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Sean Portnoy and
Sean Portnoy
Contributor
Sean Portnoy started his tech writing career at ZDNet nearly a decade ago.
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Taylor Clemons
Taylor Clemons
Staff Writer
Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH.
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Posted in Laptops & Desktops
on January 13, 2022
| Topic: Laptops
Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged
Dell’s latest semi-rugged laptop
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$1,940 at Dell
Panasonic Toughbook G2
A 2-in-1 that’s Toughbook rugged
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$3,560 at CDW
Getac B360
Bumper-to-bumper protection
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$2,983 at CDW
Panasonic Toughbook 55
The magic number in rugged laptops?
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$2,999 at Amazon
Acer Enduro N3
Aquafantastic
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$1,024 at Amazon
Show More (2 items)
DT Research LT330
Rugged 2-in-1 with 13.3-inch screen
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$1,980 at CDW
Durabook S14I
Midrange muscle
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View now at Durabook
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 face threats from physical damage that can knock them offline temporarily for repairs or permanently if the damage is catastrophic enough. Mobile devices obviously run a bigger risk of physical damage since they are picked up and moved around far more frequently than desktop PCs.
To combat potential physical hazards to on-the-go computing, manufacturers responded with what are known as “rugged” laptops — notebooks that can resist the bumps and bruises of mobility better than standard-issue portables. 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). 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.
If you require the use of rugged laptops, we’re here to help. 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.
Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged
Dell’s latest semi-rugged laptop
Specs: Display: 14 inches touchscreen (1,920×1,080 pixel resolution) | CPU: 11th-gen Intel Core options | Battery Life: 24 hours with dual hot swappable batteries | Rugged Certifications: MIL-STD-810H, IP53
The successor to the 5420 is just arriving, bringing the latest 11th-generation Intel Core processors and optional 5G connectivity with it. The 5430 may lack the “extreme” features of Dell’s much pricier Latitude Rugged Extreme models, but it still offers IP53 rated ingress protection against dust and provides limited moisture protection. Drop protection is 3ft in transit. 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..
$1,940 at Dell
Panasonic Toughbook G2
A 2-in-1 that’s Toughbook rugged
Specs: Display: 10.1 inches touchscreen (1,920×1,200 pixel resolution) | CPU: Intel Core i5-10310U | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery Life: 18.5 hours | Rugged Certifications: MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G, IP65
Panasonic’s new G2 adds a rugged 2-in-1 laptop to its highly regarded Toughbook lineup. While its screen may be small at 10.1 inches, it features WUXGA resolution and touchscreen capabilities even through gloves. It also packs a solid Intel Core i5 CPU, 16GB of RAM and 512GB solid-state drive inside. Outside the magnesium-alloy chassis is strong enough to earn multiple rugged certifications, and locks into an optional keyboard dock with combo kickstand/carrying handle.
$3,560 at CDW
Getac B360
Bumper-to-bumper protection
Specs: Display: 13.3 inches touchscreen (1,920×1,080 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
A specialty producer of rugged systems, Getac has recently updated its flagship laptop that competes with the likes of the Durabook Z14I and Dell Latitude 7254 Rugged Extreme (although with a smaller 13.3-inch screen instead of a 14-inch one). But it also goes beyond the 1,000-nit displays of its competitors, pumping out a whopping 1,400 nits of brightness. The B360 also distinguishes itself with a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which sounds weird for a laptop until you remember that this type of laptop actually has bumpers for protection.
Read the review: Getac B360 hands-on
$2,983 at CDW
Panasonic Toughbook 55
The magic number in rugged laptops?
Specs: Display: 14 inches | CPU: Intel Core i5-1145G7 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB | Battery Life: 19 hours | Rugged Certifications: MIL-STD-810H, IP53
The Toughbook 55 confirms the trend toward “semi-rugged” laptops, as Panasonic makes it available as the company discontinues the fully rugged behemoth Toughbook 31. There’s clearly a tradeoff in durability — though the 55 is still IP53 and MIL-STD-810H certified — but it’s a more up-to-date system than the aging 31. You get a new Core i5 processor and sizeable amounts of RAM (16GB) and storage (256GB), not to mention claimed battery life of nearly 19 hours. The 55 doesn’t keep pace on the screen front, however, as the 14-inch display requires an upgrade to get full HD resolution.
$2,999 at Amazon
$2,653 at B&H Photovideo
Acer Enduro N3
Aquafantastic
Specs: Display: 14 inches (1,920×1,080 pixel resolution) | CPU: Intel Core i5-10210U | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery Life: 13 hours | Rugged Certifications: MIL-STD-810H, IP53
A veteran of the laptop game, Acer is a rookie when it comes to the rugged market. One of its first models is the Enduro N3, a semi-rugged notebook with an appealingly low price. 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. 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.
$1,024 at Amazon
$1,100 at Best Buy
$1,050 at Adorama
DT Research LT330
Rugged 2-in-1 with 13.3-inch screen
Specs: Display: 13.3 inches touchscreen (1,920×1,080 pixel resolution) | CPU: Intel Core i5-10210U | RAM: 8GB | STORAGE: 256GB | BATTERY LIFE: Not specified | Rugged Certifications: MIL-STD-810G, IP65
Those who like the versatility of the 2-in-1 laptop, but who need a larger screen than the Toughbook G2 provides, should take a look at this system from DT Research LT330. It comes with a 13.3-inch touchscreen with full HD resolution and 1,000 nits of brightness, and with MIL-STD-810G and P65 certifications, 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.
Read the review: DT Research LT330 hands-on
$1,980 at CDW
Durabook S14I
Midrange muscle
Specs: Display: 14 inches (1,920×1,080 pixel resolution) | CPU: 11th-gen Intel Core options | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Battery Life: 10 hours | Rugged Certifications: MIL-STD-810H, IP53
Another specialty producer of rugged computers, Durabook offers a rival to the Dell Latitude 7254 Extreme with its Z14I. But with its S14I laptop, it has its sights set on the same midrange “semi-rugged” market as the Latitude 5430 Rugged. It, too, offers the latest 11th-generation Intel Core processors and IP53 certification for weather and dust resistance. The S14I can handle 4-ft drops instead of 3-ft ones, however.
View now at Durabook
FAQ
What does “rugged laptop” mean?
A rugged laptop, or sometimes listed as a “ruggedized” laptop, is a computer that is built specifically to handle extreme situations and weather conditions. Many rugged laptops are water and dirt resistant, resistant to drops and shocks, and can handle operating in both very, very hot and very cold temperatures. These kinds of laptops are great for anyone who has to work outdoors for any length of time, such as construction sites, geological surveys, and military applications.
What does “military grade” mean?
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. Rather, they’ve been tested against military standards for dirt and water resistance as well as resistance to shocks, drops, and operating temperatures. 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.
Does Apple make a rugged laptop?
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. 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.
How did we choose these rugged laptops?
Laptop manufacturers helpfully label these systems as “semi-rugged” or “rugged,” with a few niche companies devoting their entire business to rugged portables. 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 — first responders, construction sites, the military and other industries working in hazardous settings and/or extreme conditions. 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.
Which rugged laptop is right for you?
Beyond the usual laptop buying decisions — like screen size and price — shopping for a rugged laptop requires you to consider how much ruggedness you need. 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. 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). Semi-rugged laptops typically have IP52 or IP53 ratings while more rugged models will sport IP65 scores that indicate greater dust and water resistance.
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. Some rugged laptops have extra-bright displays of 1,000 nits or 1,300 nits so they can be easily viewed in bright sunlight, while rugged touchscreens often can accept touch input through work gloves so you don’t need to remove them to operate the computer. Don’t forget to research the brand’s ecosystem if you’re going to need docks, mounting solutions and other accessories to complete your purchase.
Which other rugged laptops are also worth considering?
You don’t necessarily need what a manufacturer calls a rugged or semi-rugged laptop in order to get some additional durability features. While you’re shopping for a new laptop, keep an eye out for references to MIL-STD-810G or MIL-STD-810H testing that’s been performed on the system. (Lenovo, for instance, touts the “MIL-SPEC testing” for its ThinkPad laptop family.) 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.
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. 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. You can check out what we think are the best rugged tablets.
Finally, below are just a few other options if the laptops listed above aren’t exactly what you’re looking for, but you still need a rugged notebook.
More rugged laptops to consider:
Dell Latitude 7424 Rugged Extreme for $3,499 at DellDurabook Z14I for $3,599 at Durabook
Panasonic Toughbook 33 for $3,499 at Panasonic
Acer Enduro N7 for $2,600
at Acer
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