For many, “work” is something that’s done sitting at a desk, usually on a desktop computer, tethered to the Internet and power supply via cables. For others, such as those who work in public safety or the military, work is something that’s done all over the globe in harsh weather conditions, challenging or even dangerous situations and far from power outlets and reliable WiFi signals. For those who work in extraordinary conditions like these, everyday computing equipment won’t cut it—rugged laptop notebooks are necessary to get the job done securely and reliably.
A rugged notebook is one specifically designed for optimal performance in harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures, wet or sandy conditions, in vehicles or even on the battlefield. Rugged notebooks are built using the most durable materials to protect them from vibrations, impact and moisture and include features such as water-resistant and backlit keyboards, extended battery life, enhanced security capabilities and superior connectivity to enable mobile connection even in remote locations. Weight is also an important consideration for those working in the field or on the battlefield, so light-weight materials and chassis design innovation are essential in rugged laptops.
One agency that uses rugged laptops is the Catastrophic Planning and Management Institute (CPMI), a government task force that works closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal government agencies. The Institute’s role is to introduce new processes which facilitate national and military implementations in catastrophic preparedness, response and recovery.
In a recent field test, CPMI took a rugged laptop to an isolated region of the U.S. Virgin Islands for 40 days. “The Virgin Islands location was a particularly challenging environment,” says Smith. “There are many toxic plants as well as a lot of sand, seaweed and insects. Not to mention the heat and humidity and massive rain storms. It was the perfect place to really test whatever the elements could throw at this machine.” Using rugged laptops enables CPMI to conduct planning operations in the most hostile and dangerous environments. For example, the group tested the notebook in torrential rain during a tropical storm. Even in the most extreme windy and rainy conditions, staff members were able to upload photos and download maps and other images with no deterioration in system performance.
CPMI also proved that it can continue communicating with other government agencies during hurricanes or other disasters. “Where other laptops and computers had failed during Hurricane Katrina, the rugged computers worked great during Tropical Storm Isaac,” Smith says. “During Isaac, we knew there weren’t any communication towers in the region we were in, but we were still able to get a strong WiFi signal. That enabled us to continue with our work of creating evacuation plans and uploading pictures while the storm was raging.”
Portability is another feature CPMI values in rugged laptops. “For our work, we need a highly mobile computer that we can take up and down hills and through jungles or deserts without any trouble,” says Smith. To demonstrate the portability and durability of the laptops, CPMI gave them to armed forces for use in combat medic core training. “The armed forces personnel were carrying the laptops around with explosions and tear gas all around them,” says Smith. “But they were able to download and use all the medical information they needed in the field.”
CPMI is just one of many agencies using rugged laptops to do vital work and remain connected in harsh conditions.
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