story. If you are still not happy with it, the LG Gram 17 comes with more than triple the battery life of the Toughbook 33, so go for that instead. Its CPU is an Intel Core i5-10310U vPro processor with a speed of 2.6 GHz. Just think of it as a checklist item or the first thing to look for, rather than a guarantee of bulletproof reliability, and be aware that you need to read the fine print. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. The trouble with a MIL-STD 810G sticker on a laptop's box or a vendor's website is that it doesn't tell youenough. The laptop packs a punch with its Intel Core 6th Generation i5-6300U processor, and it runs on Windows 10 Professional 64-bit. Getac also offers customers a three-year warranty, which covers any accidental damages. The Toughbook 55 confirms the trend toward "semi-rugged" laptops. And the separate accessories and docks you can buy for this convertible laptop arent very cheap either. Take a look at our Razer Blade 15.6 review for a more stylish laptop thats not built to be used in the wild. The 5430 is about a half-pound lighter than the 5420 at its 4.35-pound starting weight, and Dell says you can get over 24 hours of battery life if you use a pair of hot swappable batteries. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. We've collected a handful of the best laptops that cover the gamut of offerings, from models with basic protections to rough-and-tumble outdoor warriors. But the need for notebooks (and tablets) that can take a licking and keep on clicking is very real. Machines built for duty on factory floors are among the last that still have RS-232 serial ports, often used for connection to legacy data-collection equipment. Another specialty producer of rugged computers, Durabook offers a rival to the Dell Latitude 7254 Extreme with its Z14I. You can tell right off the bat that it has a durable design. The models below are some of our favorites. Laptops meant for military use are more rigorously tested against a laundry list of conditions, while commercially available laptops labeled "military grade" are only tested against a few of the MIL-STD-810 standards.