Abstract: A ruggedized mobile computing system for a motor vehicle includes a ruggedized mobile computing device, which can be mounted in the trunk or other convenient location, and a suitable user interface system, such as a display screen, keyboard, etc., mounted in the vehicle cabin. The computing device can accommodate user-removable, plug-in electronic modules that perform specialized processing, communications, control or other specialized tasks relating in some way to the vehicle mission or purpose. The device has a ruggedized enclosure made of a durable material such as sheet metal or high-impact plastic. The enclosure can include a guard that protects cables extending from the front panel from being damaged or inadvertently removed. Cooling and warming systems can be included that maintain the enclosure environment within suitable operating temperatures in hot or cold weather.