DRS ARMOR C12 Rugged Tablet PC First Look Review

Have you ever wanted to surf the Web, check your email, or play solitaire during the middle of a torrential downpour (while outside)? What about wanting a notebook that will never have heat problems from dust build-up inside the exposed heatsinks? Well for those of you wanting a convertible notebook that can stand up to almost anything, look no further than the DRS ARMOR C12 convertible 12" notebook. This thing can take almost anything you throw at it, without hurting it one bit.

The ARMOR C12 rugged tablet. (view large image)

DRS ARMOR C12 Convertible Tablet Specifications as reviewed (base price $3,050):

• Processor: 1.2GHz (ULV) Intel Core Solo Processor U1400
• Memory: 2.5GB (512MB soldered x 2GB removable)
• Storage: 60GB hard disk drive, removable, shock-mounted
• Display: 12.1-inch sunlight-readable LCD (XGA: 1024 x 768)
• Input: full-size 84-key keyboard with backlight, pressure-sensitive touchpad, 6 Tablet buttons (10 functions)
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC
• PCMCIA card Type II
• Secure Digital (SD) memory card
• Interface serial port, analog RGB output (UXGA: 1600 x 1200)
• 3 x USB 2.0
• Mic/line in mini jack (stereo), line-out mini jack (stereo)
• LAN (10/100/1000 Ethernet), 56 K V.92 modem
• Wireless LAN integrated IEEE 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi
• Audio monaural speaker, PCM record / replay
• Weight: 5.2 lbs. (2.5 kg) including battery
• Dimensions: 11.2 x 10 x 1.9 inches (28.4 x 25.5 x 4.8 centimeters)

Build and Design

The DRS ARMOR C12 notebook is designed to take a massive beating with transmitting the least amount of shock and vibration to the internal components. The sides and corners are all protected with thick rubber padding, the hard drive is suspended inside a foam bay, and every single external port is covered with a flexible rubber cap.

The C12 chilling in the snow. (view large image)

Build quality is top notch with the entire chassis being a durable alloy. Screen flex is non-existent, even under strong pressure from your hands. The entire body is sealed from outside conditions, including the notebook cooling system that is entirely passive.

Display

The display is a passive 12" touchscreen that is readable even in direct sunlight. One nice perk with the tablet design is they moved the screen's brightness controls to the outer edge of the screen, so you can adjust the screen even when the tablet is in the slate position.

Storage

The hard drive is a standard 2.5" model, suspended in a cage of foam, deep inside the notebook. A thick metal panel provides access to the drive, which is connected by flexible cable to the motherboard. This isolates the drive from shock, giving you reliable system performance even in stressful environments.

Ports

Front view of the C12 with hand strap. (view large image)

Left side view of the C12. (view large image)

Right side view of the C12. (view large image)

Back view of the C12. (view large image)

Under side view of the C12. (view large image)

Performance

This notebook has an Intel U1400 Core Solo processor, running at 1.2GHz. You might be asking why it doesn't have a faster processor, or even a dual core model, but you have to remember that the notebook is passive cooled. Any excess heat is dissipated through the metal chassis and not through a vent. System performance was very peppy, regardless of the slower processor. With the lighter operating system load of Windows XP, the notebook flew through all basic tasks.

Comparison Results for PCMark05

PCMark05 measures the systems performance as a whole.

HDTune Test:

Stay tuned for our full review of the ARMOR C12, which will be coming later this week, and find out how well this rugged convertible notebook holds up against my slippery butter finger treatment. As you can see it has already been tested in the Cincinnati rain and snow.

The C12 submerged in the snow. (view large image)