rockdirect Hardbook review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Chris Stevens

Reviewed on: 15 September 2005

Tags: rockdirect, rockdirect Hardbook, US, storage, wireless

We like:

Solid chassis; capable processor; matte screen

We don't like:

Ineffective screen catch; easily breakable tray-loading CD drive; exposed vents on base

You might also need:

Some users might find an external monitor and mouse useful

CNET UK judgement:

Not every commuter expects to take a bullet before breakfast, but those that do can rest safe in the knowledge that, compared to most laptops out there, the Hardbook is your best chance of survival. It's body armour in a laptop-shaped case. Performance might not be out of this world, but if you need a machine that will keep running come hell or high water, this is it

Full review:

Out in Iraq, they use laptops that are different from ours. In a skirmish towards the beginning of the war, a US soldier got caught in gunfire with nothing to defend himself but a Panasonic Toughbook 72. BusinessWeek reported that this soldier held his Toughbook over his chest and seconds later it caught a bullet which ended up lodged in the hard drive, ruining his Minesweeper high scores, but saving his life. Continue Reading...