A rugged laptop, sometimes listed as a "ruggedized" laptop, is a computer that is built specifically to handle extreme situations and weather conditions. Many rugged laptops are water- and dirt-resistant, resistant to drops and shocks, and can operate in both very hot and very cold temperatures. These kinds of laptops are great for anyone who has to work outdoors for any length of time, such as people at construction sites, on geological surveys, and in the military.

I chose the Getac S510 as the best rugged laptop for its highly customizable configurations for a wide range of applications like emergency response, construction, and even in mechanic's shops and manufacturing plants. It's built with an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 CPU, which uses AI to boost multitasking efficiency, and features robust military-grade shock, drop, moisture, dust, and electrical hazard resistance to protect delicate electronics and sensitive information from damage. Rugged LaptopPrice Storage CPU Getac S510 Contact for pricingUp to 2TB SSDUp to Intel Core Ultra 7 165UAc

Laptop manufacturers helpfully label these systems as "semi-rugged" or "rugged," with a few niche companies devoting their entire business to rugged portables. This makes it easier to separate rugged laptops from ones that may have some ruggedized features but aren't marketed to those who need specialized systems. The rugged laptops listed here are from major manufacturers in the space (Dell, Panasonic, Getac), including some with which ZDNET staff have had hands-on experience. For more on how we test laptops, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology.