When one thinks of table computing, Apple’s iPad or one of the many Android-based varieties come to mind. Heck, maybe even a BlackBerry PlayBook or a now-defunct HP TouchPad. But try to think of a rugged tablet, and you may be hard-pressed to come up with any. In truth, rugged portable computers have been around for a long time, but they aren’t exactly the chic portables that you currently see billboard ads for. Take Glacier Computer’s new T507K, for example.The Glacier T507K is a rugged portable computer designed to be used out in the field where it is not suitable for traditional laptop, such as a warehouse floor or a construction site. The T507K is durable, and it looks it; it’s vibration and shock tested, and it’s drop-tested to withstand 6-foot drops on concrete. With a built-in 7-inch, sunlight-readable touch-screen and 64-key keypad, the T507K is powered by an energy-efficient, 1.6-Ghz Intel Atom Z530P processor and 2GB of memory. Storage is provided by a 32GB solid-state drive. Other features include Bluetooth, 3G, and 802.11n Wi-Fi wireless capabilities, GPS, 2MB camera, and a 2D scanner. It runs on either Windows XP or Windows 7.While the ruggedness screams outdoors use, clearly the T507K is meant for business. The 8-hour battery life and sunlight-readable display are perfect for camping or on hiking should one need to carry a computer around (although we don’t know why one would), the large dimensions and 3.7-pound weight are absolutely not. Since the specs make it essentially a netbook, you’re better off getting a regular netbook that’s smaller, lighter and more affordable, and keep it in a durable hard case. Or eschew a netbook altogether and get a rugged case for an iPad.Of course, the T507K isn’t designed with campers or outdoorsmen in mind, so we will never fault the product for that reason (although with a name like Glacier, they should release a portable computer with this type of user in mind). If you truly need a Windows tablet that can withstand the elements, however, the T507K may have what you need.