Industrial PC

Industrial PCs handle the abuse that would rattle an off-the-shelf computer into a bucket of bolts. When you're operating in a harsh environment, you're either working with an industrial PC or you're working not at all. If it's mission critical, you need a PC that's up to the task. While Industrial PCs aren't the prettiest (or fastest) boxes on the block, if you need a PC that can take a licking and keep on ticking ... you've got to go rugged.

Industrial PCs are available in rack mount, wall mount, panel mount, workstation, bench top, portable, tablet, and in-vehicle configurations. There are gritty machines built to endure the toughest spots, from a sweaty factory floor to a frigid mobile unit.

Ruggedized industrial personal computers use beefy chassis and enclosures to provide protection from vibration and shock. Particular attention is paid to the drive bays. Many applications require that extreme temperatures, high humidity ranges, and dusty conditions are tolerated, as well.

The National Electronics Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published standards for an enclosures resistance to vibration, shock, temperature, water, and dust. This link describes the different enclosure types as defined by NEMA 250-1997.

PCs that are taken on the roll need to be tough--whether it's in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance. If you want to put that same technology in your ride, get ready to part with a chunk of change.

Don't expect to see a display of ruggedized PCs at your local BestBuy. These are highly specialized beasts. Rugged PC manufacturers include: Advantech, Beckhoff, Getac, Industrial PC, Kontron, Option Industrial Computers, and VersaLogic.

A select group of industrial computers are eligible for the toughest military service assignments. The United States Military MIL-STD-810F standard sets the bar high.

Remember that episode of M*A*S*H when Radar O'Reilly confessed to shipping home a Jeep from Korea, part by part? If Radar were around today, he'd probably be scheming how to send an industrial PC back to the mainland. He might have a better chance of misappropriation then of finding a wicked cool Getac A770 at a surplus auction ...