The perfect accessory for your Hummer
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, May 2006)

If you wonder why the computer held by the gentleman about to enter his Hummer H3 has a somewhat unusual color scheme, that's because Itronix also offers a special HUMMER branded version of their GoBook VR-1 semi-rugged notebook computer. That's the result of a licensing agreement between Itronix and General Motors, and geared more towards consumers who love branded products, have a Hummer, or simply like owning something different and exclusive. And you can't just get the Hummer Laptop in Hummer Yellow. It also comes in Pewter or Victory Red. Itronix describes the Hummer Laptop as "just as tough, reliable, and go-anywhere as a HUMMER vehicle. This laptop is the perfect addition to your active lifestyle! Featuring the latest in mobile technology, it's ergonomically styled, and tough enough to survive the wear and tear of every day use whether at home, in the car, or on the go!"

There is no arguing with the ruggedness of the machine. The hinge--almost always a weak spot in consumer grade notebooks--is solid as a rock. The machine also won't open inadvertently thanks to the hinge and the dual springloaded active latches. The spill-resistant keyboard uses a standard 84-key full-size notebook layout. Navigation is via a very responsive 3-button capacitive touchpad. A touch screen is optionally available.

As far as size and weight go, the Hummer weighs in with a 11.5 x 9.8 inch footprint--quite compact--and a thickness of 1.7 inches, and the whole thing weighs about 5.5 pounds.

It's a performance machine thanks to a powerful 1.86GHz Intel Pentium M processor. Video is handled by an Intel 915GM/GMS chipset with 64MB of shared memory. Standard memory is 512MB of DDR2 DRAM. The machine can be configured with up to 2GB. There is a 40GB shock-mounted and removable 2.5-inch hard disk, with an 80GB drive available. A multimedia pocket contains a CD-RW optical drive, but can also be equipped with a DVD/CD-RW or DVD-RW/CD-RW drive.

As computers assume an ever more prevalent role in automobiles, it is interesting to see that it is not only iPods and MP3 players that become integral parts of the automotive experience, but also computers specially designed (and color-coordinated!) to go with the unique and special character of an vehicle.

Update: On March 31st 2007, the Hummer Laptop was discontinued and replaced with its industrial-grade equivalent--the GoBook VR line of semi-rugged notebooks. Click here to view the end-of-life announcement for the Hummer notebook.