Dell just released thier new rugged laptop.
Dell's new rugged laptop
- Thread starter Lynn
- Start date
I'm not so sure about the "toughbook" models. This Dell is an $800 laptop in a $4300 package. You could purchase a couple of spare computers to swap in when the first one fails!
I'm not sure the "ballistic" armor offers that much more than the magnesium shell Panasonic originally offered. And a metal case would be a better heat sink than some composite shell.
Chip Haven
I'm not sure the "ballistic" armor offers that much more than the magnesium shell Panasonic originally offered. And a metal case would be a better heat sink than some composite shell.
Chip Haven
Outdoorsben
Observer
You can really get any SSD laptop/netbook and put it in a pelican case and have the same thing. Save thousands of $$$.
RocTrac
Adventurer
nope.
Outdoorsben
Observer
absolutely. A rugged laptop is shock resistance and waterproof. A pelican laptop case is waterproof and you can get an SSD drive and not worry about shock. Just a few other precautions and boom your all set.
DaveM
Explorer
yeah I don't really get it either. A "rugged" laptop is probably designed to operate in much harsher environments than the passenger seat of your 4x4. For transport a simple Pelican case would be ideal, when in camp a small amount of care and discretion will keep a normal laptop running just fine. A lot field jobs out there use normal everyday laptops and get by ok without the rugged features.
RocTrac
Adventurer
Are you able to use the laptop in the pelican case? Have you read the spec on the rugged laptops? How about the sunlight readable screen that is not availble on a "house" laptop. Water and shock are not the only thing that damages laptops dust and temps play a major roll as well. The connections for your periphs can be damaged as well if left unprotected. I am not saying that a rugged laptop is for everybody, it just has its place and cannot be so easily ummmmm rigged up. The specs are set for a reason. If it was so easy to make a "house" laptop survive then I am sure that there would not be a market for the rugged laptops.
DaveM
Explorer
I'm sure your right about the other specs. Sunlight readable screens are not exactly a "rugged" feature though, and just because there's a market for it does not mean it isn't a gimmick. I'm not saying these are a gimmick, just that's not a valid argument.
In the end I think the point about the pelican case is that it will get your laptop from place to place well protected and once your in camp a little care will suffice. Most consumer level laptops are not all that delicate. That will not be enough for the small number of people who actually need to use their laptops out in the open in a harsh environment but it's a perfectly good suggestion for the rest of us.
RocTrac
Adventurer
Okay, for my use. A standard laptop does not cut it. I am more concerned about dust and vibration, also I have not seen a sunlight screen avail on a standard laptop. Believe me I have looked. Needless to say I have cratered 2 laptops, both HP middle of the line. Was never able to read either in the sun and both died due to dust and vibration. Vibration caused the MB to crack on one. And no I did not drop it. So it may be a gimmick but it is a damn good one.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Panasonic has a pretty interesting write-up on how their notebooks are tested to meet/exceed the mil-spec for this kind of notebook (both toughbooks & this new dell meet or exceed the MIL-STD-810F specification).
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/df_test.asp#5
I'm hoping I don't need this level of ruggedness in mine 'cause it's darned expensive... but then everything tested to a milspec usually is.
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/df_test.asp#5
I'm hoping I don't need this level of ruggedness in mine 'cause it's darned expensive... but then everything tested to a milspec usually is.
craig
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
There are a fair number of "semi-ruggedized" computers that offer some ruggedization w/o being completely sealed to the elements. They can be dropped, shaken, and have sunlight visible screen options but don'thave 100% sealed keyboards and ports. They are popular for business travelers, hospitals, and warehouses.
For example, I use an EO Tuftab from Tablet Kiosk that has a beautiful sunlight visible display and has some protection from dropping. It is 4x as much as a comparable netbook, but 1/2 the cost of a similar fully ruggedized unit.
For example, I use an EO Tuftab from Tablet Kiosk that has a beautiful sunlight visible display and has some protection from dropping. It is 4x as much as a comparable netbook, but 1/2 the cost of a similar fully ruggedized unit.
DBS311
Adventurer
I guess it depends on what you use the laptop for. If you only need to break it out at camp to load photos, watch movies, etc., then use a Pelican case. Personally, I use my Toughbook as a GPS and all of the above. With a HD that is built into a shock-absorbing enclosure, protected motherboard, rubber keyboard (I can let it get wet, dusty, whatever, and not worry about it), and the fact that every port (USB, DVD, serial, etc., etc.) is sealed with a "door", it has never let me down. If I could only have one computer to take on any outdoor trip, it would be my CF-29.
DaveM
Explorer
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.
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.