Updated versatile, ruggedized 15.1-inch notebook computer in military and industrial versions
(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.

AMREL uses a base notebook platform that can then customized and specialized for industrial and military markets. The military-spec models are the Rocky RF9 with a 17-inch display, the RT9 and RS11 with 13.3-inch displays, and the RK10 (shown here) with a 15.1 inch display. While in the past AMREL differentiated between military models with an "-M" suffix and industrial models with a "-I" suffix, the company now offers the standard model with options for military specific features, such as NATO green color, MIL-STD 461 (EMI), and military connectors.

The military grade rugged notebooks feature modern computing technology and are built to handle everything from daily communications to mission critical situations in harsh environments and severe weather. To that extent, machines are subjected to all pertinent MIL-STD-810G tests and carry a IP65 ingress protection rating.

Since machines in this class may be used outdoors, may require sunlight-viewable displays, or may need to be configurable for night usage, AMREL offers a resistive touch screen, a sunlight readable option, as well as a night vision option.

All RK10-Series machines — introduced on March 25, 2014 as upgrades to RK9 models — benefit from technology upgrades that include an Intel 2nd generation Core i7-2610UE processor that includes Intel HD Graphics 3000, maximum DDR3 memory up to 16GB, USB 3.0 ports, upgraded WiFi (now Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6235), and upgraded WWAN (now Gobi 3000).

As before, available are optional higher display resolution (1,400 x 1,050 pixel) instead of the standard 1024 x 768 pixel XGA, as well as optional GPS, second battery and second hard disk, an optional 89-key backlit rubber-type keyboard, optional additional DB9 ports, and, on the military version, optional MIL-STD 461F. Though the body of the new RK10 looks unchanged, the specs show it to be a little smaller and a little lighter.

The RT9, RK10, and RF9 laptops are all Flexpedient capable. Flexpedient is an AMREL patent-pending technology that enables hardware to be rapidly reconfigurable to handle different applications via a client's application-specific modules (see AMREL's Flexpedient page).

AMREL uses a proprietary "dock under" system for easy mounting and dismounting from vehicles of all types. There are multiple expansion capabilities, including a choice of two USB ports or two PCI ports, enabling convenient device integration. AMREL also has a Customizable COTS program, so any of their rugged notebooks can be designed to fit a customer's unique requirements, specs and environments.