Dell's new rugged laptop

[TEJASYOTA]

I am digging this TOughbook U1.

Running about $2560.
If I had to get a laptop or tablet version, I would want a small version.

 

[DBS311]

I'd be curious to see how many people who have a tough-book (or similar) PC really only use it in the cab of their vehicle or in camp where its relatively easy to keep a standard laptop clean and dry. I'm guessing its more than a few. I think we'd all be surprised by how many researchers/ rangers/ field scientists etc. get away with a standard laptop in some very inhospitable conditions.

Who needs to use their laptop in the rain on a camping trip? Or walk around with it on the trail as a GPS? If you want a tough-book because their rugged and cool, get a tough-book. I have no right to tell people not to get toys just cause they like them. If I did that I wouldn't have half the stuff I camp with. We all get the 'best' sometimes not because we need it but because... well its the best.

Don't know if your post was directed towards mine, but I would like to clear a few things up. When I said that I used mine for all things and as a GPS, I was talking in-car. Toughbooks are way too heavy for use as a hiking GPS. I wouldn't even consider it because of weight and impracticality. As far as using it in the field or in bad conditions, I see that regularly with my work. We've been issued Toughbooks in the past because everything else would break (we've even broken our fare share of Toughbooks to be honest). Regardless of how "inhospitable" the terrian/weather/location is, a Toughbook is a great laptop to have for anyone that spends time outdoors.

 

[DaveM]

Don't know if your post was directed towards mine, but I would like to clear a few things up. When I said that I used mine for all things and as a GPS, I was talking in-car. Toughbooks are way too heavy for use as a hiking GPS. I wouldn't even consider it because of weight and impracticality. As far as using it in the field or in bad conditions, I see that regularly with my work. We've been issued Toughbooks in the past because everything else would break (we've even broken our fare share of Toughbooks to be honest). Regardless of how "inhospitable" the terrian/weather/location is, a Toughbook is a great laptop to have for anyone that spends time outdoors.

I was directing my comments to anyone who was considering one for recreational use more than work. I'm looking at it from the backcountry travel perspective. I know these ruggedized PCs are great for outdoor use, I'm playing devils advocate a bit in arguing that they are far from necessary for average to even moderate adventure travel.

 

[RocTrac]

I don't know, usually when I am on the trails I am doorless and sometimes topless, that is wear the sunlight readable and dust proof come in. I have a standard GPS that I use but the screen size is a little small. Entering in notes or names is alot eaiser with the laptop/tablet as well. Also the availble mapping software is much better. You can intergrate OBDII into your display to moniter your engines performance under different conditions as well. Also, it may survive the kiddos at home a little better. How many of you have had to clean juice out of your high dollor electronics or wipe crayon off of the big screen? The ruggen laptops are also Koolaid proof (shame not koolaid stain proof):ylsmoke:

 

[762X39]

I just took delivery of my Panasonic "semi rugged" Toughbook (model 52). First thing I noticed was that the screen is readable in full sunlight and the keyboard feels great. Since I use a laptop in the field (usually by the side of a busy highway at an equipment cabinet) this issue is huge with me. I checked out the Dell "tough" laptops and a local company purchased 12 of them for under $2200 each, they are really nice but I like my screen way better.

As far as Havens comment that you get an $800 computer in a $4000 package, you are pretty much right but for those of us for whom a failure results in holding up a crew of electricians, a crane at $1000 an hour and running over time means the ministry is fining some company at $1000 per day, my $2100 was well spent.

The main reason for my "Toughbook" purchase was the built in serial port.There are lots of things out there that use serial ports and always will. The usb to serial dongles out there infuriate most of our staff. They work with some programs and equipment but not others. There is nothing like wasting a day trying to communicate with some piece of equipment and realizing the problem is the serial converter. Anybody want a box full of them, all types and brands?