Of course, rugged notebooks offer all the features of a normal notebook, but they are also equipped with the essential features if the devices are “really” to be used outdoors. Most notebooks are great for use in the office or in conference rooms, but on the road they quickly show significant weaknesses. That’s why we’ll first briefly outline the general points to consider when buying a notebook. Later, we’ll get into the details of rugged notebooks. These points include the features of a notebook that should serve as a basis for each model. Thus, they can be roughly broken down to processors, RAM, operating system, battery capacity, ports and connectivity, and warranty.

Generally, notebooks are available in different performance classes, which are reflected in different processor and working memory equipment. Performance-intensive tasks include video editing, image editing, design, work over streaming, and tasks that need to be performed over large and complicated industrial programs. In these cases, you should opt for high-quality processors and large memory to prevent workflows from slowing down over time or being forced to stop halfway due to device failure. If you have particularly graphics-intensive activities (e.g. video editing), you should make sure that your device has a dedicated graphics card. If, on the other hand, you or your colleagues only want to do simple and less complex office work (e.g. writing offers, spreadsheets, looking at and editing plans) on the notebook, then you don’t need such powerful processors and large working memories. Especially in the field, a balanced choice of processor makes sense, because bigger processors consume more power and reduce the battery life.

When it comes to the operating system, the decision is usually relatively easy to make. Buyers who want to create a pleasant and at the same time mobile workstation opt for Windows – the most widespread operating system at the moment. It is the standard for all common desktop applications and programs. Alternatively, there is still the Linux system. Due to the elimination of licensing costs, these devices are a bit cheaper, but they have limitations: Most programs that can be bought in stores are programmed for Windows and can therefore only be run here. Finally, there is Apple’s operating system, the Mac OS. This is exclusively available for Apple devices and cannot be found on rugged notebooks. In summary, Windows is currently the best option for professional IT use, as Linux is usually only considered for special application scenarios.

If you or your employees want to use the devices primarily stationary or in the office in the future, you do not necessarily have to have a large battery. However, if you’re looking for models for on the go, the batteries should have a longer lifespan so that the user doesn’t have to keep charging the device. If the notebook will be used outdoors all day, a “hot-swappable” battery is also recommended. Here, the employee can swap his empty battery for a full one during use and the computer doesn’t have to be switched off in the process.

The notebooks should also have sufficient connection and connectivity options to ensure that work processes run smoothly. Ask yourself: Which interfaces do I need for my application and which ones can I do without? For example, do I need an HDMI port for an external monitor? Do I need a LAN interface for the company network or for controlling devices, or is the WLAN connection sufficient? Is a serial interface like RS232 necessary or do I only need USB ports?

Lastly, keep the warranty programs in mind when fluctuating between different products. This point always applies – regardless of consumer or industrial devices. Servicing or repairing the computer can be really expensive if the defect is not covered by the warranty. So take a close look at whether the warranty program only covers manufacturing defects or also self-inflicted damage. The duration of the warranty or guarantee also plays a major role in the decision.

One thing should have become clear by now: The selection of a suitable notebook depends on the specific application area, the work environment and the individual requirements of the device. Therefore, the very first thing you should do is to define and narrow down your concrete needs as sharply as possible before even going into the selection and finally the comparison.

One thing should have become clear by now: The selection of a suitable notebook depends on the specific field of application, the work environment and the individual requirements for the device. Therefore, the very first thing you should do is to define and narrow down your concrete needs as sharply as possible before even going into the selection and finally the comparison.
We don’t want to keep this article too rough and general; on the contrary. As mentioned at the beginning, we will focus exclusively on rugged notebooks, which are primarily used for professional use in industrial or other rough and tough environments. These devices are therefore less or only to a small extent found in the office, but rather in the field, in production halls, workshops, in the trades, etc. If this fully or in part applies to you, then the following information will further help you reach your goal – the perfect rugged notebook.
We will present you with the specifications that these notebooks should have for different work areas and what criteria are important when buying.