14 DAY TRIAL // Ultra-mobile computing systems are extremely useful for people that are always on the go, but also for those who have to work in some very harsh environments. And especially for this latter category, the General Dynamics Itronix company has launched the GoBook MR-1, a device its manufacturers tout to be just about the smallest, lightest and most rugged notebook computer on the market.
Quite obviously, size is of the essence in the case of such a device, and the GoBook MR-1 is really as small as notebooks can get. Thus, the device has a rugged clamshell design, and measures just 15.24 cm x 11 cm x 3.96 cm (1.56 inches x 6.0 inches x 4.33 inches), at a weight of only 907 grams. However, despite its minute size, the device packs quite a lot of computing power, as it runs on a 1.2Ghz Intel Core Solo U1400 Processor ("Napa" chipset), and houses up to 1 GB of RAM memory.
The GoBook MR-1 also incorporates a 3D Intel Extreme graphics chipset with up to 128MB of graphics memory (both shared and dedicated), and the storage memory is provided either by normal HDDs (40 or 80 GB removable units) or, optionally, by 16 or a 32 GB solid state hard disks. The device also features a 5.6-inch wide SVGA outdoor viewable LCD display, which can be customized to include DynaVue touchscreen display technology. Moreover, the rugged notebook from General Dynamics is powered either by a 4000 mAH (29W) or an 8000 mAH (59W) Lithium Polymer battery that can provide a functioning life of 3-6 hours.
The device also provides multiple connectivity options, namely up to four wireless radios, simultaneous WLAN, PAN, GPS and WWAN, as well as 3G and EVDO cellular support. Moreover, the GoBook MR-1 incorporates a few very useful security features, as for example a fingerprint reader, TPM 1.2, and file/folder locking capabilities, as well as stealth-mode keyboard and display settings for secure environments and configurable access to all input/output devices for data transfer restriction and multiple asset protection features.
The GoBook MR-1 from General Dynamics Itronix will be made available in September, at an estimated retail price of around $4,450, which is quite expensive, despite the device's many advantages in the rugged computing field.
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