Computer Dynamics, a hardware manufacturing company that is known for its rugged computing solutions designed for the harshest operating environments, announced the launch of a new system that takes notions like ''rugged'' and ''rugged'' to a new level.

The Ruffneck Zone 1 Explosion Proof Computer, as this new product is called, comes with all necessary certifications for operating in highly dangerous environments as it is approved for ATEX Zone 1 applications and at the same time it meets all the customers' requirement from a machine designed and produced to work in spaces where damaging environmental factors as well as careless and abusive operations are something common.

As most of these computer systems will be deployed and used in areas with high solar light, the Ruffneck Zone 1’s screen is covered with innovative viewing enhancement filters which are designed to maximize its readability no matter the ambient light. Apart from this important feature, the screen is also impact resistant as it is protected by a resistant capacitive touchscreen capable of both bare- and gloved hand operation.

On the hardware side, the Ruffneck Zone 1 Explosion Proof Computer is based on a single board that integrates all necessary components and on an Intel Pentium M 1.6GHz central processing unit. The mainboard is able to house up to a maximum 2GB of DDR random access memory and a hard disk drive with a storage capacity of 40GB, while an optional solid state disk based on a CompactFlash design is also available. On the networking side, the computer unit supports both wired and wireless Ethernet connections and it also comes with a15 inch LCD flat screen.

''Flat panel display systems are becoming increasingly popular in the commercial and industrial sectors,'' said Adrian Bernhard, General Manager, Commercial Products and Systems at GE Fanuc Embedded Systems. ''The announcement of the Ruffneck Zone 1 Computer builds on our existing, proven Wolverine product and allows us to apply our packaging expertise to providing leading edge products that meet and exceed customer needs in the HAZLOC environment. It is the optimum solution for companies who need to deploy computing in hazardous and harsh environments.''

This new rugged computer system is able to operate at temperatures between -40 and +60 degrees Celsius and its specially sealed casing can withstand wet and wash down environments. On the software side the Ruffneck Zone 1 Explosion Proof Computer is able to run the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.