A rugged (or ruggedized) tablet computer is specifically designed to reliably operate in harsh usage environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty conditions. Additionally, being a tablet computer, it can be mounted in a vehicle and can be quickly removed for external use. Its touch-screen interface is perfect for quickly entering data. Vehicle mounted environments (e.g. public safety vehicles or utility trucks) are well suited for rugged computers as the vibration and jolts inherent there would cause failures in typical portable computers. Example: JLT 1205PS, Itronix Duo Touch, Xplore iX104

A semi-rugged tablet computer is designed to with stand the occasional bumps and grinds of a mobile workforce. While these units may not be impervious to water, or be able to withstand strong vibrations and extreme temperatures, it does give the user extra peace of mind without being too oversized or heavy. Additionally, being a tablet computer, it can be mounted in a vehicle and can be quickly removed for external use. Its touch-screen interface is perfect for quickly entering data. Example: Fujitsu T4215 (Convertable - Tablet or Notebook)

A rugged notebook computer is designed to provide all the functionality of a conventional notebook computer while enduring extreme temperatures, strong vibrations, heavy dust, and even harsh environments involving water. Rugged notebook computers can be mounted in any first responder vehicle, while allowing the user to quickly remove the unit and use it externally. Itronix XR-1, Itronix GoBook III

Semi-Rugged Notebook Computer View

A semi-rugged notebook computer is very similar to a conventional notebook computer but is able to operate after a short drop, slight vibration, non-extreme temperature exposure or light dust. These semi-rugged units are often lighter and thiner than fully-rugged notebooks. Semi-Rugged notebook computers can also be mounted in any first responder vehicle. Itronix VR-1