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GETAC B300
Getac upgrades its B300 ultra-rugged notebook to be fastest, most secure, and toughest in its class for mission-critical applications
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)
On June 7, 2016, Getac announced yet another major upgrade to its B300 rugged notebook computer. This time, Getac significantly beefed up security by combining several layers of hardware and software protection technology to guard against breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The newly enhanced B300 also benefits from Intel 6th generation ("Skylake") i5 and i7 processors, boosting graphics performance and efficiency over the previous generation of the platform. Additional upgrades and improvements in wireless communication and components keep this next generation of Getac's ultra-rugged notebook at the technological forefront and well equipped to serve even under the most extreme working conditions.
Sporting its trademark industrial design and good ergonomics, the 13.3-inch B300 remains an impressive overall performer that now combines state-of-the-art processing power with multi-level security and exceptionally long battery life (up to 30 hours with two batteries).
The table below shows how consistently Getac has been updating the B300 since its initial introduction. The design stays the same to guarantee complete compatibility with all peripherals and accessories, but the technology is continually updated. Makes sense.
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Getac B300 Generations
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Generation
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1st
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2nd
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3rd
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4th
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5th
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6th
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Year
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2008
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2010
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2011
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2012
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2013
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2016
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Top CPU
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Core 2 Duo
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Core i7 1st gen
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Core i7 2nd gen
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Core i7 3rd gen
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Core i7 4th gen
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Core i7 6th gen
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CPU speed
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1.6GHz
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2.0/2.8GHz
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2.3/3.2GHz
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2.9/3.6GHz
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2.9/3.6GHz
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2.6/3.4GHz
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CPU TDP
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17w
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25w
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25w
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35w
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37w
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15w
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Graphics
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GM965
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GMA HD
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HD3000
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HD4000
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HD4600
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HD520
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RAM
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0.5/4GB DDR2
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2/8GB DDR3
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2/8GB DDR3
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2/8GB DDR3
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2/8GB DDR3
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4/16GB DDR4
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Std. HD
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80GB
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250GB
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250GB
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500GB
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500GB
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500GB
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Opt. SSD
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NA
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80/160GB
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80/160GB
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128/256GB
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128/256GB
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128/512TB
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LCD nits
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500/1200
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700/1400
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700/1400
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700/1400
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700/1400
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700/1400
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Battery life
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up to 12 hrs
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up to 11 hrs
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up to 13 hrs
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up to 15 hrs
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up to 15 hrs
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up to 15/30 hrs
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Op. temp
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32 to 131F
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-4 to 140F
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-4 to 140F
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-20 to 140F
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-20 to 140F
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-20 to 140F
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State-of-the-art technology
For the updated B300, Getac not only switched from the 4th directly to the 6th generation of Intel's Core processors, but also moved from standard voltage CPUs with a high 37 watt thermal design power to much more power-efficient ultra-low voltage processors. And Getac no longer offers a low end Core i3 processor option as those lack certain Intel technologies and popular features such as Intel's "turbo" mode.
Instead, the top processor option is the Intel Core i7-6600U, with the also available Core i7-6500U just a bit slower, but without certain integrated Intel technologies that some customers may need. Getac also offers the mid-range Core i5-6200U and Core i5-6300U, which also differ in speed and certain Intel technologies. To view the full spec table for these four dual-core CPUs, see here.
In addition, the 6th gen Intel Skylake-based Getac B300 benefits from a switch to more efficient and faster DDR4 RAM, as well as the latest and more efficient Intel WiFi (8260ac) and Bluetooth (BT 4.2) versions. For connectivity, there are now three ultra-fast USB 3.0 ports, two legacy RS232 serial ports, both VGA and HDMI video, audio, Gigabit LAN, and a docking port. The legacy RJ11 modem port is gone.
Intel technologies
Here's a brief explanation of Intel technologies that the i7-6600U and i5-6300U have, but the i7-6500U and i5-6200U do not:
- vPro provides extra security and management capabilities that are required in many enterprise deployments (see Wiki Intel vPro).
- TSX-NI Transactional Synchronization Extensions New Instructions) helps make parallel operations more efficient via improved control of locks in software (see Wiki TSX).
- SIPP (Stable Image Platform Program) allows deployment of standardized, stable image PC platforms for at least 15 months (see Intel SIPP), and
- Trusted Execution technology provides security capabilities such as measured launch and protected execution, and may thus also be an enterprise requirement (see Wiki Trusted Execution Technology).
- Skylake also brings Intel Authenticate, Intel's new enhanced hardware security that strengthens identity protection.
Security: ever more important
Security is becoming ever more important, and Getac upped the security ante in this latest version of the B300 with a TPM 2.0 module, strong multifactor authentication, and full support for Windows 10 security features to help protect against known and emerging threats.
BitLocker hard drive encryption protects data at rest, in use and in transit. Microsoft Passport and Credential Guard provide additional protection. Credential Guard uses virtualization-based security to isolate certain data so that only privileged system software can access them. In the event that the system is ever stolen, optional Absolute DDS allows it to be disabled remotely. There's also a slot for the simple but effective Kensington lock, and customers can specify either a fingerprint reader or Smart Card reader.
Preserving investments
Why does the latest Getac B300 still look the same? Because while consumer market notebooks constantly change in design, style and shape, industrial and vertical markets with substantial investments in peripherals and infrastructure value continuity. That's why Getac hasn't been changing the basic layout and form factor of its flagship ultra-rugged notebook.
Weighing in at under eight pounds in basic configuration, the magnesium alloy-bodied B300 retains its standard sunlight-viewable 13.3-inch XGA 4:3 aspect ratio display that has a strong 700 nit backlight and "blackout mode" that instantly turns off all tell-tale lights in potentially dangerous situations. An optional QuadraClear display delivers a super-bright 1400 nits and has an optional night-vision mode with software/sensor driven brightness adjustment in order to meet MIL-STD-3009.
Excellent flexibility and configurability
Despite it very rugged construction, the B300 offers flexibility and configurability thanks to a media bay that can accommodate either an optical drive, a second hard disk, or an additional battery for extended operation, or probably even customized I/O ports. For expansion there is a PC Card Type II slots and a 34/54mm Express Card (the latter can be exchanged for an optional Smart Card slot).
One tough notebook
On the ruggedness side, the 6th gen machine can operate between -20° and 140° Fahrenheit (-29° to 60°C). Sealing is at the IP65 standards, and the machine fills MIL-STD-810G testing requirements for humidity, altitude, shock, drop, vibration and others. A variety of other regulations, including compliance with MIL-STD-461F (electromagnetic interference), salt fog, night vision, hazloc deployment can be optionally met.
Leapfrogging the competition
The B300, Getac's full-size, fully-rugged notebook computer, has always been a unique machine that offered a combination of balanced and optimized features that are usually not available in one unit. Intel 6th generation Core processors now provide performance, superior battery life, and powerful integrated graphics in a thoroughly field-proven design with exceptional ruggedness, security and outdoor viewability.
From a competitive standpoint, with this latest B300, Getac leapfrogs Panasonic's Toughbook 31 in technology, security and battery life.
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Specifications Getac B300 G6
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Status
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Added 06/2016
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Form-factor
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Ultra-rugged notebook
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OS
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Windows 10 Professional, Windows 7 Professional
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Processor
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Intel Core i7-6600U
Intel Core i7-6500U
Intel Core i5-6300U
Intel Core i5-6200U
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CPU Speed
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i7-6600U: 2.6/3.4GHz
i7-6500U: 2.5/3.1GHz
i5-6300U: 2.4/3.0GHz
i5-6200U: 2.3/2.8GHz
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Graphics
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Intel HD Graphics 520
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Standard/Max RAM
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4GB DDR4, expandable to 16GB
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Disk/drive
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Shock-protected removable SATA 500GB or optional solid state drives up to 1TB
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Optical drive
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Media Bay can accommodate DVD Super-Multi drive, 2nd HD or SSD, 2nd battery
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Card slots
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1 x PC Card Type II, 1 x Express Card/54mm (or Smart Card reader), 1 x SD Card
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Display type
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Transmissive TFT, 700 nits (optional: 1400 nits QuadraClear sunlight-readable display with touch screen); optional MIL-STD 3009 Night Vision with QuadraClear screen
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Display size/res
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13.3-inch/1024 x 768 pixel XGA
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Digitizer/pens
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Optional resistive touch
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Keyboard/scale
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Waterproof backlit mechanical membrane keyboard; optional waterproof backlit rubber keyboard
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Sealing
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IP65
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Drop
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MIL-STD-810G
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Temperature
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-20° to 140° F (-29° to 60° C)
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EMI
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MIL-STD-461F
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Salt fog
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Optional salt fog resistance
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Housing
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Magnesium alloy, sealed ports
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Size (WxHxD)
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11.9 x 10.35 x 2.36 inches (304 x 263 x 60 mm)
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Weight
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Starting at 7.7 lbs. (3.5 kg.)
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Power
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8,700mAh Li-Ion ("up to 15 hours"), optional 8,700mAh 2nd media bay battery ("up to 30 hrs.")
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Security
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Intel vPro (per CPU option), TPM 2.0, cable lock slot, NIST BIOS compliant; optional fingerprint reader OR smartcard reader OR contactless smart card reader
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Interface
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3 x USB 3.0, 2 x RJ11, 1 x gigabit RJ45 LAN, 2 x Serial RS232, dock, audio in/out, 1 x VGA, 1 x HDMI, opt. RF antenna pass-through
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Communications
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Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2; optional SiRFstarIV GPS, optional 4G LTE multi-carrier mobile broadband (XLTE ready)
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List price
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Inquire
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Contact
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us.getac.com
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Web page
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Getac B300 page
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Brochure
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 Getac B300
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Warranty
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5-year bumper-to-bumper warranty standard
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Getac US Sales Contact:
Getac US Office
Getac Inc.
Tel: +1-949-681-2900
Email: GetacSales_US@getac.com
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