The Hummer of rugged computers
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

Fremont, California, based Dolch Computer Systems, Inc. has been around since 1987, offering rugged portable computers and flat-panel displays. Most of their products are geared towards the test and measurement markets and all are virtually bullet-proof.

The FieldPAC is actually much bigger than the picture to the left implies. It is essentially an attache case made of industrial aluminum that so happens to be an almost infinitely expandable portable computer inside. The whole thing weighs a full 17 pounds, but that's because the FieldPAC has a full 14.1-inch display, expansion up to four slots and five drives. Basically, Dolch built an entire desktop computer into that aluminum case, allowing mobile personnel to take desktop power almost anywhere. A "BatteryPAC" option even provides up to six hours of power.

The FieldPac apparently didn't make the cut when Kontron took over Dolch in February of 2005.