What’s a rugged laptop?

Specifically designed to operate in an environment that would harm or ruin a typical laptop, a rugged laptop is built out of durable materials, equipped with shock-mounted components, and sealed to keep out water and dust. As a result, rugged models are resistant to extreme vibration and temperatures, wet or dusty conditions, and acute physical impact—that is, being dropped from a significant height.

If you see a soldier or police officer in the field with a laptop, chances are that it’s a rugged model; they may also be appropriate for home environments with particularly wild, small children.

Leading rugged laptop manufacturers include Panasonic, Itronix, Ergo, and Terralogic.

Justin Jaffe, the author of CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do!, is a writer and technology expert in Portland, Maine.