Impressive durability and a big screen for hard-charging field workers
Semi-rugged laptops are built for durability and endurance, plain and simple. That’s why you’ll see so many of them in challenging, rough-and-tumble environments like police cruisers, ambulances, industrial worksites, and the remote outdoors. The Getac S510 (starting at $2,171; tested configuration priced at approximately $3,522) is not only one of the biggest semi-rugged laptops, it’s one of the best.
The S510 exemplifies reliability and performance, with an impressive array of features. The 15.6-inch display has a sunlight-readable screen, and the list goes on from there: dual hot-swappable batteries, GPS, a carry handle, and an integrated barcode scanner. The S510 takes the crown from the Durabook S15 as our new Editors’ Choice for semi-rugged laptops with larger screens.Design: One Big and Tough Customer
All of the S510’s design is focused on survival, not sleekness. Its bulky, armored chassis—weighing about 5.2 pounds and measuring 1.5 by 14.8 by 10.9 inches (HWD)—dwarfs slim consumer laptops. (Given the weight, the flexible carry handle is a much-appreciated touch.) And the more you look, the more rugged the machine gets.
Just to start with the basics: The S510 features a sliding latch that keeps the lid securely closed, and its display hinges are stiffened to prevent wobbling yet open easily with one hand. From there, the specs get even more tenacious. The S510 has MIL-STD-810H certification—in other words, it meets certain military toughness standards, which ensure reliable performance in temperatures from minus 20 degrees to 145 degrees F. The laptop can also withstand drops of up to three feet, while its IP53 certification covers resistance to dust and exposure to rain or narrow streams of water. Fully rugged laptops like the Panasonic Toughbook 40 offer even greater protection, including a six-foot drop rating, a completely dustproof design, and enhanced water resistance, but with significantly extra bulk and expense.
The screen, meanwhile, has a brightness rating of 1,000 nits (candelas per square meter) and can be viewed in direct sunlight. While our demo model lacks a touch screen, Getac offers the option for a capacitive touch screen that accommodates input from bare fingers, gloved fingers, or a capacitive stylus.
Meanwhile, Getac shields the ports with dust covers for maximum protection, and they are clearly marked to identify what’s behind them. On the right edge, you’ll find a SmartCard reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a nano SIM slot for optional 4G or 5G connectivity. Another compartment houses dual Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and a USB 3.2 Type-A port, while the AC power jack is at the back corner.
More ports await around back. Under the protective cover on the left (viewing the laptop from the front), you’ll find an HDMI 2.0 monitor output, a USB-A port, and an Ethernet jack, while the middle cover shelters an optional second nano SIM slot. Open up the cover on the right, and you’ll see a serial port alongside two customizable port spaces. Our test unit includes a VGA monitor output and a second Ethernet jack, though you can opt for a USB-A port and a DisplayPort monitor output instead.
Swing around to the left side of the laptop, and our S510 shows off a barcode reader; it can be replaced with a second storage bay or a DVD optical drive. On the underside of the laptop, the dual batteries are designed for hot-swapping, while the M.2-format storage drive can also be swapped without tools. For connecting with the wider world, the laptop packs an Intel AX211 wireless card that supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Getac covers the S510 with a three-year warranty and includes Windows 11 Pro. A variety of accessories are available, including vehicle mounting solutions, protective screen films, and in-the-field battery chargers with two or eight bays.Using the Getac S510: Field-Tough, Yet (Mostly) Easy to Use
While semi-rugged laptops often prioritize toughness and gloved usability at the expense of comfort, the Getac S510 is surprisingly accommodating for light office tasks.
