Need a rugged — and by rugged, we mean really rugged — full-featured mobile PC that also has integrated GPS capabilities? And have the cash — and we mean lots of cash — for such a device? Want one that is tough enough for soldiers out in the field? Then General Dynamics GoBook MR-1 may be for you. Over at our sister pub GPS World, military and government editor Don Jewell took one for a three-month test drive and has nothing but good things to say in his review; we’ve excerpted some highlights here.

It Is Tough; Don Says So

Says Don:

“Rugged: a very nice description of a great product, but it only touches the tip of the iceberg for this amazing little device. It is true that when the MR-1 was first released the government users and warfighters were purchasing it because it is a small, rugged (it can be dropped repeatedly on to a hard surface from three feet), and fully functional windows computer that is easy to use and fits neatly in a BDU (combat uniform) or flight-suit pocket.

“Then warfighters started using it in theater, and the rugged MILSPEC device was found to be able to handle everything Iraq and Afghanistan threw at it and more; it meets MIL STD 810F & IP54 specifications. Plus, it passed my ruggedness tests with flying colors. Please note that the device is water resistant, which means you can spill a cup of coffee or water on it or use it out in the rain and just wipe it off with no ill effects, but I would not recommend immersing the device in a liquid, although it did pass my snow bank test.”

SiRFstarIII  Receiver + Gee-Whiz Antenna = Amazing Reception

Says Don:

“The MR-1 comes with an option for an integrated GPS module and antenna. I cannot imagine having the MR-1 without the tightly integrated GPS capability. The MR-1 has a very sensitive high-performance quadrifilar helix antenna that allowed me to receive 5-6 satellites in a subterranean room with minimal windows. On the first floor of any building it was not a problem to routinely receive 8-10 satellites while indoors.

“Winfast Navigator GPS software comes standard with the machine. I ran several after-market GPS programs, and as long as they would load on a Windows machine they worked flawlessly on the MR-1. I incorporated TomTom’s street navigation software and received very accurate turn-by-turn navigation in my automobile. I loaded several military grid systems and they all saw the GPS module and connected with it seamlessly. That is the primary advantage of having a GPS handheld device that is first and foremost a computer with many integration capabilities.

“I connected an external GPS antenna only because I had one available from another, less sensitive machine that needed the antenna, but it became readily apparent that the internal helix antenna for the MR-1 was more sensitive than the external antenna. Although there may indeed be some circumstances where terrain masking might require an external antenna, I never encountered them, even in the Rocky Mountains.”

So there you have it: a full-fledged Windows PC that is small enough to be used as a handheld which can also double as portable navigation device for your car. Huzzah!

You can read Don’s full review over at the military and government section of GPS World’s website. But be forewarned; should the MR-1 inflame your gadget lust, it will also inflame a rather considerable hole in your pocket should you decide you absolutely must have one. They sell for more than $4,000 (you get what you pay for, when it comes to these type of producs), and it’s not like you can pick one up eBay (I looked) yet; you’ll also have to contact the company directly to find a reseller or to inquire about purchasing one directly.

Complete specs on the General Dynamics GoBook MR-1 can be found here.

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