The Itronix GoBook Max is a 'ruggedised' notebook PC, hence its unusual appearance. It's been designed to withstand more bumps and knocks than a regular notebook and complies to many international standards, including those of the US military. It's also waterproof, but not submersible.

According to analysts IDC, one in three notebook PCs are broken each year with 45 per cent of them falling off their user's desk. With this in mind, Itronix believes that the GoBook Max is suitable not just for in the office, but for field work as well.

The GoBook Max uses an embedded Intel Pentium III running at 700MHz and our review model came with 256MB of PC100 SDRam. The system doesn't have a single configuration, but is built to order depending on requirements.

Ordering is done over the phone and Itronix claims that it takes one to two weeks to build a system.

Our review model had a shock-mounted 2.5in 20GB IBM hard disk drive. This is because the hard disk drive is the most vulnerable component in the system.

To reduce the amount of shock that passes through the system, the chassis has rubberised edges for added protection. The screen has the same material on its edges and on the back.

The chassis itself is made of hardened plastic and the internal structure of the system is made of die-cast magnesium for extra strength. This all makes for a sturdy, if heavy, device at 3.25kg.

The GoBook Max confirms to the MIL STD 810E military test standard for drop testing, which includes 54 drops of one metre on to 2in of plywood over a concrete floor. It is also tested for vibration, humidity, water resistance, high/low temperature operating and storage, as well as temperature shock.

We tested these claims by dropping the system while it was turned off onto a vinyl covered concrete floor and then rebooting it. We did this twice, once on each edge, and it booted first time on both occasions.

The first time we tested it, there was no damage, although one of the keys came loose on the second test. However, this was easily reattached and it worked perfectly well afterwards.

One of the most common accidents involving notebook PCs is liquid spillage onto the keyboard. To deal with this, the GoBook's keyboard is waterproof and is made of phosphorescent plastic so that it glows in the dark.

As well as the internal and external protection, the GoBook Max has an integrated carry handle. The 10.4in TFT XGA touch screen folds back a full 180 degrees for ease of use and comes with two styli that slot into the case.

The notebook has a reduced number of I/O connectors with one serial port, two USB ports, one Type II PC card slot, a V.90 modem and a 10/100Base-T network adapter. All the ports are covered externally to prevent dust or water getting into the system.

The battery can be removed and changed while still running as it suspends to Ram using a backup battery.

It also has a feature that allows you to shut it down and boot it up in seconds using the function on/off keys. If the system is shut down using Windows, you need to hold down the two mouse buttons for 10 seconds in order for it to boot.

Although it won't win many awards for its looks, if you're after a notebook PC that can survive where few others can, then Itronix's GoBook Max could well be the one for you.

Price: £3,500 (ex. VAT).

Specifications:
OS: Windows 2000 Professional
Processor: 700MHz Intel Pentium III Memory 256MB of PC100 SDRam
Graphics chipset: 4MB Silicon Motion LynxEM+
Hard disk: 20GB
Optical drive: External Teac CD-Rom
Display: 10.4in. XGA TFT
I/O: Two USB, one four-pin IEEE 1394, 10/100Base-T

Contact: Itronix 02476 604040
www.gobookmax.co.uk