EMP 370

ACME Portable Machines, Inc. offers their EMP 370, a large-scale rugged portable computer with a 17-inch non-glare screen, detachable 108-key keyboard and seven open card slots. The EMP 370 is built around a shock-resistant aluminum "lunchbox" style case that is the essence of user functionality. In addition to its large keyboard and screen, the system provides dual cooling fans, two 5.25in and two 3.5in bays for shock-isolated disks, CD or DVD drives, and space for seven full-length PCI, ISA, or PCI/ISA expansion cards. A Genesis 5621 analog-to-digital conversion board is already included, mated to the ATX backboard. A 10-key pad and fingertip mousepad are part of the package. Overall dimensions are just 13 1/2 x 17 x 9.5 inches. The EMP 370 is designed for those field service applications where laptop computers are not flexible enough to do the job. These include geophysical data acquisition, law enforcement forensic (CSI) work, factory floor, forest service, and fire and medical emergency applications, among others where performance and ruggedness are equally important. An amplified speaker is included for in-field presentations. The standard 17-inch screen comes with tempered anti-glare glass but can be replaced with an optional transflective sunlight-readable LCD for making presentations in bright daylight.