Posted: 3/24/2004 8:11:35 AM EDT
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Gentlemen, Our Task Force is about to purchase 2 new laptops and I could use some assistance in research. We're looking for ruggedized laptops for use in harsh environments. I was wondering if anyone knows what model laptops the military has in use as these should fit the bill. Thanks in advance guys. E-95 |
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Quoted: That's what we by here at HQ Air Force Reserve Command for our units! Haven't heard anything negative about them! That's actually what I'm looking at currently. There are a number of other off brands that I've never heard of but I'm reluctant to recommend them based on my inexperience with hardened laptops. Do you know what model Toughbook you guys use? E-95 |
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I was a firm believer in the Panasonic Toughbooks till I had a chance to mess with one of these bad boys. [url]http://www.dolch.com/html/home_dolch.html[/url] [img]http://www.dolch.com/Images/Flex6main.gif[/img] This is what the Navy and Marine Corps are getting from the NMCI contract. The Navy and Marines still get the Panasonic Toughbooks for use during aircraft maintenance (all of the maintenance pubs are on the laptops) Reviews: [url]http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/computers/dolch/[/url] |
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Quoted: I was a firm believer in the Panasonic Toughbooks till I had a chance to mess with one of these bad boys. [url]http://www.dolch.com/html/home_dolch.html[/url] [url]http://www.dolch.com/Images/Flex6main.gif[/url] This is what the Navy and Marine Corps are getting from the NMCI contract. The Navy and Marines still get the Panasonic Toughbooks for use during aircraft maintenance (all of the maintenance pubs are on the laptops) Reviews: [url]http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/computers/dolch/[/url] That is definitely a hoss of a computer. Any idea what the price tag runs on one of those (federal grant money has specific expenditures for certain item types)? E-95 |
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Quoted: I think they go for around $5,000. Well, that fits within the price range but it looks like it would be a little difficult to setup while enroute to an incident. I did however take a look around their site and like the NotePAC. Had any experience with one of those? [img]http://www.army-technology.com/contractor_images/dolch/NotePAC_1s.jpg[/img] E-95 |
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I'm an outside tech for Verizon and we are using the Gobooks. They have been good so far. Only weak point I've seen is in the dc power plug. They will break or pull loose and the unit has to be shipped back to them for repair. I saw a demostration of the Panasonic Tough Book last month. A 200 pound guy stood on top of it and didnt break the screen or hurt it in any way. Pretty impressive. Itronix GoBook [url]http://www.itronix.com/[/url] |
| amrel, or rocky computers, used by a lot of govt entities, waterproof, shockproof, awesome, but not cheap, you could drop kick them with no problems, i have owned one, just sold it, it got too outdated, but never failed, water, heat, and drop, shock, no complaints, i think they are the best for a hardened laptop |
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E-95: I am currently eyeball deep in a project that will eventually deploy about 100 CF28 Toughbooks to all county EMS/Fire-Rescue units: Rescue, Engines, and Towers. (The CF28 model is being replaced by the CF29.) These will be used as mobile data terminals that will display call locations real-time (with map) and will also have limited "chat" communication with the Comm. Center. I also used a CF28 to build a HAZMAT unit for the HAZMAT team. It has a boatload of programs on it, many of which interface with sniffers and other equipment. I can tell you that after building, re-building, and working with these laptops, that they are fairly sturdy machines. I have not put them through any sort of stress test since the idea of breaking a $5000.00 machine does not seem wise toward my career. [:)] The county that I work for has deployed them for property inspectors and all Sheriff Dept. patrol units. That may be a clue. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to drop me an email. -White Horse p.s. I am the computer geek who supports 29 Fire Stations, Public Safety, and the 911 Comm. Center for a county in FL. |
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Thanks for all the assistance guys. After a little more research I found an article in the April issue of Laptop Magazine that rates some varied rugged notebooks. They performed benchmark and durability tests on the following models: [b]Itronix GoBook II[/b] [b]Panasonic Toughbook CF-29[/b] [b]Rugged Notebooks Rough Rider Junior Model W130[/b] (nice name [;D]) [b]Xplore iX104-TPC[/b] They also mentioned the new HP nr3600 (not sure if it's on the market yet) which was developed in collaboration with Itronix and they say it is virtually identical to the GoBook II. The Toughbook CF-29 came out on top as their Editors' Choice. Couple that with the outstanding personal reviews from a few military contacts and the advantage of a big brand name and we've pretty much made our decision. Unfortunately Miltope and Dolch sales departments never returned my voice mails so they voluntarily dropped themselves from the running. Thanks again guys. E-95 |
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