Getac M220 - a laptop that is always with you

Currently, computer technology is in demand, perhaps, in all areas of human life. Naturally, the help of a computer would not hurt even when working in conditions, to put it mildly, uncomfortable. To help various emergency services, scientific expeditions, the army, and just fans of extreme sports, rugged laptops are created. Our readers have already got acquainted with the protected notebook from Panasonic. Today we present to your attention the products of one of the most famous manufacturers of rugged notebooks - the company Mitac, which sells them under the Getac brand. The Getac M 220 is certified to meet both military (810F, 461E) and industrial (IP54) environmental standards. The conditions in which the laptop can operate are listed on the manufacturer's website. At the same time, Getac M220 represents enough modern computer, as you can see by looking at its specification.

Getac M220 Laptop Specifications
(declared by the manufacturer)

CPU	Intel 738 LV Processor, 1.4 GHz (on the tested model) or Intel 778 LV Processor, 1.6 GHz, µ-FCBGA, 400MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache
Chipset	Intel 855GME + ICH4-M
RAM	Two easily accessible 200-pin PC2100 / PC2700 DDR SODIMM slots Standard 256MB DDR SDRAM (on the tested model), max. 2 GB DDR SDRAM
Display	14.1 "Anti-reflective TFT transmissive XGA (1024x768) display (tested model) optional 15.0 "Anti-reflective TFT transmissive SXGA + (1400x1050) display optional 14.1 "Touch Screen optional 14.1 "Sunlight Readable Display optional 14.1 "Touch Screen / Sunlight Readable Display optional 15.0 "Sunlight Readable Display
Video system	Integrated into the chipset (on the tested model) optional ATI M11 64MB
Audio system	AC97 Rev. 2.3 support
HDD	Removable shock mounted 40GB HDD (on the tested model - Toshiba MK4025GAS) HDD encryption feature (eNova solution 40bits) optional 60GB / 80GB HDD optional low temp HDD heater (-20 ° ~ 55 ° C)
Optical devices	standard removable 24x CD-ROM Drive (on the tested model - TEAC CD-224E) optional interchangeable COMBO Drive optional removable DVDRW (+/-) Recorder optional replaceable additional battery
PCMCIA	Type II x 2 or Type III x 1 with CardBus support
I / O ports	serial port 2 x USB 2.0 (supports booting from USB optical drive, current up to 1A) CRT port PS / 2 port parallel port RJ-45 RJ-11 microphone input audio line-out infrared port Docking Port (POGO, hot docking)
Keyboard	waterproof membrane keyboard optional - rubber keyboard backlit
Communications	10/100 base-T Ethernet 56kbps Modem Wireless LAN (Centrino platform) 802.11 b / g Factory Optional GPS module Factory Optional wireless module from COM GSM / GPRS with 1 antenna (Reserve iDen / DataTAC interface) Factory Optional Bluetooth module
Power subsystem	power supply unit 90W 100-240V, 50 / 60Hz
Dimensions and weight	328 x 272 x 43 mm (12.9 "(W) x 10.7" (D) x 1.7 "(H)) 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs)

It is a shame, of course, that a laptop equipped with a full range of options did not go to the test - it would be an impressive machine. But even in a practically minimal configuration, Getac M220 is capable of solving almost a full range of tasks, with the exception of 3D graphics processing.

Completeness of delivery:

• the laptop itself
• power supply with cord
• telephone line cable
• user manual (in English)
• CD with drivers and utilities (with automatic installation option)
• Installation Guide
• CD eject pin when power is off

The list of additional accessories that can be ordered for this model looks impressive, where, in addition to various "spare parts", there is also everything you need to install a laptop on a car.

First impressions

The laptop looks very impressive. In some semi-fantastic spy thriller like Mission Impossible N + 1, it would look quite organic. The case gives a feeling of reliability and solidity. All connectors are closed with rubber plugs, replaceable devices - with sealing caps.

On the back (from left to right)

• infrared window
• power supply connector
• serial port
• telephone line connector
• LAN connector
• external monitor output
• parallel port
• audio output
• microphone input

On the left side surface there is a device for working with optical discs (an additional battery can be installed in this compartment) and a compartment hard disk.

Right (again from left to right)

• main battery compartment
• PC Card slots
• two USB ports
• PS / 2 connector

On the front end there is an indicator unit, a laptop carrying handle, a cover latch and a Kensington lock slot.

The pen provides a place for storing the pen, in our case, just closed with a plug.

On the bottom cover - On the bottom cover - the cover of the compartment for the SIM card (in the photo - under the sticker), a handle for removing the device from the Media Bay

Docking connector, memory module compartment, and speakers.

Ergonomics and usability

When opened, the laptop also produces a soothing, solid feel. The travel of the power button is quite large, but in this case it does not interfere. But the fact that the touchpad keys also have a large "free travel" is a great hindrance. It is impossible to press a key quickly, without being distracted from work. In fact, pressing the touchpad keys turns into a separate independent task, so you inevitably try to avoid using them. Perhaps such a large move is intended to protect against accidental clicks on the touchpad buttons when working in unfavorable conditions (for example, when shaking), but under normal operating conditions it interferes. Fortunately, there were no complaints about the work of the touch pad and keyboard. The only thing I liked about the keyboard layout was the stripped-down Enter key.

The indicators are divided into two groups.

On the front end there are indicators of mains operation, batteries, battery charging, wireless and wired network activity and wireless modem(if available) and optical disc handling devices.

On the right above the keyboard are indicators of the laptop status, hard disk activity and locks.

It is worth noting that the developers paid attention not only to ensuring the laptop's performance in extreme conditions, but also to protecting the processed information from prying eyes. The computer implements full encryption of the hard disk (including the boot sector) at the BIOS level. The encryption option must be set BEFORE formatting the drive.

Studies of the laptop for "survivability" were not carried out, but it was alarming that the battery compartment cover periodically opened spontaneously during operation. Of course, in the process of work, the seal will come off, but at the initial stage of operation it is worth paying attention to the condition of the covers.

Matrix

Naturally, it was very interesting to see how the protective coating affected the properties of the screen. Visually, it seemed that the colors are more faded than on "ordinary" matrices. The full results of the instrumental test can be found, and the main results are shown in the table.

Response time, ms		Parameter	The average	Deviation from the mean		Viewing angles
				min.,%	max.,%	CR	Horiz.	Vert.
incl.	16,3	brightness of black ol	0.68 cd / m2	-11	8,3	10:1	90	85
off	6,2	brightness of the white field	137 cd / m2	-8,5	7,2	5:1	120	100
sum	22,5	contrast	203:1	-8	9,1

In other words, the matrix has good brightness and contrast, as well as high uniformity of the brightness values ​​of the black and white fields. The level of backlighting of the black field is high, but in my opinion, this is not critical for this model. But the viewing angles are very small - here the protective coating, I think, has played an important role.

Service and user support

One year warranty for the entire set from the date of purchase from the distributor's warehouse - PROSOFT. The repair is carried out by the manufacturer himself, to whom PROSOFT sends the faulty equipment. The company also carries out post-warranty repairs for a fee.

Laptop testing

We can't expect any record-breaking performance from a laptop with a low-voltage processor and integrated graphics, so here are the numbers.

At present, the results are not very high, but for such a processor frequency they are absolutely natural.

conclusions

The laptop is undoubtedly a niche. It is unlikely that someone will spend extra money just to flaunt a model of the original design. I am fully aware that potential buyers may have completely different evaluation criteria. Nevertheless, it seems to me that it was quite interesting for our readers to get acquainted with the Getac M220 laptop. Average current prices (number of offers) for the tested laptop in Moscow retail: N / A (0) ..

In contact with

classmates

Protected laptops were born thanks to the desire of the military. It was the army who first felt the need for laptops that could work in the harsh field conditions, and could finance such developments. Today I bring to your attention the latest developments of Getac - an updated rugged laptop. This model about a year ago replaced the laptop widespread in the military. Getac A790... Today she has innovations that make the name of the military laptop more relevant.

Getac X500 Rugged Laptop

Processor i5-520M 2.4GHz or i7-620M 2.66GHZ;
Memory up to 8GB DDR3;
HDD up to 500GB or SSD up to 300GB;
Screen 15.6 ″ 1366 × 768 1000nit QuadraClear ™ multitouch;
Intel HD4000 or NVIDIA® GeForce® G330M 1GB graphics;
Backlit keyboard;
DVD;
Ports: COM / video / HDMI / audio / USB 2.0 / eSATA / GLAN / antennas;
Wireless interfaces: WiFi a / b / g / n, BlueTooth, Gobi 2000 (3G), GPS;
Security: Intel vPro, fingerprint reader, smart card reader, Kensington lock;
Power supply: up to two Li-Ion 8700 mAh batteries;
Weight is about 5kg;
Protection: Magnesium housing, vibration and drop resistant, MIL-STD-810G, IP65, MIL-STD-461F, low temperatures down to -20 ° C.

The parameters are excellent! Powerful processor(albeit somewhat outdated), lots of memory, a capacious disk, powerful graphics on a bright screen, and an almost exhaustive set of interfaces. It is worth paying attention to the screen - it has increased brightness and is made using technology QuadraClear ™ to ensure normal operation in direct sunlight. Also, the laptop can be equipped with additional features that provide support for the technology Night vision for work at night. All this is provided with sufficient power for a full working day. And, of course, maximum protection from both mechanical and climatic influences. It is difficult to find analogs among notebooks from other manufacturers. It is a worthy successor to the A790.

Special military connectors

What can be added to the above list to further improve the laptop, especially in the eyes of the military?

Getac has made good offer... Now, instead of standard connectors, you can order the installation of special military connectors, which provide much more reliable contact with external devices, and therefore high-quality work. The photographs clearly show the round multi-pin connectors typical for military equipment. The connection to the cable is securely and tightly provided not only by the pins tightly inserted into each other, but also by the bayonet nut, instantly fastening the two parts of the connector into a monolithic whole.

But what if you need to connect a regular USB flash drive, for example? In the case of pin connectors, adapters are indispensable. Getac assumes, of course, to complete laptops with such adapters, and possibly just cable parts of the connectors. However, everyone knows how small adapters disappear into no one knows where.

Therefore, some of the connectors for standard interfaces such as USB or RJ45 can be even more interesting. These are standard sockets hidden in the same bayonet housing. That allows you to use both special cords, where the plug is closed by the same bayonet, and ordinary ones.

One final note regarding military connectors. High quality world famous Amphenol connectors are used. Far from being the cheapest and not the most affordable in Russia ...

Expansion module

In the previous section, I did not mark one more key feature- military Getac laptop The X500, like its predecessor A790, allows two standard expansion cards to be installed PCI or PCIe... No, the A790 also worked with ISA boards! This feature is almost never found in other manufacturers. Tell me, where can you plug additional boards? There really is no room for them in the building. But a special expansion module solves the problem perfectly - look at the doubling thickness of the laptop. Solving the main problem, the add-on module additionally gives free space to the creative imagination of consumers and developers of products based on Getc notebooks.

Having looked at the creativity of the masses, the manufacturer himself presented new variations of his product. Let's move on to them.

Mobile secure server

The novelty is called or X500 mobile server... This beast has a RAID controller in the expansion module and up to 5 hard drives form factor SATA 2.5 ″ with a volume of 1TB. Total, taking into account the two disks in the main case, it turns out 7TB clean disk space. At the same time, levels are supported RAID 0, 1, 5... A very decent volume, isn't it? Although, depending on the RAID level, the available storage capacity will of course be less. But for those for whom this volume is not enough, there is an option, in addition to internal disks, to connect external storage. To do this, it is enough to install the host controller module and connect an external storage of any required volume. And here's a ready-made mobile data center!

Sorted out with hard drives. What about RAM? For a mobile server, it was also able to increase. Twice. Can now be set to 16GB DDR3 1066MHz memory. Not bad. I would like, of course, a higher frequency, but maybe later ...

In the specification at the beginning of the article, you have already seen the possibility of installing a discrete video card NVIDIA® GeForce® G330M 1GB... This is an important feature for a workstation. But Getac has gone further. You can add a video expander to the same expansion module and get the ability to work simultaneously on multiple monitors - up to 3 or even before 8 ! It is practically possible to organize a circular display with a 360 ° view and a resolution 15 360 * 1 080 points.

Let me remind you about the complete set of wireless interfaces. Plus there are no problems with satellite connection. So, you are in touch anywhere on Earth.

And the last line in the outline of the new features of the flagship of the protected line Getac. The manufacturer guarantees the compatibility of hardware not only with the desktop operating system Windows 7, but also with Server 2012R2. Actually, depending on the preinstalled OS - Windows 7 professional or Windows Server 2012R2, and it turns out X500 mobile workstation or X500 mobile server.

Conclusion

What do we end up with? The powerful military laptop has undergone a powerful development. Taking into account the quad-core Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM with 7 TB or more disk space and the presence of any type of communication, we have a good core of some control center, for example, an Emergencies Ministry unit or a military unit that has left for the next combat mission. Note - a mobile control center located on the basis of a specialized vehicle. However, it is quite ready to be carried by hand too. Do we remember that it is based on a rugged laptop? This means that such a control center can be adjusted to any point without fear of broken roads and bad weather. And to solve the assigned tasks, maintaining constant communication with both the soldiers of the unit and with the center.

A successful solution with great prospects!

P.S.

Immediately before the publication of this article, information came about the development of the navigation capabilities of the laptop. Starting March, all Getac X500 Rugged Notebooks ordered will be equipped with Combo Navigation GPS / GLONASS... This adds additional features and opens up new areas of application. One can only rejoice at such an event!

Descriptions for download (PDF):

Receive Additional information, you can discuss the possibilities of using protected laptops in your business or place a purchase order from the official partner of Getac in Russia and the CIS - Mobilis, by contacting or.

Corporation Getac Technology was formed in 1989 as a joint venture between the two companies MiTAC Inc. and GENERAL ELECTRIC Aerospace. Currently, Getac Technology is a key subsidiary of the international concern MITAC, specializing in the development and production of secure electronic equipment.

Getac is one of the three largest suppliers of secure computers in the world. With a wide network of distributors and service centers around the world, Getac provides technical support of its equipment and fine-tunes models for specific customer requirements. Today, Getac products are successfully used in the military, police, heavy engineering, transport, geology and oil production, telecommunications, and medicine.

Distinctive characteristics of Getac laptops are high reliability, the ability to remain operational in the most difficult operating conditions, modern design, the ability to expand functions due to optional devices.

There are currently several series of Getac notebooks in production: "A", "B", "E", "M" "P" and "V". Models of series "A", "M", "V" have been successfully tested for use in land and sea applications in accordance with the requirements of GOST RV 20.39.304-98.

Getac A-Series Scalable Rugged Laptops

Series A notebooks are designed for year-round use in the field.

Scalability is ensured by a special case design and a large number of functional modules that can be installed in two dedicated bays for external devices. In the first compartment you can install:

• Optical devices - CD / DVD / Combo / DVDRW;
• 1xTypeIII and 2xTypeII PCMCIA;
• 16 bit PCI audio;
• IEEE 1394 FireWire port;
• Standard FDD;
• Additional battery;
• Additional HDD.

In the second compartment you can install:

• COM Port Module - RS-232, 422;
• PCMCIA module - 1xTypeIII and 2xTypeII;
• GPS Module;
• GPRS / GSM Module;
• GPS + GPRS / GSM Modules;
• Additional battery;
• FDD;
• any other device to order.

At the bottom of the laptop is a connector for another additional expansion module, into which you can install standard PCI or old ISA cards, getting additional functionality. All expansion modules are easy to install, making A-Series notebooks unusually versatile yet standalone mobility solutions.

Currently the A series is represented by laptops Getac A790 with display 14.1 " Getac A790 CD, processor Intel Core Duo 1.66GHz or Intel Core 2 Duo 1.5GHz Getac A790 C2D, RAM 2 GB, with 160 GB hard drive. Resistance to adverse external influences meets the stringent requirements of Mil Std-810G, and the rating of the protection of the case against ingress of dust and moisture to the components and mechanisms is IP54, which means protection against dust ingress in quantities that do not affect the performance of the laptop, as well as protection against splashes water from all directions.

Getac B Series Rugged Notebooks

Laptops Getac B Series are the most secure in the Getac product line today. They are fully compliant with the military standard MIL-STD 810G and IP65. The IP65 rating means that the laptop is completely protected from dust and water jets in all directions.

The distinctive feature of the B300 notebooks is the bright screen. Getac B Series notebooks are equipped with a 13.3 "" XGA (1024x768) TFT LCD, with a screen brightness of 700 nits (model GETAC B300 STANDART) or 1400 nits high brightness touchscreen (in GETAC B300 Premium). The very bright display allows you to work with your laptop in any light.

The B300 has a 2GHz Intel Core i7-620LM processor, 2GB of RAM, HDD 250 GB, built-in DVD-RW multi-drive, WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity. A large number of options allows you to choose a configuration equipped with any communication means available today.
The laptop case is made of magnesium alloy with rubber caps for the I / O ports and provides complete protection from shock, vibration, dust, moisture. The battery allows you to work autonomously for up to 12 hours. The B300 has a carrying handle.

Getac E-Series Rugged Tablet Notebooks

The Getac E-series tablet notebooks, the so-called “tablets” (Tablet), are intended for use in both civil and military purposes. They are built in accordance with MIL-STD-810G and IP65 standards, providing protection against water and dust penetration, dirt, vibration, temperature extremes.

Currently, the E100 series consists of 4 basic configurations: E100-AB(Basic), E100-AS(Standart), E100-AHS(Hot Swapping), E100-AP(Premium).

Getac E100 is equipped with an Intel N450 1.66GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 80GB solid state drive.

All Getac E100 models have touch screen 8,4 "diagonal with 800x600 pixels and 800 nits brightness, allowing you to read in bright sunlight, and also equipped with modern WLAN a / g / n / and Bluetooth communication.

Models E100-AS, E100-AHS, E100-AP have a built-in GPS module. Model E100-AHS(Hot Swapping) due to the presence of a powerful built-in capacitor, it supports "hot swapping", i.e. allows you to change the battery without having to turn off your laptop.

Model E100-AP(Premium) allows you to use all possible connection types (WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, HSDPA, LAN, RS-232, USB, PCMCIA) in a single compact body.

The operating temperature range of Getac E100 is from -20C to + 60C, with dimensions of 280x184x32 mm, the weight is 1.4 kg.

The laptop case is made of high-strength magnesium alloy. The battery provides up to 5 hours of continuous operation.

Getac Rugged M Series Laptops

Laptops Getac M Series focused on a wide range of applications where resistance to external influences, mobility and reliability are required. Currently, M series laptops are supplied in 4 basic configurations: M230-4N2 UMA, M230-4N2 NV, M230-5N2 UMA, M230-5N2 NV.

The first two configurations have a 14.1 ”display, the third and fourth models have a 15.1” display. The difference between NV (discrete graphics) and UMA (integrated graphics) models is the presence of a discrete NVIDIA GeForce G105M video adapter and a high-brightness display (Sunlight Readable).

Sustainability Notebook Series Getac M230 to adverse external influences meets the stringent requirements of MIL STD-810G, and the rating of protection of the case against ingress of dust and moisture to components and mechanisms is IP65.
Feature M230 is the presence of a multi-purpose compartment, in which any optical device or an additional battery can be installed to increase the time autonomous work... Another useful feature is the removable hard drive. The HDD can be removed for security purposes or for use on another computer.

M230 laptops come with 1.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, built-in DVD-RW multi-drive, advanced WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity, 14.1 "-15.1" displays with 400-500 nits brightness in NV models.

Numerous options, such as the ability to install an HSDPA modem and a GPS receiver, can greatly expand the M230's use in a wide variety of special applications. Laptop dimensions 328 x 272 x 46 mm, weight - 4.15 kg.