"Ruggedized" Mac mini for military debuts
updated 10:25 am EDT, Wed May 9, 2007
"Ruggedized" Mac mini
VictorSystems has unveiled a hardened Mac mini computer designed to withstand hostile environments in the military and aerospace industries. The new mini features "ruggedized" peripherals that enable users to access Mac OS X applications in locations that were not previously possible. The Rugged Mini Computer System comes packaged for ground support application, but is reconfigurable for use in other hostile environments, according to VictorSystems owner Vic Cohen. "One cooling method or packaging method will not fit all." A demonstration mini is presented on the company's website, with peripherals constructed from aircraft grade aluminum alloys. The mini itself is supported by an aluminum space frame made form extruded rails and finned heat sinks, while covers are constructed from wrought plates fastened and bonded using electrically conductive epoxy.
Terrorist Hackers
05/09, 11:20am reply
I wonder how many WINDOWS viruses and hacks our military has?
Macs on the battlefield!!!! Now thats the way to go. If I had my choice, I'de pick my powerbook/Macbook pro anyday over a Windblows machine.
I wish there was a ruggedized powerbook.
ronjamin
Baninated
Joined: May 2002
hmmm
05/09, 11:48am reply
I wonder how rugged they can truly make this. You can put it in a rugged case, but the components have the same operating temperature limits, the components (memory chips) are not secured for high vibration etc.
That being said, make the case a little nicer with decent cooling and it could work well in a car or home control setup.
simdude
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2004
i want a bigger case
05/09, 02:12pm reply
I wish Apple had a version of the Mac mini in a case about 2x the height, to give it a bit more space between the components to improve the cooling and room for a faster 3.5" hard drive.
(two full size DDR slots and a GPU that doesn't suck cold molasses through a dirty oil filter would be good too)
resuna
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
Rugged or Radio Shack?
05/09, 06:17pm reply
I think I saw this equipment in a Radio Shack in Topeka back in the '80s.
debohun
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 1999
re: look and feel
05/10, 10:14am reply
wow, click through to the full image. it looks almost exactly like the good ol' apple //e they were using on LOST through season 2. ;-)
rok
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 1999