Rugged Linux Military Tablet Computer

According to "Ruff n Tuff Linux Tablet for Military" (SiliconIndia, 7 February 2012). the Trimble Yuma rugged tablet computer is avialable with Ubuntu Linux installed. The unit normally comes with Windows 7, but it has only a low power Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor, Linux might be a better option. The unit is IP67 rated for water resistance and has a 7" sunlight readable touchscreen. These types of units are used for surveying, field repair, emergency management and military applications.

There are other rugged tablet computers and cases available, but these do not necessarily meet military standards.

Dell OptiPlex 160 Tiny Desktop

Dell are now offering the OptiPlex 160 "Tiny Desktop". This is more commonly known as a "Net Top" computer, being made by taking the low power Intel Atom processor used in a netbook computer and putting it in a desktop case.

These units intended for point of sale applications and users running one undemanding application at a time (for example just web browsing). While capable of running Microsoft Windows, they would be better suited to Linux. Even the customer reviews on Dell's web site warn that the unit is too slow for high resolution video display.

The University of Canberra Library uses the OptiPlex 160 for online catalogue access. This application suits the low power unit as it requires running just one web browser window. In this application the unit was very responsive and was able to display some Flash animations without problems (I was not able to test video).

There are perhaps better and cheaper Nettop computers available, such as the ASRock, but these lack the corporate brand name of Dell.

Intel Low Power Motherboard

Intel have released the D945GSEJT Mini-ITX motherboard. This is one of a range of small low power board which can be used to make very small, low cost desktop computers. Other manufacturers, such as VIA, make similar boards, but Intel, as a well know brand will make these devices more respectable for corporate users. These units use the Atom processor, made popular in netbook computers and require no fan. They use a plug pack power supply and can be placed in a case about the size of an external DVD drive (or an Apple Mac Mini). The problem for Intel is that as this is enough computer for the average office worker or casual home user, who is going to buy their more expensive products?