The integrated graphics core means that this is never going to handle complex 3D graphics, but it does score a fairly respectable 550 in 3DMark 06, which means it will handle video and general graphics perfectly adequately.
Thanks largely to the choice of processor, the battery performance is pretty impressive. Under a continuous heavy load, the 7800mAh battery lasts pretty much exactly four hours before giving up. Under general use, owners will get between six and seven hours of runtime, depending on screen brightness and wireless activity.
The B300 also sports an 'Eco' button which will help extend the battery life by turning off all the communications modules, lowering the screen brightness and slowing down the processor. Those in need of even more duration than that can opt to replace the optical drive with a second battery.
The optical drive can be replaced with another battery for extended runtime
We were pretty impressed by the E100's 800cd/m² sunshine-readable screen, but the B300's 13.3in, 1024 x 768, 1200cd/m² screen is truly astonishing. That said, this is an optional extra - as standard, the unit comes with a 500cd/m² panel.
As well as the usual components, this model can come with optional GPS and cellular connectivity modules.
COMMENTS
@AC1 and AC2
"It sounds like it's got an ordinary hard disk. Wouldn't a SSD be more rugged?"
That might be the case, but a lot of this kit is designed to work with datalogging equipment etc. which probably works better with older H/W (hence the serial ports)
"for that sort of money you could buy three or four standard ones, and replace your lappy every year when it gets trashed."
Picture the scene, your in your tent in the arctic wastes, and your cheap laptop gives up the ghost. Who's going to courier you a replacement?
Another possible reason for using the case as a heatsink might be to keep the batteries warm and prolong battery life.
Very nice, but...
for that sort of money you could buy three or four standard ones, and replace your lappy every year when it gets trashed.
I bet it wouldn't survive the abuse I saw one laptop receive, it was an architect's Tosh Libretto (ancient Eee-pc alike) that had a trowel's worth of wet plaster, along with the trowel, dropped on it from about 20 ft overhead. I don't think it worked too well after that...
Hard disk
It sounds like it's got an ordinary hard disk. Wouldn't a SSD be more rugged?
Hrmm...
I've fooled around with a Panasonic Toughbook before, so I know where I'm coming from when I say that you'll want to not bother with the optionals except for the second battery. Laptops just *love* to suck the life out of your batteries.
Take it or leave it; it's just too expensive compared to a 900$ Toughbook.
What about the important tests?
Is it proofed against
* marmalade in the usb port (small child)
* coffee on the screen (reading el Reg)
* paperclip in the network port (slightly larger small child)
* the cat using it as a warm sleepy place
* beaten with a wooden spoon (very small child)
