Rugged computer systems are typically used by military and research groups that need to send computers into the most extreme environments. They need to be able to withstand very hot and cold temperatures, moisture and particularly shock. The average rugged computer is overkill for what a consumer will use a system

 
for. Because of this, a new category called semi-rugged has been developed. These systems are able to withstand small shocks or splashes rather than full military specifications. Rugged Notebook's Talon thin and light notebook falls into this category.

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