|
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.
Build and Design
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)
- torage: 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)
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.
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.
Ports
|
 |
| Front view of the C12 with hand strap. |
Left side view of the C12. |
|
 |
| Right side view of the C12. |
Back view of the C12. |
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. |
