Laptops are wonderful, yet delicate things.

With their flimsy port covers, dainty hinges and acres of exposed glass, its no wonder that we protect our notebook PCs like fine china.

That's OK, if your work environment is no more rugged than a padded cublcle. But, if your day job takes you out into the daylight and dirt, you need a beefier information appliance like the SCOUT2 from Melard Technologies.

Designed to military specifications, Melard's Pentium-class sub-notebook is built to withstand more punishment than a fraternity pledge during rush week.

To satisfy MIL-STD 810E requirements, the SCOUT2 is able to hold up, amazingly, after being subjected to 26 consecutive 1-meter drops to a concrete floor and being hosed down with over 300 gallons of water in a five minute deluge. Now, that's quality assurance.

Other than being built like a tank, the SCOUT2 has all the features you'd expect from a sub-notebook with one notable addition, the ability to run a whole day without running for a wall outlet.

So, if "extreme" describes your work environment, you might just want to equip yourself with an equally rugged PC like the Melard SCOUT2.

SCOUT2 Specifications:

• CPU: AMD K6 233 MHz


• RAM: 64 MB


• Hard Drive: 4.3 GB, Shock Mounted


• Display: 7.2" Color Transflective


• Weight: 5.5 lb.


• Size: 9.2" x 6.5" x 2.8"


• Protection: Shock Absorbing Bumpers


• Operating Temperature: -20°C (-4°F) to 60°C (140°F)


• Pointing Device: Integrated Touch Pad


• Peripheral: Type III PC Card Slot


• Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 95 or 98

Copyright © 2006 Stephen Jones All rights reserved.