Hi Michael, I have used toughbooks in pretty extreme conditions, snow, cold and dusty, they have performed very well. For traveling in a pack I keep them in a static proof zip-lock you could also throw in a desiccant pack. I have not used them in rain for more than a day or two, but I don't think there's anything out there short of a rubberized touch-screen pocket pc that will perform better. If you need a full pc with a keyboard they are a good choice.
Having said that, I never go in the field without a pencil and waterproof notebook:) Peter ******************************************* Peter Kirchner, Graduate Research Scientist Sierra Nevada Research Institute University of California, Merced -----Original Message----- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of megan klaar Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 12:35 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] waterproof laptop recommendation Hi Michael and Anita I used a Panasonic Toughbook for field work in southeast Alaska, and have to say, I was rather disappointed. It performed ok in downpours, but not the constant drizzle, when the mouse would go haywire, and the computer would freeze up until it was allowed to completely dry out. Perhaps it was a fault with my computer, but still something to bear in mind. Regards Megan Megan Klaar PhD student- Hydroecology University of Birmingham, UK > Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 14:11:15 -0700 > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] waterproof laptop recommendation > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU > > Hi Michael, > > I have a Panasonic Toughbook (CF-Y4) that I am very happy with. It is lightweight (about 3 lbs), resistant and the battery lasts for 6-7 hours. They tend to be a bit more expensive, but I bought mine refurbished from this site and have not had any problems. > > http://www.toughbookxchange.com > > Anita > > Anita I. Stone, Ph.D. > Assistant Professor > Department of Biology > Grand Valley State University > Allendale MI 49401 > USA > Office: (616) 331-2812 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Michael Russell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I am requesting a recommendation for a waterproof laptop. I am confused by the adverts of "rugged", "semi-rugged", etc. My needs are fairly simple - a laptop I can use in the rain (it doesn't have to be tough enough to be dropped from a building!) - lightweight for carrying out to the field and rainproof. I would appreciate any informaiton anyone could provide - thanks in advance. > > Michael Russell > Biology Department > Villanova University > Villanova, PA 19085 > USA > > Voice: 610-519-4695 > FAX: 610-519-7863 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > www.homepage.villanova.edu/michael.russell/ _________________________________________________________________ Win Indiana Jones prizes with Live Search http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/msnnkmgl0010000002ukm/direct/01/
