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Amrel Rocky RK8

Versatile, ruggedized 15.1-inch notebook computer in military and industrial versions
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Based in El Monte, California, AMREL (AMerican RELiance) has a long history of offering value-added applications in vertical markets. The Rocky line of ruggedized notebook computers was introduced in 1995 and has been updated, enhanced, and fine-tuned every since. AMREL was among the first to offer the full power, expansion, and convenience of a standard notebook in a ruggedized package.

A Rocky Matrix did well in one of our Pen Computing Magazine roundups with its combination of design, performance, and ruggedness. We also liked the ultra-sealed keyboard and individual rubber plugs.

AMREL uses a base notebook platform that is then customized and specialized for industrial and military markets. The military-spec models are the Rocky RF8 with a 17-inch display, the RT8 with a 13.3-inch display, and the RK8 (shown here) with a 15.1 inch display. The military models carry an "-M" suffix and have a military-green case whereas the industrial models have a "-I" suffix and have black housings.

The military grade rugged notebooks feature the latest computing technology and are built to handle everything from daily communications to mission critical situations in harsh environments and severe weather. To that extent, machines are subjected to all pertinent MIL-STD-810F tests and carry a IP54 ingress protection rating.

Since machines in this class will be used outdoors and require sunlight-viewable displays, they are equipped with AMREL's proprietary Alpha-Star(TM) SRL display technology that increases screen contrast while reducing reflective glare for maximum readability under bright conditions. The Alpha-Star display is also available with an optional resistive touch-screen.

All 8-Series machines benefit from technology upgrades that include Intel Core 2 Duo processors, maximum memory up to 4GB, a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) video port, as well as optional GPS, high-powered graphics processors, and 3.5G wide area wireless.

AMREL uses a proprietary "dock under" system for easy mounting and dismounting from vehicles of all types. There are multiple expansion capabilities, including a choice of two USB ports or two PCI ports, enabling convenient device integration. AMREL also has a Customizable COTS program, so any of their rugged notebooks can be designed to fit a customer's unique requirements, specs and environments.

Specifications
Added/updated Updated 04/2008; 05/2009; 01/2011
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 with 2MB L2 cache or Core 2 Duo T7200 with 4MB of L2 cache
CPU Speed 1.66GHz, 2.0GHz
Video Integrated 32-bit 3D/2D gfx core with 224MB shared RAM or NVIDIA GeForce 7600Go Graphics Processor - 256MB VRAM
OS Windows 7
Standard/Max RAM 2GB/4GB DDR
Disk/drive 250 or 320GB hard disk, removable 2.5" SATA shock-mounted HD; optional 32/64/128GB SSD
Optical drive DVD-ROM or DVD-RW
Display type "Alpha-Star" sunlight readable anti-reflective TFT
Display size/res 15.1-inch 1024 x 768 pixel
Digitizer/pens Touchscreen option
Keyboard/scale Integrated backlit 89 keys, backlit
Housing Magnesium (military green)
Operating Temp MIL-STD 810F (inquire specifics)
Sealing IEC 60529, IP54
Shock MIL-STD 810F 516.5 Category 1
Salt Fog test MIL-STD 810F 509.4
Humidity test MIL-STD 810F 507.4
Vibration MIL-STD 810F 514.3, Cat. 1, 514.5 Cat. 14 and 20 Category 1
Size (WxHxD) RT7: 13.35 x 11.55 x 2.51
Weight 13.2 lbs.
Power Removable 11.1V 7,200 mAH Li-Ion (military connector)
Interface 2 RS232, parallel, DVI, VGA, gigabit RJ45, DVI, 3 USB 2.0, 2 IEEE1394, PS/2, audio in/out, dock; optional RJ11
Wireless Options: Intel PRO/Wirelss 3945 802.11abg mini PCIe, GPS, HSDPA 3.5G, Bluetooth 2.0
List price Inquire
Contact computers.amrel.com
Definitions/Primers
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