One of the things I miss about covering smartphones is the designated “rugged” phone models, like Samsung’s Galaxy Active series and whatever weird phone is using the Caterpillar license this year. There’s just something satisfying about a gadget that can take more pounding than an inappropriate simile. Today, mini PC vendor Geekom is giving me a little of that old fun back.
A new promotional video for the Geekom IT15 (spotted by Tom’s Hardware), a model packing some impressive Intel-powered guts, shows off how much abuse it can take. The promotional page for the tiny 117x112mm desktop PC says that it’s using an “all metal frame and base” covered in ABS plastic, that can withstand 200 kilograms (441 pounds) of force without deforming.
And to prove it, the company ran over the thing with a car, smashed it with a bat like a very expensive piñata, dragged it behind a motorcycle, tossed it down some concrete stairs, blasted it with a blowtorch and CO2, and for a parting shot, ran it through a tumble dryer cycle. The little PC allegedly managed to boot up at the end of the ordeal, with only a few dents and scratches to show for it.
Granted, this is essentially a commercial by Geekom. We can’t independently prove that Geekom really performed all those tests on the same device, and that it didn’t need any TLC before it booted up at the end. But hey, it’s fun to watch. I suppose I should add that the mini PC comes with a 3-year warranty… that only covers the usual design and manufacturing defects. It very pointedly omits any mention of setting your computer on fire with a blowtorch.
If you’re interested, the IT15 boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 2TB of storage for a hefty $1,200. That’s way more than your typical mini PC, but I suppose your typical mini PC can’t play in traffic like this one can.
For more info on what mini PCs can do and how they’re surprisingly upgradeable, check out PCWorld’s videos on YouTube.