Specifications

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is the basis of some systems put together by Gus Communications, so it has quite a
documented track record.
Figure 2: Panasonic Toughbook. (Picture from http://www.panasonic.ca/English/Office/notebook/ruggedfeatures.asp accessed 12/5/2004)
If durability is not a major consideration for a given client, then the purchase of a standard,
non-durable laptop would offer quite a large cost saving. Care needs to be taken if this
direction is followed – if you get it wrong and the laptop breaks down do to an issue like
hard-drive damage then the user may be without the device for long periods. Worse still, if
the device is particularly badly damaged, the whole process of purchasing and setting up a
laptop system may have to be repeated.
What technical support is available?
If the system fails then it may severely impede the user’s ability to carry out their day-to-
day tasks. Thus, it is important to investigate the level of support available to minimise
downtime. For example, both Dell and Compaq provide 24x7 telephone technical support
within the warranty period, and lifetime or ‘limitless’ warranty’s can be purchased.
What are the user’s needs?
This includes present and future needs. For example, if the laptop is going to be used to
control an E.C.U. (environmental control unit), such as the GEWA Prog III, then it must
provide an R.S.232 serial port, which some of the tablet computers do not provide.
Similarly, some switch boxes require a P.S.2 port, which is not necessarily provided on
newer P.C.s Thus it is important to consider the devices that will/may be interfaced to the
computer and ensure the chosen product can support all required hardware.
What is the sound like? Are additional amplifiers or speakers required?
Generally the standard speakers on a laptop/tablet computer will be inadequate for
communicating in all but the quietest environments. Addition of speakers is a simple
option, but will again contribute more cables, possibly take up tray top space, and