[plug] OT: mil spec laptop, nothing to do with linux but interesting anyway

[Steve Baker]

Panasonic Toughbook comes immediately to mind, they are (apparently) the 
best in this area.  There is also the iTronix GoBook, now owned by 
General Dynamics.  There are others, google for 'ruggedized notebook' 
(yes, with a zee).

http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/laptop-computers.asp
http://www.gd-itronix.com/

Whatever brand you go for, be aware that these are not cheap.

Regards,
Steve


Peter Sutter wrote:
> Enlighted ones,
>
>  It appears everything is fitted with a computer of some sort nowadays. 
> Trucks, Frontend Loaders, Cars, Boats etc, all appears to be computerised and 
> needs to be re-programmed from time to time, because it looses its marbles or 
> goes otherwise dead.
>
> I am after a laptop, preferably in a metal case, that can withstand outdoor 
> conditions like use in a thunderstorm, blizzard, desert, boat, can be knocked 
> around, doesn't mind to be dropped, drenched or otherwise misused and abused, 
> can run of its own batteries or if need be from 12V DC or 24V DC or 48V DC 
> on-board power and lasts for a lifetime, runs 'arrrgh' windows XP. Its 
> primary use is to connect to vehicle's 'diagnosis computer'  and exchange 
> communications with these 'onboard' devices under 'all-weather' conditions. 
> It is to be done by mechanics who understand very little of computing, but 
> have the training to use the software. For them it;s going to be just another 
> tool like a spanner or a hammer, that can be thrown into their toolbox and be 
> left exposed to the elements.
>
> What model/make/brand do you suggest or have in mind? 
>
> Thanks
>
> Peter
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