The best rugged laptops of 2018: we test drop-proof laptops for working outside

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle everything that happens in your crazy life, you’ve come to the right place
The best rugged laptops can handle drops, knocks and extreme temperatures
And, we didn’t just rank the best rugged laptops here, but we also included our exclusive price comparison tool, so you know you’re
getting the best deal.The best rugged laptops have solidly-built bodies that can withstand drops, or even pressure being placed on it –
like if something heavy falls on top of it
It should also ideally protect against liquid, dust and extremely high and low temperatures.While rugged built quality is important, the
actual laptop features should not be forgotten, so we're also looking for the best rugged laptops that feature powerful components as
well.So, if you work on a busy work site, or often use your laptop while travelling, then buying the best rugged laptop for your needs is
essential, so read on to find our top picks for 2018.1
Dell Latitude 14 Rugged ExtremeThe very best rugged laptopCPU: Intel Core i3-6100U | Graphics: Intel Graphics 520 | RAM: 4GB | Screen:
14-inch 1366 x 768 | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, optional GPS, LTE | Weight: 3.9kg | Dimensions: 356 x 246 x
52mmVery rugged designCan configure the hardwareOnly 4GB of RAM in base modelBig and heavyThe Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme is easily the
best rugged laptop you can buy today, and while it’s been around for a while now, this is still a fantastically designed rugged laptop
that meets military standard (MIL-STD) requirements
It has a rigid magnesium alloy build, shock-absorbent case, is IP65 certified against dust, sand and water, and can even withstand extreme
temperatures
It also has some pretty beefy internals as well, and like other Dell laptops, you’ll be able to customise the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged
Extreme so that it runs on the best components for your needs
If the Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme is a bit overboard for your needs, you may find the next laptop on our list more to your liking.2
Dell Latitude 14 RuggedA fantastic rugged laptop from DellCPU: Intel Core i5-6300U processor | Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 M360 | RAM: 8GB |
Screen: 14-inch 1920 x 1080 | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE, Ethernet | Weight: 1.9kg | Dimensions: 347 x 243
x 44.4mmToughGood priceLow capacity hard driveLack of portsDell is another big name laptop maker that also does some excellent rugged
laptops
The Dell Latitude 14 Rugged is a fantastic machine that combines a tough outer shell with some very decent specifications, included a fast
Intel Core i5 processor and a dedicated AMD Radeon graphics card
The screen looks great and it comes with a matte finish, which makes it comfortable to use outdoors - which is probably where you will be
mostly using the Dell Latitude 14 Rugged
It's the lesswell, 'extreme' version of the Latitude 14 Rugged Extreme which sits at the top of our list of the best rugged laptops.3
Panasonic Toughbook CF-33CPU: Intel Core i5-7300U processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch 2160 x 1440 |
Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE, Ethernet | Weight: 2.76kg | Dimensions: 313.0 x 288.4 x 46.1mm2-in-1
designFantastic screenHeavyExpensivePanasonic Toughbook CF-33 is a very unique device, as it is a 2-in-1 laptop, which can have its keyboard
removed to become a rugged tablet
This gives it a flexibility that many of the other devices on this best rugged laptops list miss out on
If you need something to easily carry while you do stock takes and jot down notes, then the Panasonic Toughbook CF-33's tablet mode works
brilliantly
Then, if you need to write documents, turning it back into a laptop allows you to comfortably type away
You do pay a price premium for this, and at  $3,649 (about £2,800, AU$4,900) starting cost , it is one of the most expensive devices on
our list
At the moment it is only out in the US, but hopefully we'll see worldwide availability soon.4
HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE Notebook PCCPU: Intel Celeron N3350 processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 500 | RAM: 2 - 8GB | Screen: 11.6inch
1366 x 768 | Storage: 128GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, | Weight: 1.35kg | Dimensions: 207 x 302.4 x 19.9mmGood priceThin and
lightNot as robust as other devicesUnderpoweredAt first glance you'd think that the HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE Notebook PC is just an ordinary
laptop, rather than a rugged one
However, it actually falls somewhere between the two
While it isn't designed for big drops and dangerous environments, it is built to withstand more knocks, drops and spillages than normal
laptops
This is thanks to an industrial rubberised body, spill resistant keyboard and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 screen
While it may not be as robust as other rugged laptops, it is easily portable, and the screen can be flipped to turn it into tablet mode.5
Lenovo ThinkPad 11eCPU: Intel Core i3-6100U processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 | Storage:
128GB SSD | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, | Weight: 1.5kg | Dimensions: 300 x 210 x 22.3mmGood performanceRugged designBulky compared to
normal laptopsThe Lenovo ThinkPad 11e, like the  HP ProBook x360 11 G1 EE, is more of a standard laptop with rugged elements to it
However, Lenovo has put a lot of thought into the construction of this machine, so it includes reinforced corners and ports, and can
withstand drops of up to 90cm
It has also passed military specifications that ensures that this is a laptop that can withstand a lot of punishment, including high
pressure, vibrations, high and low temperatures and a lot more
It's also modestly priced, while still offering plenty of power for day-to-day tasks. 2x4bokxpoMKqhJDLmK2qpi.jpg#