A rugged laptop is specifically designed to work without fault in particularly extreme conditions. They are built with these tough conditions in mind; more traditional laptops are for the most part less effective in such conditions. Generally, ruggedized and hardened computers are the same things, with identical specs and designs. Rugged laptops, rugged computers and rugged PDAs are traditionally used by construction workers and ETAs. Rugged Systems are a UK leading supplier of rugged laptops, rugged PDAs and rugged computers. Check out their website for more details.