Versatile, rugged tablet with 12.1-inch display
(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 computers was introduced in 1995 and has been updated, enhanced, and fine-tuned every since.

The ROCKY Patriot DK8 is rugged lightweight tablet computer platform with a large 12.1-inch touchscreen. Like the other AMREL computing platforms, the DK8 comes in a military version, the military-green DK8-M, and an industrial version, the black/gray DK8-I. The DK8 measures 12.6 x 10.0 inches and is just over two inches thick. It weighs about 5.5 pounds, quite reasonable for such a touh and heavily protected tablet. The housing is made of magnesium and the whole design is sealed to IP54 specifications. The unit is built to MIL-STD 810F specifications for resistance to rain, shock, humidity, vibration, salt fog, altitude and extreme temperatures. A built-in heater allows operation in -20°C/-4F temperature.

Like is usually the case with AMREL computers, the DK8 offers very good expansion flexibility. There is a PC Card Type II slot as well as an Express Card slot, two additional optional PC Card Type II slots, and inside a mini PCI and a mini PCIe slot. Onboard connectivity consists of four standard and two proprietary USB ports, two serial ports, a gigabit RJ45 LAN port, video, as well as docking and power ports. Inside, there are four additional USB ports, two IEEE-1394 ports, and two serial interfaces. If even that is not enough, the optional "Docklight" stand/cradle adds 4 USB ports, audio in/out, and two serial ports and lots more. The touchscreen display is an 12.1-inch XGA LCD with AMREL's Alpha-Star sunlight readable anti-reflective technology. A powerful second battery is available, bringing total onboard power up to a stunning 160 watt-hours.

Like the smaller DR8 tablet platform, the DK8 is using Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Published ruggedness specs, dimensions and weight are the same for both the military and the industrial version.