BSI's Tough PC

While "ruggedized" PCs are typically intended for industrial applications, it seems like their ability to take a beating could also be of benefit to destroyers of portable gadgets like myself. Broadax Systems' new RMS-4000 rugged panel PC is a combination of a desktop computer and monitor. It includes up to a Pentium III 850MHz CPU, built-in networking, and expansion slots. The machine includes a large 14.1" TFT 120 nits color resistive touch screen with optional 15.1" TFT 200 nits resistive touch screen and two 1/2 length expansion slots. The RMS-4000 is mounted on an angle-adjusted pedestal so that it can be used for desktop, benchtop, or wall applications. An onboard 10/100 Ethernet chipset links the computer to office and factory networks, and an infrared wireless keyboard and mouse is an added option. The system is expandable with two PCI or one each ISA/PCI slots, along with a parallel and COM port, keyboard and mouse connectors. The system is equipped with Intel's Pentium III or Celeron processors, Award PnP Flash BIOS, SDRAM up to 256MB, M-System DiskOnChip flash disk support up to 144MB, and an XGA chipset, C&T69000 with built-in 4MB DRAM. Peripheral devices built into the system include speakers and slim type CD-ROM, slim type fixed disk drive (FDD), and 3.5" hard disk drive. Prices for the ruggedized PC start at $2,385.