Pete Teague on Rugged Laptops and Toughbooks

I've written both short and long articles and reviews on Toughbooks; how to choose one, why to choose one and so on. In fact, I use a Toughbook myself. My working for a company that sells these things has little to do with this or any of the other articles I posted. Rather, this article is intended to boil the ocean down a little and share with you on one page what you need to know and this is based on my own experience. So, let's get to some cut to the chase questions and answers.

Where are Toughbooks used? In a harsh environments where a laptop needs to be impervious to shock, vibration, drops, temperature extremes, spills, being used on battle fields, just plain used outside or on-the-go.

Typical Placement? In the cabs of police and EMS vehicles; field utility vehicles, OTR truck cabs, traveling health care, auto shops, machine shops, on boats or ships, ATVs, military sites, by landscapers and in field geophysical work, etc.

Are their alternatives? You can buy “rugged” laptops from HP, Hitachi, General Dynamics and a few others. In my experience and judgment (having seen these things in action), non can stand up to a Toughbook and its durability and value.

Are Toughbooks a cure all? Not unless you're regularly working in the environments noted above or will be driving with a computer at your mobile side as much as the gear shifter on your steering column or a screw diver in your tool belt are.

What about mounting? There are suppliers who provide piece-part and complete in-vehicle mounting systems. Find them at www.ram-mount.com, www.bobjohnson.com, www.gamberjohnson.com all have selection wizards and great histories.

Any risks in vehicle mounting? Yes. Please visit the selection wizard noted above at (especially Panasonic). Also visit our page for safety tips, buying considerations and suggestions.

Are all Toughbooks equal? Some are fully rugged, some semi rugged some are business rugged. Fully rugged means covered ports & keyboards, semi means tough as nails but don't spill water on it. Business means take it on a business trip.

How do I select a Toughbook? Visit our Toughbook review page for starters. In June of 09, that site will offer a detailed selection guide to help you choose the correct Toughbook or decide if you need one at all.

Can I play games on a Toughbook? Yes but that is not what they are intended for. If you want a gaming computer, look at Dell, Acer, IBM, HP or the like. Those are more gaming centric with tons of memory, souped up video, high resolution, Etc.

Can a Toughbook be a game machine? Yes, but why would do that when there are other solutions already made for that purpose and in the end cost less than what it takes to buy and “soup-up” a Toughbook intended for different purpose.

What about GPS & Wifi? With little to no configuration changes the average Toughbook (even an older one) was meant to be used with GPS, Wifi and related devices. They are generally wireless ready or capable depending the operating system.

Are there Toughbook Savings? In more ways than one. Check out www.panasonic.com for an ROI (return on investment) calculator. Consider purchasing a used but refurbished Toughbook (w/a warranty)– it can save you up to 80% from new.

How do I fix a broken Toughbook?. There are tips and hints and live support at http://www.fixya.com/support/panasonic/ and at www.bobjohnson.com BUT! be mindful of the warranty implications. Your best bet is to find a repair provider.

Do Toughbooks hold their value? Indeed they do. Not only in terms of price/performance, but also in trade in and resale value. Even a two or three year old Toughbook will fetch more on a trade or resale than a traditional fully loaded laptop.

Any other advantages? Yes, such as daylight and night readable screens, locking mechanisms to deter theft, designed specifically for harsh and unforgiving use and abuse, parts, options and upgrades are readily available, history of success.

What are the downsides? Not many. But what comes to mind is: Weight – they are a bit heavy (5 to 9lbs), aesthetics (they are not all that pretty), pricey (if new) but, “you get what you pay for”. On balance, you just can't kill these things.

The author of this piece is W. Peter Teague who is the Sales & Marketing Manger for Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff, Inc. A leading provider of rugged laptops, traditional laptops, desktop computers, repair services and asset management programs. If you have questions or input on this or any other article from us, please contact Pete via our Contact Page or via email.