So, since graduating from college last June, I’ve been hired to the illustrious position of Cable Technician. I’ve already broken one laptop at work, and am looking for a replacement. I would like it to be able to take a fall and to be open while I drive without breaking the hinges (Streets and Trips with GPS is a lifesaver in this industry). Are there any Toughbook users out there? Would you recommend the extra expense? Anyone have any other suggestions?
Toughbooks are OK but they are 2-3 times as expensive as non-ruggedized machies with comparable features & horsepower. If hinges are the weak point a tablet style notebook might be a better choice.
I’ve used Toughbooks and found them kind of glitchy. They get incredibly hot and several of them on our project crashed. We did use them in kind of extreme conditions (Iraq in summer), but my experience I don’t think I’d use them again. Also, they weigh a ton.