Our laptops are our close companions. We carry them around with us so that they can help us perform our regular tasks and duties with ease. We want them to be reliable and durable high-performance machines. We rely on them to withstand even the toughest conditions. It is no wonder then that many people seek out rugged laptops as their essential tools, especially for those working in more active and hands-on professions. Rugged laptops are engineered to endure the roughest lifestyles and situations. They are made to handle all sorts of drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures. These powerful tools are solidly built to protect against the toughest environments and circumstances. After all, who wouldn’t want their laptops to be robust enough to last for years? So if you want a laptop that can withstand water, high drops, knocks, intense vibration, and extreme conditions, here is our list of the 10 Best Rugged Laptops.
Asus Chromebook C202SA
The Asus Chromebook C202SA is made for classroom ruggedness and designed to meet the intense usage by students who want to take their learning outside of the regular classroom. Durability and reliability are must-have features for on-the-go active students and teachers. Featuring a 180-degree hinge that allows the laptop to fully open and flatten, the flexibility of this laptop is ideal for easy viewing. The Chromebook can handle and reduce the impact of accidental drops with its tough reinforced rubber protective guard. Potential hazards and accidental dropping of the notebook are very real scenarios in a typical school day. Featuring an easy grip design, the chances for slipping accidents are reduced with two grips strategically placed on the side. The construction of the device is solid and sturdy, since it has undergone numerous shock trials and frequency vibration testing. An anti-glare display allows users to view the screen in the sunlight and have less strain on the eyes. A spill-proof keyboard repels up to 66cc of liquid, so you can take it anywhere you go with a peace of mind.
HP Probook x360 11 G1 EE Notebook PC
The HP Probook is a sturdy laptop designed to help teachers and students in their hectic classroom environments. Built with its Corning Gorilla Glass 4 screen, industrial rubber, and spill-resistant keyboard, it can withstand rough student activity. Users can easily adapt to every activity since the laptop can be flipped and folded with its 360 degree hinge and it even comes with optional dual cameras. It allows you to annotate, draw, solve math problems, and take notes on your screen with its premium touch technology or with an optional Active Pen, giving users a similar experience to a pen or a paintbrush. Versatility is important when it comes to improving learning outcomes and engaging students. Creating content, collaborating, sharing, presenting, as well as reading, writing and drawing has never been easier. It can easily convert from notebook mode, to stand mode, to tent mode, and to tablet mode. This durable and flexible laptop can endure short drops, knocks, and spills, making it easier to carry it around with you seamlessly between the classroom and home.
Lenovo ThinkPad 11e
The Lenovo ThinkPad 11e features a rugged construction, engineered for education. Durable enough to endure classroom use, it is also versatile enough to support the learning needs of students. With a rubber bumper built around the top cover; this robust laptop can absorb the force of knocks and side bumps. The corners are 50 percent stronger, to minimize the damage of the device when dropped at an angle. This laptop is one tough machine, as it can tolerate drops of up to 90cm. The environmentally conscious consumer would be glad to hear that thermal management features are available to reduce power consumption. The ruggedness, durability and quality of this laptop are tested to military specifications, such as high and low pressures, humidity, vibration, extreme temperatures, temperature shock, solar radiation, fungus, and dust. Take your productivity to the next level with this thin, light and versatile laptop.
FLEX10A Windows Professional 2-IN-1
The FLEX10A Windows Professional 2-in-1 tablet/computer is bound by a protective case and scratch-proof screen protector, which are both MIL-STD-810G certified. It is thin and lightweight, making it ideal for those who are constantly on the move. A handle and carrying strap are also included so that it can be easily carried around with you wherever you go. Users can quickly and easily mount the handy device to vehicles and walls by using its optional snap mount. The tablet has been tested by dropping it 26 times from 4 feet to plywood over concrete. Heavy duty protection was definitely a top priority in the making of this sturdy device.
LG Gram 15Z980
The LG Gram is an ultra-lightweight and flexible laptop that fits a 15.6” screen. Its premium nano carbon magnesium full metal body is tough and durable, yet exceptionally lightweight. Designed with a remarkably compact body weighing in at about 2.4 pounds, this laptop can be carried around with just two fingers. It has undergone seven industry-standard tests to verify its military-grade durability, which include shock, low pressure, high temperature, low temperature, dust, vibration, and salt fog. With its impressive battery life, users can use it for extended periods of time without difficulty. Its high-capacity and exceptional 72Wh battery can last for up to 16.5 hours. Its backlit keyboard allows for use in dark environments, contributing to this laptop’s overall user-friendliness.
Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme 7404
The Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme is engineered for any job and designed to go wherever your office is. It is built with shock-absorbent materials that meet tough military-standard requirements. Pushed beyond its limits with a rigorous “test-to-fail” methodology during development, the extremely robust laptop can handle some serious punishment. Thanks to its rigid magnesium alloy backbone and shock-absorbent ultra-polymer materials, it can endure the hardest impacts and deliver on your toughest demands. Overheating is not a problem since this laptop can endure extreme temperatures with fourth-generation QuadCool thermal management. Certified for IP65 protection from sand, dust and liquid, this rugged laptop is designed to survive and thrive in the great outdoors.
Panasonic Toughbook CF-31
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 can face extreme challenges and tackle the toughest work environments. Built with a full magnesium alloy case with a handle, you can take this laptop with you anytime, anywhere. It features an ultra-bright screen for readability outdoors and an impressive battery life. It can last up to 18 hours, or 27 hours when you include an optional media bay 2nd battery. MIL-STD-810G certified, with an all-weather IP65 dust and water resistant design, this laptop can withstand plenty of abuse in challenging conditions. Featuring drop shock protection, it can survive up to 6-foot drops. Whether working in harsh weather, wet conditions, or underground, this tough laptop ensures that mobile workers can perform their regular tasks without their productivity being hampered.
Panasonic Toughbook CF-33
The Panasonic Toughbook CF-33 is a flexible 2-in-1 laptop that can withstand demanding conditions such as rain, dust, vibrations and extreme temperatures. Featuring a cutting-edge 3:2 display, the readability of business applications and documents are certainly improved for the everyday worker. Built with a magnesium frame and holding an IP65 rating, it can survive up to 5-foot drops. Not only can this waterproof device endure splashes and spills from water, juice and coffee, it has also been tested against oils and chemicals. This versatile laptop is made for maximum mobility. It features a 12″ detachable screen, an infrared camera for support, and biometric user authentication for additional security. Being able to take the abuse in hazardous conditions, it is the perfect tool for police, emergency services, government agencies, field service workers, as well as for technicians working in the utilities and telecommunications field.
Getac V110
The Getac V110 is a rugged convertible notebook that can withstand drops, extreme temperatures and pressure. With its thin and light versatile design, you can take it anywhere you go with ease. It features a swivel screen that can be flipped around and converted into a tablet. A large 11.6” display offers amazing clarity for readability indoors and outdoors in direct sunlight. Its dual battery design allows users to swap two rechargeable batteries, providing uninterrupted battery life and limitless power. The full size keyboard is waterproof and the red backlight allows users to type in the dimmest conditions, minimizing eye strain and fatigue.
Getac B300
The B300 is Getac’s most rugged laptop. Built from high quality magnesium alloy, this laptop is engineered to withstand shocks, drops, rain, vibration, dust and more. Thanks to a copper pipe cooling system, heat can be efficiently dissipated without the need for internal fans, contributing to its fanless and sealed design to protect the laptop from dust and water. The hard drive is insulated inside a heating blanket, allowing the laptop to boot without damaging the drive or its data in freezing cold conditions or extreme heat. Layers of protective coating shield the laptop from salt fog, allowing it to function without corrosion in coastal environments. Featuring a sunlight readable QuadraClear display for consistent screen brightness and anti-reflectivity, its solution is durable yet energy efficient. Night vision is also supported when operating in the pitch darkness. With the click of a button, you can turn on Night Vision mode and access full readability while wearing night vision goggles. This tough and feature-filled laptop is a definite top contender in ruggedness.