Getac V100 Review

Found in 1989, Getac is the third largest computing group in Taiwan. Specializing in rugged computing Getac has set the standards on rugged computing. Today I’ll be taking a look at their most popular model, the fully rugged convertible notebook that is the V100. Let’s take a quick look over the fact sheet from Getac! “The Getac V100 Fully Rugged Notebook transforms with one quick rotation to a Rugged Tablet PC. Designed with the real-world in mind, the V100 is equipped with multi-touch solution for professions without taking off the gloves under critical environments. Getac V100 is both MIL-STD-810G certified and IP65 certified, composing a magnesium alloy case, a shock-protected HDD, vibration and drop resistance, and sealed I/O caps and doors to prevent damage from solid particles and moisture. With an Ultra Low Voltage Intel® Core™ i5 vPro™ Processor, the V100 boasts a quiet fan-less design and the power you need for various sophisticated applications The V100 features a 10.4” LCD display. A full-sized 83-key keyboard is included with an option to upgrade to a backlit rubber keyboard. The V100 is great for field applications by it’s integrated 2M pixels webcam and GPS receiver. The V100 provides comprehensive connectivity options including Bluetooth, WLAN and WWAN, and the advanced TPM security to safeguard important data” Though it says the V100 features an Intel Core i5 processor, the one we have on hand is the actual Core i7 model, so don’t worry too much, you can get fully beefed version of the V100. Let’s take a look at ruggedness and some of the standards these laptops require and meet to get the highest ratings they can. Ruggedness is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing mobile solutions, which is why Getac ensures that its fully-rugged units operate even when dropped onto concrete, or used in harsh environmental conditions such as heat and cold, dust and rain. The rigorous testing that these units go through ensures that our clients are provided with products that meet the highest standards of ruggedness and reliability. Getac employs MIL-STD 810G to test its products. This standard, set by the US military, is the most widely used international standard. MIL-STD 810G covers a broad range of tests used to measure equipment reliability: High Temperature: MIL-STD 810G Method 501.5 This test procedure determines a computer’s operating performance during exposure to high temperature conditions. The operational test differs from the storage test in that the computer is evaluated while conditioned to elevated temperatures determined to be applicable to, or resulting from, exposure in its operational configuration. Low Temperature: MIL-STD 810G Method 502.5 This test determines the performance of the computer during exposure to low temperature conditions. The operational test differs from the storage test in that the computer is evaluated under cold conditions determined to be applicable to, or resulting from, exposure in its operational configuration. Temperature Shock: MIL-STD 810G Method 503.5 Temperature shock tests determine if an item can withstand sudden changes in the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere without experiencing physical damage or deterioration in performance. The two objectives of the temperature shock test are set to determine whether the test item can still a) be safely operated, and b) satisfy its performance requirements, after being exposed to sudden changes in temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. Rain: MIL-STD 810G Method 506.5 Rain Resistance tests are performed to determine the resistance to rain and wind-driven rain. Drop: MIL-STD 810G Method 516.6 Free fall drop tests (shock) are performed to ensure that equipment can withstand relatively infrequent, non-repetitive shocks or transient vibrations encountered during handling, transportation, and normal service. The standard requires 26 drops from 1.2 m (4 ft) onto plywood, using up to 5 units. sahin.s@centrecom.com.au