Evaluation of Two Fully Rugged Laptop Computers for the Forest Service
Test Methodology
The evaluation started on August 9, 2007. Three General Dynamic GoBook XR-1 laptops and one Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 were delivered for testing. Environmental tests included operation during extremely hot or cold temperatures, rain/moisture resistance, drop/shock resistance, and ability to withstand vibration. Feature tests evaluated the touchscreen's brightness and visibility, the battery life, benchmarking performance, GPS accuracy, and WLAN and WWAN capabilities.
A systematic method (Choosing by Advantages) was used to determine an overall score for each laptop based on individual test scores and weighting factors. Weighting factors were determined by polling personnel from different resource areas about the attributes that are most critical for their use of rugged laptops in the field.
A questionnaire developed by MTDC was distributed to 20 law enforcement officers, half of whom were using CF-30 laptops and half of whom were using XR-1 laptops during field evaluation of a new software application for law enforcement officers. Respondents were asked to provide feedback on how well the laptop they used performed during everyday operations and to give their impressions about certain features. The questionnaire's findings are presented in appendix L.
After MTDC's testing was completed in late August, General Dynamics introduced a new touchscreen (DynaVue) that enhances screen visibility, especially in sunlight. The DynaVue screen version of the XR-1 laptop was delivered to MTDC on September 10, 2007. Lack of time and funding prevented MTDC from completing full tests of the XR-1 laptop with the new DynaVue screen.
Preliminary testing shows that the DynaVue screen is much better than the previous XR-1 screen when viewed in direct sunlight. The effects the new screen might have on other tests have not been determined. Initial tests indicate battery life will be reduced 28 percent from the previous XR-1 touchscreen model. Performance benchmarking was not affected by the new screen. More tests should be completed to determine whether the new DynaVue XR-1 laptop passes tests for shock, moisture resistance, operation in extremely hot and cold temperatures, and ability to withstand vibration.
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