Computer maker Dell has decided to enter the ruggedized notebook business with its new Latitude XFR D630 notebook, a new system intended for government, enterprise, and other commercial customers who need tough systems for use in harsh environments and field work. The XFR D630 meets MIL-STD 810F (PDF) for operation in extreme conditions, and shares components with Dell’s existing Latitude line for easier integration into existing IT infrastructures. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Dell if they didn’t tout the machine as faster than the competition: the company claims the XFR D630 is 23 percent faster than the Panasonic CF-30 ToughBook, with up to four times better graphic performance.
"The Latitude XFR D630 represents a tectonic shift towards simplicity in the ruggedized laptop space," said Dell Product Group director Brett McAnally, in a statement. "We are taking a multi-dimensional approach that focuses on simplified deployment, service, and durability without sacrificing performance. Major competitors focus their efforts on ‘rugged’ only."
The XFR D630 features a 14/1-inch 500-nit outdoor viewable LCD panel (available in black or desert tan, touchscreen optional), an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (T7250 or 7500 at 2.0 or 2.2 GHz), a thermally-enhanced, shock mounted 80 GB hard drive (solid state drives up to 64 GB are available as an option), supports up to 4 GB of RAM, uses Intel GMA X3100 graphics, 802.11 Wi-Fi networking, gigabit Ethernet, a Type I or Type II PC Card slot (ExpressCard/34 available through a USB PCMCIA Adapter), four USB 2.0 ports, VGA output, and optional optical drives, including an 8×dual-layer DVD burner: the slot can also be used for a non-rugged hard drive, a secondary battery, or even a floppy. With a base configuration, the XFR D630 weights just under 9 pounds.
Even better, the XFR D630 will run in environments ranging from -20 to 140°F, as high as 15,000 feet, and features moisture and dust seals to keep the internal components pristine. Just the kind of thing some people may need in their kitchens or game rooms.
The Latitude XFR D630 starts at $3,899, and is available to U.S. customers today.
