Review: More of a semi-rugged design than one that you could take to a war zone and not worry about damage, this latest Durabook is certainly more stylish than some other rugged laptops currently on the market. The main issue with this model is that the USB ports are fully exposed making this Durabook less than completely waterproof. However, its rubberized design that extends to the 14- inch screen and 160GB hard drive, ensure that this laptop can take the occasional hard knock without any data security worries.

The technical specifications of this model are certainly up to all but the most demanding graphic applications. The 2.4GHz Intel Core Duo processor is coupled with 2MB of RAM that is more than enough for most users. Also included is an SD card slot, 4-in-1 ExpressCard holder and FireWire if you need fast data transfer. You can have Windows XP or the business varieties of Vista loaded if you want these. But attempt to use anything other than basic Office applications and you'll be very disappointed. This rugged laptop is definitely not your mobile media centre.

Housed in a 6.4 lb case, this Durabook is a mixed bag. It's shock-resistant screen and waterproof keyboard and trackpad are balanced with ports that are not protected from the elements. Get water into an open Ethernet port and you could be in serious trouble. This model may comply with the MIL-STD-810F specification for drop testing, but if you need to work in a desert, you could encounter major problems reliably connecting any peripherals to this laptop.

The actual environment you will be using your laptop in will govern how rugged it needs to be. This Durabook can certainly take a few bumps and knocks, but if you will be travelling to a very harsh environment, this laptop may not be able to offer reliable performance during your trip. When compared to the Toughbook range, this Durabook looks decidedly under protected, but the price is certainly attractive in this market.

Review: The Toughbook range from Panasonic has gained a much-deserved reputation for building laptops that can be used in even the harshest environments. It's no surprise that the Toughbook is favoured by the US military as their laptop of choice. Take them to the desert or rainforest, drop it in the mud or bounce these laptops off concrete and they take this abuse in their stride.

Sporting a 10.4-inch touch screen, the Toughbook 19 weighs in at 5 lbs, which is svelte when compared to other rugged laptops. The 13 and 14-inch version however, weigh 7 and 8 lbs respectively. But the Toughbook 19 still feels compact measuring just 10.7x8.5x1.9 inches.

Equipped with a full complement of ports from USB to ExpressCard/54 slot, all ports are sealed against dust and moisture offering piece of mind no matter what environment you take this machine to. You can also buy an optional webcam and backlit keyboard if you need these additions. The keyboard is small as is the trackpad, but the touchscreen operation more than makes up for these ergonomic shortcomings.

This Toughbook may only have a 1.06GHz Core Duo processor, but this is more an enough raw power for the core market that this machine is aimed at. The low power processor offers around 8 hours of continuous use. You will, though, need to look closely at your configuration options to ensure you balance hard drive capacity and RAM to achieve a machine that meets your precise needs.

Simply put, the Toughbook range sets the bar for rugged laptops. With the military approved stamp, this version in the Toughbook range offers bombproof construction yet still maintains its usability. As an all round option, this Toughbook is hard to beat. Get your specification right and you will have a reliable laptop that won't let you down in even the most testing conditions. If you're looking for a compact laptop for data entry in the field, look no further.

Review: A generous 13.3-inch screen is a surprise when you first see this machine, as fully rugged laptops tend to have smaller displays. Measuring 9.7x11.8x.2.0 inches, this is a substantial laptop that extends to the arm wrenching 8.6 lbs you will have to lug on your trip. And this laptop is certainly not going to win any design awards being austere and functional in the extreme.

If you need to enter large amounts of data, the full-sized keyboard will be welcome. No backlight is available, but the keys do glow in the dark to allow use in very low-light conditions. Coupled with the touchscreen display that is operated with the integrated stylus, the larger footprint of this model is ideal if your needs require more than short bursts of data input.

The GD8000 does meet full MIL-STD-810F specification for drops, shocks humidity and temperature. If you're heading to the Arctic Circle, this model is rated to work to -22 degrees. The dual polycarbonate and magnesium shell ensures this machine very strong indeed. All ports are well protected behind their individual doors.

The Intel 1.86GHz Dual Core processor has enough grunt to carve through all the tasks you are likely to throw at it. Battery life is a respectable 5.5 hours on average. You can also hot-swap another battery to boost endurance by an extra 4 hours if you need this. If you need the extra screen and keyboard real estate, the GD8000 can deliver this, but it will hurt you in your wallet. And you should think carefully whether the specification you need is worth lugging over 8 lbs of laptop on your next trip.

The original XR-1 was a hard act to follow. But with the release of the GD8000, General Dynamics have come up trumps and delivered a rugged laptop that ticks all the boxes on the wish list of any business traveler that needs a rock-solid machine that can simply keep working no matter the conditions.

Review: Dell has been relatively late to the rugged laptop market. Their initial efforts with the ATG D630 and the XFR D630 lacked the credentials to make Dell a serious contender in this market. Enter the E6400 XFR that is based on the consumer latitude E6400 and we have an altogether more serious effort. With MIL-STD-810F specification, Dell has now stepped up to the plate in the rugged laptop market.

This latest Dell is no shrinking violet weighing at 8.5 lbs and sporting a 13.9x 10.1 inch overall footprint. The 14.1-inch screen is one of the largest of all rugged laptops that uses the very popular DirectVue display technology to enhance the touchscreen operation when used in challenging light conditions.

Powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Core Duo processor, you can specify up to 5MB of RAM and up to a 160GB hard drive. As this is a Dell machine, you of course have complete control over its technical specification to create the perfect machine for your needs. And you will be spoilt for choice in the connectivity department with four USB ports, FireWire, LAN and 5-in-1-card reader to name just a few.

As for this machines protection, Dell use what they call Ballistic Armor Protection System that is claimed to be more effective than magnesium alloy and with other proprietary systems also in use, it can be difficult to sort the truth from the hyperbole. However, this model has passed the now mandatory MIL-STD-810F military testing standard, but there are questions over its overall rugged credentials.

Dell may have ambitions to grab the crown of the Panasonic Toughbook range, but simply wrapping a Latitude laptop in rugged shell isn't the way forward no matter how much new protection technology Dell claim to have in this range. However, if you are travelling to a difficult but not overly harsh environment, and want a light (this version weighs around 4 lbs) laptop that is also a little easier on your wallet, this Dell could be an option well worth considering.

Review: The B300 is an 11.9x10.35x2.4 inch, 7.7 lbs laptop that has a similar footprint to the Toughbook range sporting a 13.3-inch touchscreen. Bright and crisp images should be the norm even in direct sunlight. Getac have opted for the low-powered 1.6GHz Core Duo Processor that can deliver up to 12 hours of use if you switch off services such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth searching. However, if you use this machine as a multimedia entertainment centre, you can expect battery life to fall to a more usual three to four hours.

This version has a backlit keyboard that is covered by a membrane to offer waterproofing. The screen can also be switched to bright sunlight mode, or its contrast automatically adjusted by the built in sensor. The trackpad is well positioned for ease of use. A full set of access ports includes a 4-in-1-card reader are well protected in their sealed compartments.

As with all the laptops in this group, the Getac has been constructed to meet the full MIL-STD-810F military standard. This should give any user piece of mind if they take this machine into a severe environment. But be aware that this model isn't waterproof, so complete immersion isn't recommended. An accident with your coffee, however, shouldn't be a problem.

For those that need it, the B300 also has built in security technology in the shape of a fingerprint reader. Scanning duties are handled by Protector Suite QL that once it has captured your digit, links this data to your Windows user name and password creating a very secure environment for your data.

Clearly the high price of this model is the standout factor for most users. This Getac does offer slightly better performance than the Panasonic for instance, but arguably less impact resistance, but much better battery life if you are a conservative user. This Getac is also a compact machine if you are looking for a small footprint. The rugged credentials of this model are certainly more than adequate, but at this price you could have a machine that offers little or no compromises.