Augmentix Unveils Rugged Laptop

Augmentix Corp. launched Monday what it calls the first fully rugged-widescreen laptop based on Dell Inc.'s Latitude product line.

The new XTG630 offers a 14.1-in. wide aspect screen with DirectVue LCD technology, the company said in a statement. The Austin-based company builds computers for military use and other rugged-computing settings.

Its Armored Protection System includes a dense magnesium exoskeleton and a patent-pending thermal management system for handling desert heat. It is based on Dell's Latitude D630 and ATG630 software for operating systems, drivers, BIOS and utilities.

The DirectVue LCD screen is designed to improve viewing in direct sunlight by reducing reflection and improving contrast while retaining battery life.

It comes with 802.11a/g and draft n wireless and Bluetooth Class 2 and GPS capability. It runs the Intel Core 2 Duo processor with speeds of up to 2.4 GHz. It is available in desert tan or black and charcoal colors. Pricing ranges from US$3,200 to $3,500, depending on configuration.