Versatile, rugged notebook for rigorous demands
(by Conrad H. Blickenstorfer)

There aren't many fields Motorola isn't in, yet there are not many people who know the Motorola ML 900 ruggedizd mobile notebook computer. That's because Motorola primarily sells the device as part of comprensive solutions to vertical markets such as fire, law enforcement, ENS, military, utility and public services. For example, the City of Detroit's Events Management Solution that was used in Superbowl XL includes the ruggedized ML 900 for viewing of streaming video.

The computer measures 11.7 x 9.4 x 1.8 inches, weighs 9 pounds and features a rugged look similar to the equivalent offerings of Panasonic and Itronix. From a technology standpoint, the ML 900 is competent, but not state-of-the-art. Processing power comes from a 1.7 GHz Pentium 4-M, standard memory is 256mb, upgradeable to a gigabyte. You can get a 12.1" transflective display or a 13.3" transmissive one, both with touch screen.

The 40GB hard drive is shock-mounted, of course, and the ML 900 has a drive bay that can accomodate a variety of optical drives. The keyboard is backlit and fully sealed. An onboard digital video recorder and fingerprint scanner add versatility and security.

The machine supports of to four different radios simultaneously (WLAN, GPS, PAN and WiFi). Thermal solution management, heated hard drive, hot docking and automatic antenna switching all add to the appeal of this rugged machine.