latest version of seasoned rugged slate
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Now under the auspices of DRS Tactical Systems, the computer line that began life as the WalkAbout Hammerhead a good many years ago lives on, and is better than ever. The base Hammerhead with its durable magnesium housing with shock absorbing bumpers and patented "ShutOut" sealing technology remains a compelling, economical solution in a very rugged package that provies more than adequate performance to boot. The Hammerhead comes with Intel Centrino Mobile technology that incorporates a 1.1GHz Pentium M Processor, the Intel 855GME chipset and Intel PRO/Wireless 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi for anywhere connectivity.

Unlike ultra-specialized hardware that's often slow to be upgraded to contemporary technology, the Hammerhead is right there with what is still state-of-the-art even in commercial systems, with integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 10/100 Ethernet, up to a gig of RAM, and large hard disks. The 10.4-inch SVGA or XGA indoor/outdoor screen has an active digitizer and can run the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Expansion is via a Type III PC Card slot and also an internal OEM "FlexSpace" for GPS or GSM/GPRS modules. In order to guarantee maximum ruggedness and sealing, onboard connectivity is limited to USB and LAN, but the optional docking station adds plenty more.

Even the basic Hammerhead sports impressive environmental specs, especially considering its very light weight (4.8 pounds). The machine is sealed to IP65 levels, can survive 4-foot drops, can operate in temperatures between -20 to 60 degrees Celsius with the optional heater, and fulfills a variety of vibration, EMI/EMC and safety specs.

On the software side, DRS equips the Hammerhead with the QuickBack data recovery and ProtectIT Automatic Data Protection systems to add to durability and reliability.