Hello MARMAMers:
As promised I have compiled information on rugged-ized and semi-rugged-ized laptops. Because I did not receive many replies from MARMAMers, I decided to do some of my own research and summarized this below with links. The few replies I received are posted at the bottom of this msg.
Overall, most people who owned rugged-ized and semi-rugged-ized laptops did not seem overly-impressed with their performance. Fully rugged-ized laptops are usually quite expensive (> $3k but see Systemax Review below) and often offer compromised performance and/or features. There it is important to identify what features are important first (e.g. screen read-ability, processor speed or battery life) and determine whether the model you are interested has these features.
I received several suggestions to use a standard (i.e. non-rugged-ized) laptop with a pelican case for transporting and storing at sea. Although this approach works well in boats with a closed canopy or cabin or dry-space, I would not recommend it for small (i.e. inflatable) type boat use. An even cheaper (and riskier?) approach is to wrap your laptop base in clear plastic wrap. As long as the plastic covering is inspected and replaced frequently, I have seen this technique work well for some low salt-water exposure situations, but as we all know, salt-water electronics do not mix well, so the extra money for a waterproof or resistant laptop may well be worth it.
On of the biggest issues with all laptops is screen-readability for outdoor use. There is a very good review (see link below) on how to evaluate screen readability with some examples of laptops with good and bad screens in this respect. Most standard laptop do not give an option for outdoor type screens.. Note also that touch-screens have reduced screen readability in sunlight.
It seems that for all but the most extreme conditions, a semi-rugged-ized laptop with a good pelican case might be the best solution. Some links to specific semi-rugged-ized laptops and rugged-ized laptop reviews are provided below. Everyone’s computing requirements and working situations are different, therefore it is not possible to recommend any laptop for everyone’s needs.
Thank you for your input and I hope this information is useful to you.
Tom Norris
Bio-Waves Inc.
USEFULL LINKS
A Guide to Ruggedized Mobile Computers
http://www.groupmobile.com/RuggedComputerGuide.asp
Ruggedized Laptop Reviews:
http://www.ruggedpcreview.com/
Systemax Laptop Review
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3979
Panasonic Toughbooks (most models)
Semi-ruggedized laptops
Dell ATG
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/16/dells-ruggedized-latitude-atg-d620-launched-reviewed/
Panasonic
http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/laptoptabletpcreviews/p/pantoughbookw4.htm
Good review on laptop screens and readability for outdoor use:
http://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_technology_outdoor_readable_notebooks.html
MARMAM RESPONSES
The only ruggedized we can purchase is Panasonic & Itronix through the NMSO and the Itronix GoBook III's failed miserably in durability, warranty return and screen brightness.
So the Panasonic CF-30 is now the only one we purchase and so far has been an excellent field use PC.
The only semi-ruggedized I've dealt with is the Dell Latitude ATG starting around 1800. and so far the four I built last year are still going strong with two thumbs up from the users. The screens are perfect on those at 500 nits and they've had no issues whatsoever.
--Sean MacConnachie
Fisheries and Oceans Canada | 3255 Stephenson
Pt. Rd Nanaimo BC V9T 1K3
Government of Canada | Gouvernement
du Canada
Make/Model/year of laptop: Panasonic Toughbook from 2004 (we call it
the 'wannabe', though- as in wants
to be tough...) I THINK ours was like a 30, but it was purchased
in 2004. Sorry, don't have it here. Perhaps they have upgraded the rugged
features to cover
the screws and hinges completely for corrosion protection and have a better
screen...
Was it a ruggedized model?: Yes
How long did it last?: approximately 4 months at sea, lots of land-based
field work, still runs
Was it durable enough for field work?: good on land, terrible at sea
How often was it used in the field? (e.g. how many times a month)
approx a week at sea/month and
Was it exposed to vibrations or ‘slapping’ from use on a boat? yes
Was it exposed to fresh or salt water spray? yes- salt, some light rain:
screws rusted, signs of corrosion, terrible 'weatherproofing' for at sea
conditions! Not tough at all- signs of wear from the first cruise it was
exposed, despite the strong-looking metal casing.
Was the screen easy to see in sunlight? no- esp. not in a boat- ok on
land because we had more control of shading the screen etc.
Was the pointing device easy to use? no, because you couldn't see
the screen!
How long was the battery life (if needed)? long- a few hours, I think.
no probs there, we just always had an alternate battery
Would you buy or recommend this computer again for fieldwork? NO NO
NO!!!
Additional comments/recommendations: It was also VERY heavy- which was the downside for land-based field work. I know this is an older model, but I wouldn't purchase from them again unless they have made some serious upgrades!
---B Gamble
Can't help much with performance - as I have just purchased the hardware- but for price - you might want to consider tablet computer in a waterproof case. For me this was a Fujitsu model ST5100 series with an Otterbox housing.
- Greg Early
I looked into them but found the cost to computing performance ratio was a rip-off. The physical sturdiness sounded quite impressive, but we needed computing power. Peli cases + careful handling are a good ways to protect a laptop.
Simon Keith
Science Assistant
WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Make/Model/year of laptop: Toshiba Tecra A7, 2006
Was it a ruggedized model? No, but considered one of the more durable laptops.
How long did it last? Still using it, only because I can't afford anything else.
Was it durable enough for field work? Only just.
How often was it used in the field? (e.g. how many times a month). 4-6 times per month
Was it exposed to vibrations or ‘slapping’ from use on a boat? Lots, used on boat.
Was it exposed to fresh or salt water spray? No, in cabin.
Was the screen easy to see in sunlight? Impossible.
Was the pointing device easy to use? Manageable, but not good.
How long was the battery life (if needed)? Less than one hour, I had to buy and external battery that lasts ~4 hours with a full charge.
Would you buy or recommend this computer again for fieldwork? Never.
Additional comments/recommendations: will never use again!
Anna Hall, PhD candidate
Marine Mammal Research Unit
University of British Columbia
I have both the rugged-ized and the semi-ruggedized Panasonic's both of which I have used in the field and on boats. Here are my pros and cons:
Rugged-ized
-the keyboard is super small so very frustrating if you have more to do on it that say work with navigational software.
-the one we had did not fair well in cold weather (and I'm not talking super cold i.e 0 to -1) on the boat. The mouse pad would mal funtion basically rendering it useless. Once it warmed up both in the open cabin of the boat and the computer itself things got better.
-never dropped it or soaked it, so can't comment there.
Semi-ruggedized
-use this one as my main laptop (still using and it is a CF-51 and I think a 2006). like it and it works well in the field. Have had it in the snow and rain (though not for extend time frames). If anything, if they have upped the memory in them then go bigger.
Make/Model/year of laptop
Was it a ruggedized model?
How long did it last? both still going, I think the ruggedized is a 2005 model
Was it durable enough for field work? so far so good
How often was it used in the field? (e.g. how many times a month) the ruggedized, average four days a month on the water
Was it exposed to vibrations or ‘slapping’ from use on a boat? ruggedized was yes, no problems with vibrations or slapping, used on a 24ft aluminum with covered but open cabin
Was it exposed to fresh or salt water spray? both very minimal, the semi-rugg. saw probably more rain than anything else
Was the screen easy to see in sunlight? no, it is about the same as any other computer (i.e. not great)
Was the pointing device easy to use? rugg. no good in cold
How long was the battery life (if needed)? the semi-rug has a great battery life when new (atleast 5-6 hours straight), but I have noticed with age this is deteriorating slowly.
Would you buy or recommend this computer again for fieldwork? I would pick the semi-rugg over the rugg. as long as you can keep it out of direct harm (too much water etc)
Additional comments/recommendations:
Nicole Wallace