If you are searching for a rugged compact digital camera, then you should choose Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 because it is shock, water, freeze, crush, and shake-proof. The rugged digicam has a 12MP CMOS sensor, and is claimed to survive underwater depths of 33 feet, drops of nearly 7 feet, and 220 pounds of pressure. Other features include dual image optimization, and face detection.
Olympus also offers the Stylus Tough-6000, which is less rugged. This camera is only able to fall 5 feet or go 10 feet underwater. Both cameras will be available next month for $400 and $300, respectively. [Gizmodo via Digital Camera Blog]
The Recon Scout robot looks like a dumbbell at first glance, but it is actually a robot that moves around on quiet electric motors. The robot can be controlled by a handheld controller within a 100 foot radius. Its remote control has an integrated display so you will know where to position the Recon Scout robot. The robot is also durable enough by a hard impact because it was specially built to survive a 30 foot drop onto concrete. [PopularMechanics]
If you want a rugged and water-resistant GPS navigation system, so you might need a “Crocodile.” Becker’s Crocodile is actually the nickname of the Traffic Assist 100. The gadget is specially made for motorcycles. It is a rubber-coated and offers a visual or acoustic warning signals for speed limits. The system also offers 2GB of integrated flash memory with preloaded Navteq data for 42 European countries with text-to-speech instructions in 28 languages. The large 4.3-inch color touch-screen display was designed to make bikers easy to control it. The Crocodile also comes loaded with more than 1,000 photo realistic 3D images of European landmarks, including the Reichstag Building in Berlin. The Crocodile will be available in October for about $438. [NewsWire]
Samsung’s new rugged phone, the GT-B2700, features quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE, 1.9 inch (176 × 220 pixels) display, an integrated FM radio, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, a built-in compass and altimeter, MP3 playback capability, a 30MB internal memory and microSD memory card slot. Measuring 115mm × 52mm x 18mm, this water- and dust-resistant phone will be released this summer for $330. [IntoMobile via Upcoming Cell Phones]
Here is the new rugged laptop from Asus. The Asus B51E is constructed from magnesium alloy and comes with rubber edge protection and a protective film to protect from scratches on the chassis and display. The notebook also comes with a keyboard with integrated drainage path that is capable of withstanding mojito spills of up to 120 cc / 4 ounces and tabletop drops from 75 cm / 2.5 feet. Its hard drive is floated on a sponge protection system. The ASUS B51E Rugged Laptop is powered by a 14.37-inch wide LCD screen with a Core 2 Duo T8300 CPU, up to 4GB of memory, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, up to 320GB disk, and integrated 1.3MP webcam. [Engadget via Laptop Blog] More
This is interesting! If you are looking for a USB flash drive that can stand up to being run over by a car, dropped in water, lit on fire, and dropped on the ground, you can buy the GoldKey USB Drive. The device also features 256-bit AES encryption, a PIN, and a fingerprint scanner. Watch the video after the jump. [Gizmodiva] More
Motorola comes back with its rugged phones MC75. This Windows Mobile 6 handset features HSDPA-based 3G for GSM networks, EVDO Revision A for CDMA networks, WiFi connectivity, 2MP camera with autofocus, 3.5 inch touch screen at 640 x 480 resolution, and Intel XScale 624MHz processor. There is no word on pricing, but the MC75 will be released this summer. [Electronista via Upcoming Cell Phones]
EDG has rolled out a new DiskGo secure Guardian flash drive that offers 256-bit AES hardware encryption and dual-channel SLC flash. This flash drive offers read and write speeds of 25MB/s and 16MB/s, respectively. It comes with a rugged anodized aluminum housing that withstand elements such as rough treatment, water, dirt and sand. The new DiskGo secure Guardian flash drive is available in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB variants that retail for $69.95, $99.95, $149.95 and $249.95, respectively. [Product Page]
iKey has unveiled a new industrial keyboard that is more rugged than industrial silicone rubber keypads. The device can withstand the harshest of environments with a hardcoated, textured, polyester film. The keyboard is also easy to cleanup. It is specifically made to withstand directed hose water, disinfectants, environmental contaminants and heavy use. The Synaptics touchpad is
completely sealed under an extra layer of PVC membrane, which extends the life of the product. [Product Page]
What makes the NEC ShieldPRO FC-N22A Tablet PC special is that it is able to work perfectly under extreme conditions (-20 to over 50 degrees Celsius). The tablet PC supports IP55 requirements compliance and is powered by Intel Core 2 Duo U7500 1.06GHz processor, 12.1 inch display with LED backlight and brightness level of 750cd/m2 (XGA resolution), 512MB RAM (upgradeable up to 4GB) and touch screen functionality. Unfortunately, the NEC ShieldPRO FC-N22A Tablet PC is priced at a hefty €2,800. [Akihabara via Laptop Blog]
