New laptop released

Itronix Corp., a Spokane company that makes rugged laptop and handheld computers, has announced the release of its most durable and fastest product yet.

Itronix is taking orders this month for the GoBook III laptop, which has a suggested retail price of $4,495.

The new model adds a late-generation Pentium-M processor and includes an optional advanced GPS system for use by customers relying on satellite tracking of mobile service crews or troop deployment.

The unit, according to Itronix Vice President of Marketing Matt Gerber, is now the most efficient, high-speed rugged laptop on the market. Gerber said it surpasses its chief competitor, the CF2 Toughbook designed by Panasonic, by having a longer battery life, better graphics and a faster processor that generates less heat than the Panasonic version. .

Itronix had total sales of about $130 million in the previous fiscal year and expects to hit about $150 million in the current year, which ends in April, Gerber said.

About $40 million in sales will likely come from government agencies, up from $25 million the previous year, he said. “It’s the fastest-growing segment of our business,” he said.

The company has sold about 3,000 GoBook II laptops to the Third Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, based at Fort Stewart, Ga., Gerber said.

Gerber said the GoBook III will become the cornerstone of Itronix’s sales and marketing efforts with military, industrial and utility customers.