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You may be looking for a 'Lunchbox' style case.

I've seen these in military applications, it's a portable case (like a laptop, but thicker) that will let you use full-size ATX mobos.

One model (below) actually lets you fold three displays out of it (The "FieldGo M3")

This would give you the performance and cooling of a desktop, and (almost) the portability of a laptop.

http://www.bsicomputer.com/pro...

Nah, too much competition.

• BSI Computer - Ruggedized Portable Workstation
• C-Systems - Cyberchron Rugged Systems
• Germane Systems - Servers, Storage and SprayCool
• Metrica - CASS-M Ruggedized Server System
• Rave - Rugged & Industrial Computing

That's just a few companies I came across when I did a search for "ruggedized server". More specialized searches incorporating terms like "military" and "oil rig" would no doubt return interesting results as well. I am sure you can find many more results by performing some searches yourself. *ahem*

Of course, none of these systems are particularly inexpensive, but I think if you want a reliable system located at your site (as opposed to going the remote computing route) then you are going to need to spend several times the cost of a comparable non-ruggedized system. You could look at buying used or reconditioned equipment, checking with computer surplus dealers (especially those that have offices near military bases, petrochemical companies, et cetera), visiting eBay and perhaps even writing some of the manufacturers in question and asking if they would be willing to sponsor your server.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

I ran across this googling "industrial pc for low temperature environment" (without the quotes):

It's specs say it has an option to go down to -20C operating temperature.

Mobile Desktop

KFG

I guess BSI has been completely overlooked. Granted it's about 35lbs, but it's rugged!

Sorry about the link (it got a blank space in it), I'll use href this time, here it is again: FieldGo M5 Me dumbass, I just found there is an ATX model, the FieldGo R9. Holly S, that way I wouldn't have to sell my actual ATX motherboard, I could even dream about upgrading later (much later) to a double cpu one (would 2 fit in?, I think so). Anyway I don't think there is a barebones deal, I'm not buying anything else. Why would they make an expensive and sophisticated case and then load it with expensive unsophisticated components?. Yes, of course. Nite all.

Sorry about the link (it got a blank space in it), I'll use href this time, here it is again: FieldGo M5 Me dumbass, I just found there is an ATX model, the FieldGo R9. Holly S, that way I wouldn't have to sell my actual ATX motherboard, I could even dream about upgrading later (much later) to a double cpu one (would 2 fit in?, I think so). Anyway I don't think there is a barebones deal, I'm not buying anything else. Why would they make an expensive and sophisticated case and then load it with expensive unsophisticated components?. Yes, of course. Nite all.

BSI makes some inexpensive rugged laptops. Kontron also makes some unique field computers, particuarly the In Rave. Wescom also makes some field computers.

There are also about 85,600 more matches on GOOGLE. Just do a search for industrial laptops.

Here's something I've been eyeing for a while that just may be the perfect solution to your problem- The Lunchbox PC.

Anyone remember how back in the old days (haha) a lot of consumer-level systems were single-piece units with detachable keyboards? Good old luggables, like the Kaypro II and the slightly more recent Compaq Portable 386 are still around, albeit substantially updated and, if you're willing to pay for them, loaded to the hilt.

BSI Computer makes an entire line of fairly impressive luggables, ranging from older, AT-based systems to dual processor P3-933 or single P4-1.5GHz machines. And for those AMD nuts (such as myself), they also offer Athlon machines.

Probably the best-suited LAN party machine I've seen is the N9 ATX, which allows for standard PCI and/or ISA expansion cards (depending on the motherboard you choose), 3.5" IDE or SCSI hard disks (they currently offer drives ranging up to 75GB). My only concern would be the LCD screen, though the 1024x768 max resolution should be good enough for all but the most demanding gamers, and 15.1" isn't more than an inch smaller than virtually every 17" monitor. Besides, the whole machine's still going to substantially outperform any laptop you can come up with, and it's fully upgradeable.

Here's something I've been eyeing for a while that just may be the perfect solution to your problem- The Lunchbox PC.

Anyone remember how back in the old days (haha) a lot of consumer-level systems were single-piece units with detachable keyboards? Good old luggables, like the Kaypro II and the slightly more recent Compaq Portable 386 are still around, albeit substantially updated and, if you're willing to pay for them, loaded to the hilt.

BSI Computer makes an entire line of fairly impressive luggables, ranging from older, AT-based systems to dual processor P3-933 or single P4-1.5GHz machines. And for those AMD nuts (such as myself), they also offer Athlon machines.

Probably the best-suited LAN party machine I've seen is the N9 ATX, which allows for standard PCI and/or ISA expansion cards (depending on the motherboard you choose), 3.5" IDE or SCSI hard disks (they currently offer drives ranging up to 75GB). My only concern would be the LCD screen, though the 1024x768 max resolution should be good enough for all but the most demanding gamers, and 15.1" isn't more than an inch smaller than virtually every 17" monitor. Besides, the whole machine's still going to substantially outperform any laptop you can come up with, and it's fully upgradeable.

There are lunchbox sized computers, with an ATX style motherboard, and slots to add cards. There is a drop down keyboard on the front, with an LCD screen mounted behind of it. Something like that would have the power of a desktop, and still be somewhat portable. This site is one possible vendor. Check it out. BSI Computers

• Douglas' PC/104
• Controlled.com PC/104
• PC/104 Buyer's Guide
• BSI computers
• JENLOGIX SBC
• ECN July 1998 special

Also don't forget the wearable technology. The MIT Wearables and Yahoo:Wearables pages are good starting points. (I don't know where wearables.ml.org went to when DNS failed...)

The Wearable technology often uses PCMCIA-sized motherboards. Those pages have links to most of those boards. VGA/LCD, IDE, and the usual other interfaces are all on that one tiny card. Haven't seen sound on one yet.