Harsh Enviroment Laptops

[Yobarnacle]

I've looked at the milspec harsh evironment laptops for sale. Vary between $1000 for semi-rugged to $5g and higher for super rugged. All claim low power CPUs for low heat. All claim waterproof or at least spill proof. All claim drop proof (sudden stop at terminus = forces> than boat motions).
Options include built in GPS and many other features most would like in a yacht system. On board GPS ect means no cables, less gizmos to buy, no integration problems, but in a component craps out, you have to buy a complete new computer or plug in an external unit after all.

I'd want a dedicated laptop with chart plotter software and GPS and AIS.

I'd use my home style laptop for email, movies, games ect.

Question: Anybody tried these? Recommendations?

 

[Yobarnacle]

nobody responded here but found this thread on different forumn
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/electronics-and-salt-water-5270.html

 

[troy2000]

I've looked at the milspec harsh evironment laptops for sale. Vary between $1000 for semi-rugged to $5g and higher for super rugged. All claim low power CPUs for low heat. All claim waterproof or at least spill proof. All claim drop proof (sudden stop at terminus = forces> than boat motions).
Options include built in GPS and many other features most would like in a yacht system. On board GPS ect means no cables, less gizmos to buy, no integration problems, but in a component craps out, you have to buy a complete new computer or plug in an external unit after all.

I'd want a dedicated laptop with chart plotter software and GPS and AIS.

I'd use my home style laptop for email, movies, games ect.

Question: Anybody tried these? Recommendations?

Field personnel in my company are issued milspec models of Panisonic Toughbook laptops. I used one for a couple of years when I was working pipeline instead of station; as far as I can tell they're virtually indestructible and totally reliable.

 

[Yobarnacle]

thanks Troy

I'm considering an ASUS very similar to Apple Air, same guts, aluminum case, Asus has larger screen and several hundred dollars cheaper, around a grand price. Asus has solid state hard drive. I'd install inside cabin and hook up 21 inch LED waterproof monitor and a cordless water proof keyboard in wheelhouse. The laptop will probably be obsolete before it's worn out. The monitor and keyboar hook up to practically any laptop. Monitor is about $400 but the keyboard less than $50. What do you think of that tactic?

 

[pool]

Field personnel in my company are issued milspec models of Panisonic Toughbook laptops. I used one for a couple of years when I was working pipeline instead of station; as far as I can tell they're virtually indestructible and totally reliable.

Same here: had Panasonic Toughbook for 3 years now, without any problem except a CD drive that froze (probably lack of use, exchanged under warranty).
You can hook up any external hardware easily via a port replicator.

 

[troy2000]

thanks Troy

I'm considering an ASUS very similar to Apple Air, same guts, aluminum case, Asus has larger screen and several hundred dollars cheaper, around a grand price. Asus has solid state hard drive. I'd install inside cabin and hook up 21 inch LED waterproof monitor and a cordless water proof keyboard in wheelhouse. The laptop will probably be obsolete before it's worn out. The monitor and keyboar hook up to practically any laptop. Monitor is about $400 but the keyboard less than $50. What do you think of that tactic?

That sounds reasonable to me, as long as the waterproof monitor also has waterproof connections...

My older son has mentioned several times how much he likes ASUS gamer laptops. Unfortunately, I don't take hints very well after seeing the prices. He'll either have to suffer along with the Toshiba Satellite I gave him a few months ago, or get a job.

 

[Yobarnacle]

I presently have an Asus, a cheap one, but has a big screen, and pretty good for gaming I think. I have a private WOW server on the hardrive and the WOW client. If I get in a snarley mood I go kill monsters for a while. Can't kill other players cause I'm the only player.
Apple Air is supposed to be cutting edge and Asus has a model 99% identicle. Reviews say apple keyboard and touchpad more sensitive, but Asus bigger screen and better sound. I'm heavy handed anyway. I pound the keys like on an old Royale typewriter.