Other Sites
I've long grumbled about Apple more or less ignoring the "ruggedized" computer niche of the market, and been of a mind that a heavy-duty, water and dust proof (or at least resistant) Mac notebook would be a welcome addition that could expand the Mac OS reach to non-traditional sectors like law enforcement, the military, marine navigation, charting and communications, and industrial applications.
Well, it's not a laptop, but VictorSystems, a new start-up, has previewed its first Mac OS ruggedized system based on the Apple Mac Mini Computer. The company is focusing on providing ruggedized commercial and industrial products for demanding Mil/Aero applications.
This demonstration system provides a full set of ruggedized peripherals that allows OS X compatible applications to be used in places that were not possible before. "There are many die-hard Apple users that have been wanting to dump their WinTel systems, but could not find a rugged OS X system until now", states Vic Cohen, VictorSystems owner.
The Rugged Mini Computer System presented on the VictorSystems website illustrates how the Mac Mini can be packaged for ground support application. This system can be reconfigured for use in other hostile environments. "One cooling method or packaging method will not fit all", says Cohen, as he intends upon offering product variants and extensions as demands dictate.
VictorSystems's missions statement is:
"To provide the Mil/Aero community with commerical and industrial electronics hardened to withstand the harshest useage and environments, without the need for new PCB layouts, while minimizing recurring costs and schedule impact."
The demonstration system shown on their Website is provided to illustrate a typical ruggedized computer system and to generate a discussion on what can be done with ruggedized commerical and industiral products. This system is based upon an Apple Mac Mini Computer with peripherals that have been ruggedized for ground support use.
The company says many application specific changes from the design shown are expected and suggestions from potential customers and other interested parties are encouraged.
The following links will provide details of each component comprising the Rugged Mini Computer System. This system is shown to
All of the products save for the Rugged Mouse, are packaged in enclosures manufactured from aircraft grade aluminum alloys.
The Mini Computer is supported by an aluminum space frame made from extruded rails and finned heat sinks. Covers are made from wrought plates. These parts are fastened and bonded using electrically conductive epoxy. For the purpose of creating a demonstrator, the space frame was simply designed and installed over the Mini enclosure. Uniquely designed systems can be sized-down to reduce package size to meet specific application requirments.
The speaker encloseures are made from aluminum castings. The power adapter is set into a deep-drawn enclosure with a tight fitting lid that is potted sealed with thermally conductive epoxy.
Functional Specifications
Apple Mac Mini 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo L2 Cache Memory 2 Mb
Main Memory 512 Mb, 1 Gb, 2 Gb
Hard Drive 80 Gb, 120 Gb, 160 Gb
Combo Drive or Super Drive
Weight 9.2 lb.
* Custom designed interfaces and packaing available
* Applicaiton specific mounting and features encouraged
* Alternative cooling methods can be accomondated, natural convection heat sinks are shown in this example.
The 110 W. external PowerAdapter is packaged to meet the same environments and use as the Rugged Mini Computer it serves. The consturction of the PowerAdapter utilizes an aluminum deep drawn enclsoure and lid that is pottted closed with a thermally conductive epoxy. Additoinally, the PowerAdapter is painted to match the Rugged Mini Computer.
Ruggedized Monitor
Features:
* Compact and lightweight video display
* Rugged aluminum enclosure
Options:
* High brightness backlighting
* NVG Compatible
* EMI shielded from glass
* Custom defined interfaces & packaging available
Specifications
Display type
TFT active matrix LCD
Resolution
1024 x 768 pixels
The RuggedKeyboard is a versitle high-performance keyboard based upon the industry standard 101 key layout. It is designed for reliable long-term operation where survival is critical.
Standard Features:
* Ergonomic keys enhances man-machine interface
* Sealed, dust proof construction
* Full-travel, solid-state switches
* Backlighting for use in low ambient light conditions
* Dedicated backlighting intensity control keys
* Shielded to withstand extreme EMI/RFI/TEMPEST environments
The speakers are designed for use in harsh environments that would normally destroy or distort the sound quality of ordinary speakers. They feature aluminum cast, waterproof construction and are impervious to EMI. The drivers conform to U.S military spec. MIL-L-10911/8B.
Cast aluminum enclosures and inner speaker grills protect the speaker drivers from weathering and permit the drivers and amplifiers to withstand shock and vibration induced damage. The enclosures are sheilded to permit the speakers to be impervious from EMI.
The RuggedMouse is an optical, waterproof mouse suited for environments that casue ordinary mise end belly-up. The RuggedMouse can withstand environments that contain dust or moisture due to its tightly sealed polycarbonate shell. The optical pointing device, compliant with NEMA 4X/ IP56 standards, is solidly retained to be resistant to shock and vibration.
The printer is a lightweight yet rugged color ink jet printer. The printer engine in packaged in an aluminum .125" thick corrosive-resistant enclosure engineered to withstand a wide range of applications.
The printer was specifically designed to be adaptable to a variety of airborne, shipboard, ground mobile, and sheltered applications. It interfaces with the Rugged Mini Computer via either the USB or Ethernet ports, while operating up to 36 PPM.
No word yet on price or availablility.
For more information, visit:
http://www.victorsystems.biz
Tags: Blogs ď Mac mini Muse ď
