Kontron in January will ship an “ultra-rugged” laptop aimed at “off-road” applications. The 13-pound NotePAC is based on an Intel Core Duo processor, runs Linux, and tolerates rain, blowing dirt, temperatures well below zero, and atmospheric explosives, Kontron claims.

(Click for larger view of NotePAC)

Kontron claims the NotePAC can survive a 3-foot drop onto concrete. The IP54 and NEMA 12 rated device is said to be MIL-STD 810F and IEC 529 certified for shock and vibration tolerance. An available upgrade adds MIL-STD-461 certification for low electro-magnetic radiation output, and ATEX (atmospheric explosives) certification for use in areas where the slightest spark could prove deadly.

The NotePAC has a magnesium alloy frame, a sealed keyboard, and port closure seals. It also features a modular design that enables customization of peripherals and other functions, and is optionally available with a biometric fingerprint reader and a vehicle docking station that adds a BNC video capture port, among other interfaces.

The NotePAC has the following features and specs:

• Processor options:
  • 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo T2300 processor with a FSB of 667MHz
• Chipset — Intel 945GM chipset
• Memory — Up to 2 GB DDR-RAM
• Display:
  • 12.1″ or 14.1″ Sunlight-Readable LCD
    
  • Touchscreen
• Storage:
  • Removable ruggedized 80GB or 120GB SATA drive mounted in a shock absorbing, sealed cartridge
    
  • Hard disk heater guarantees operation down to -20 degrees C (-36 degrees F)
• I/O ports:
  • Wireless communication over UMTS, GSM, GPRS, GPS, WLAN, BlueTooth
    
  • 2 x PCMCIA (cardbus) slots
    
  • 2 x USB 2.0
    
  • GBit Ethernet
    
  • Firewire
    
  • COM
    
  • LPT
    
  • VGA
• Expansion
  • Two module bays for interfaces, drives or batteries
  • Optional expansion unit is available for two PCIe, PCI or ISA cards
• Dimensions — (base system) 12.2 x 10 x 2.75 inches (310 x 255 x 70mm)
• Weight: (base system) 12.7 pounds (5.8kg)

According to Andreas Wich, product manager, the NotePAC is “fully validated” under Windows XP. It will also be available without an OS, for those interested in running Linux on it.

Wich adds that SUSE Linux has been installed and “runs well” on the NotePAC, with support for basic interfaces such as VGA, LAN, USB, LPT, and COM. Additionally, the company plans to test other interfaces, with SUSE, including FireWire, PCMCIA, Modem, WLAN, BlueTooth, UMTS, and the touch screen.

Kontron acquired ruggedized PC specialist Dolch last year.

Availability

The NotePAC will be available from stock in January. It can also be tailored to meet customer requirements, Kontron says. The company plans to show off the device at the Embedded World trade show in Nuremberg, Feb. 13-15.

 
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