DigitalBurn.com

In a new attempt to appeal to the rugged market, Asus has launched the B51E, a semi-rugged laptop aiming for those markets that are rough on their computers. The B51E offers a magnesium-alloy chassis that is sturdy enough to survive strong pressure and is braced by rubber edges that lowers the impact from a drop (up to 2.5 feet), as well as a keyboard that is spill-resistant on its own and includes a drainage path underneath to keep liquids from getting into core components.

Though its core is hardened, the computer offers some nice features, including processors ranging from a budget 2GHz Core 2 Duo to a 2.4GHz, Penryn-era equivalent. It also supports up to 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and 802.11n Wi-Fi. Some versions will ship with Bluetooth and/or a 1.3-megapixel webcam.

Although the company typically keeps its release information under wraps, Asus has said that the systems will ship with Windows Vista Business and will likely release in the US.

[via Electronista]

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