Ruggedized notebook computer with various options
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Based in El Monte, California, AMREL (AMerican RELiance) has a long history of offering value-added applications in vertical markets. The Rocky line of ruggedized notebook computers was introduced in 1995 and has been updated, enhanced, and fine-tuned every since. AMREL was among the first to offer the full power, expansion, and convenience of a standard notebook in a ruggedized package.

A Rocky Matrix did well in one of our Pen Computing Magazine roundups with its combination of design, performance, and ruggedness. We also liked the ultra-sealed keyboard and individual rubber plugs.

AMREL uses a base notebook platform that is then customized and specialized for different markets. These days, AMREL offers its rugged notebook platform in federal/military, industrial, or medical versions. The military-spec models are the Rocky "Patriot" RT7-M and RK7-M, the industrial RT7-I model retains the "Rocky Unlimited" name, and the medical version, based on newer technology, is called the MRK8 60601 Medical Notebook.

The industrial RT7-I and the military RT7-M are based on the same chassis, with the military model additionally certified to MIL-STD 461E electromagnetic emissions shielding and available with military connectors. Both have a 13.3-inch display with optional resistive touch screen. The RK7-M also has essentially the same specs, but uses a somewhat larger chassis to accommodate a 15-inch LCD. All models in the series have exceptional onboard connectivity which makes them suitable for a very wide range of applications.

Like most other manufacturer of vertical market notebooks, AMREL has its own daylight viewable display technology. It's called the Alpha-Star SRL display and significantly increases screen image contrast and reduces reflective glare.

Amrel uses what it calls an "Advanced Modular Platform" to provide flexibility in configuring a machine to customer specifications. And AMREL provides a choice of two types of "dockunders," either a vertical or a horizontal model. Both provide port replication for easy mount and dismount in vehicles. With a choice of either two USB ports or two PCI slots, the horizontal dockunder offers multiple expansion capabilities for very flexible integration options.