Latest generation of rugged laptops for soldiers to include Intel i7 processor, Windows 10

Some next generation of rugged laptops for the battlefield will include Intel’s 7th generation i5 and i7 processors, in addition to the latest Windows 10 operating systems and improved graphics capabilities, industry developers said.

Industry believes this combination will give downrange tactical leaders the edge needed to fight adversaries.

These upgrades to the laptops must still meet the MIL-STD 610G standards designed by the Department of Defense to ensure equipment can meet the harsh conditions of the battlefield, Pentagon officials explained.

Included in these standards are assurances about the viability of products in the face of water immersion, sand and dust, humidity, and shock, among other things. Less defined standards, like the security of the hardware, is also weighing on the minds of acquisitions personnel.

For instance, DOD went through the process of upgrading its computer systems to Windows 10 earlier this year. One important reason for the switch was the additional measures of security provided by the platform.

The competition in designing these products remains tough. Smaller companies like Gammatech, whose recently upgraded Durabook 8300 includes 7th generation Intel processors, Intel HD 620 graphics packages, and Windows 10 operating systems, must stand up against computing giants like Panasonic and Dell who also make MIL-STD 810G laptops.

It’s likely that in coming years, this competition will become even more fierce as the services look to expand the situational awareness of tactical leaders through applications running on these platforms.

For example, the Army is currently looking to replaces its Distributed Common Ground System platform which manages intelligence analysis from the tactical to the strategic level. Those on patrol and at lower levels of command use platforms like these in order to run operations and remain aware of the latest information from the battlefield.