REVIEWS

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DRS Armor 12.1" Rugged Convertible Notebook

Rugged notebook and tablet computers are always a favorite with tech geeks no matter if they enjoy gaming or ultraportable notebooks. There is something about a computer you could throw through a car window and let bounce down the road, while continuing to function that warms our hearts. The DRS ARMOR C12 Convertible 12.1" Notebook is one of these military grade notebooks, which is designed to hold up to almost all rugged device standards.

DRS ARMOR C12 Convertible Notebook Specifications (base price $3,050):

Processor: 1.2GHz (ULV) Intel Core Solo Processor U1400

Memory: 2.5GB (512MB internal x 2GB user replaceable)
Storage: 60GB hard disk drive, removable, shock-mounted
Display: 12.1-inch sunlight-readable LCD (XGA: 1024 x 768)
Input: full-size 84-key keyboard with backlight, pressure-sensitive touchpad, 6 Tablet buttons (10 functions)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC
PCMCIA card Type II
Secure Digital (SD) memory card
Interface serial port, analog RGB output (UXGA: 1600 x 1200)
3 x USB 2.0
Mic/line in mini jack (stereo), line-out mini jack (stereo)
LAN (10/100/1000 Ethernet), 56 K V.92 modem
Wireless LAN integrated IEEE 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi
Audio monaural speaker, PCM record / replay
Battery: 11.1v 5200mAh
Weight: 5.2 lbs. (2.5 kg) including battery
Dimensions: 11.2 x 10 x 1.9 inches (28.4 x 25.5 x 4.8 centimeters)
Warranty: 3 year parts and labor standard, extended options are available

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Pros

Cool and 99% Silent (half the time don't even know it's turned on)
Waterproof design begs for checking email out in the rain
Sunlight readable LCD

Cons

Some plastic and rubber pieces not the highest quality
Included stylus is sub-par for a full-size notebook
Steep price tag

Conclusion

As a ruggedized convertible notebook, I feel the ARMOR C12 is a very good product with a few minor flaws. While some may argue that a notebook of this price shouldn't have these issues, you still have to understand that this notebook still has excellent build quality overall, and can still be tossed through car windows without much of an injury.

Overall I was very impressed with the squint worthy bright screen, and the passive cooled processor that didn't heat up the system one bit; you wouldn't even know it was turned on half of the time. The only thing that would make this notebook more perfect would be a mini ruggedized optical drive included with the purchase.

Design

The design of the DRS ARMOR notebook is very boxy, with no thought put into making it have soft rounded edges. The notebook is almost twice as thick as a standard 12" notebook, has rubber tabs sticking out at every angle from the edges, and has its own built-in carrying handle. Every part of the notebook that could hit an object if dropped is padded with rubber strips, and all vital components have thick metal panels protecting the body from sharp impacts.

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Performance and Benchmarks

The C12 has an Intel U1400 Core Solo processor, running at 1.2GHz. You might be asking why it doesn't have a faster processor, or even a dual core model, but you have to remember that the notebook is passive cooled. Any excess heat is dissipated through the metal chassis and not through a vent.

It will not win any gaming performance awards, but it was quite peppy in Windows XP Tablet Edition with 2.5GB of RAM and a 5400rpm 2.5" hard drive. Office productivity software ran very smooth, and even large PDF's were no problem.