Rugged notebooks are typically more about function over form. They are often big, boxy machines that look like a suitcase more than a typical notebook computer. Rugged machines are also typically larger and heavier than standard machines.

Getac has announced its latest rugged notebook called the 9213. The machine is built with a magnesium chassis and a shock mounted hard drive and LCD. The notebook is designed to handle bumps, drops, and mishaps that go along with using a notebook on the road. The machine also has a spill resistant keyboard.

GPS devices re nice and many of the automotive GPS devices can be used when you are walking as well. The catch is that the typical automotive GPS device is far from rugged and one drop onto the driveway can kill the machine.

Getac has announced a new rugged GPS/PDA device that can withstand drops and more. The device is ruggedized to meet MIL-STD 810F and is IP54 certified. The machine offers 8-hour battery life and has a 3.5-inch touch-enabled screen with an option for a screen readable in full sunlight.

TabletKiosk earlier last week revealed a rugged new Tablet PC, created in partnership with mobile computing company Getac. It is called the g840XT and you’ll find it will cost you in the neighborhood above $3,000.

The TabletKiosk g840XT is a 8.4-inch Tablet PC which combines a rugged design, shock mounted hard drive, GPS, sunlight readable display and a fanless system into one package for mobile workers in rough environments. It runs Windows XP Professional and offers as its chipset an Intel Stealey A110 ULV processor.