~Toughbooktalk~

I'm just wondering what you guys do and why you have a toughbook.

I normally see them being used by police and service technicians. Is that the main crowd or am I missing something?

Thanks
Rob

Rob I use it just to have peace of mind knowing that I don't have to baby the dang laptop lol

Rob,

So you are paying a good amount of money extra so you don't have to take care of your stuff? I don't understand the logic. If i bought something so expensive I would protect it more.

Rob

I design & repair electronics.

A good part of it is often 'on site' working on either heavy machine tools or packaging machines in food factories.

I like Toughbooks because they are extremely well made, have amazing battery life and a serial port, which is rare nowadays. They are also relatively easy to upgrade (eg. Bluetooth & GPS added in this one).

I do look after them & they have always been kept in good quality case (presently Tech Air for my CF-29).

They do end up floating about in the car with various toolboxs and loose equipment, which does not seem to bother them but the two none-toughbooks I had prior to my first CF-27 did not last long...

I use them because if I go to work and forget my vest I can stick one inside my shirt.

I am a Firefighter/EMT I use my CF-29 for department training records, shift scheduling, I carry it in my command vehicle for mapping, and I also take it out and around on different units when we go out for hose and equipment testing to record data.

I would break a cute expensive laptop. A Dell would not last long in the back of a HMMWV bouncing down the road in Fallujah. My ToughBook is my field office. Reports, research library, documentation, data storage and after the GPS upgrade field navigation and convoy management.

I like my computers like I like my women.... Rugged, flexible, dependable and bullet resistant.

Me, I use mine mostly because it is rugged, reliable, and oh so cool. Plus the gubberment gave it to me, I mean you did.

I was first introduced to ToughBooks working as a service technician for the local gas utility and then was able to make the swap over to the IS department where I now repair/ maintain them. I bought one personally for my part time job in the Army National Guard (well full time for the next year). Like GunHog said, you can let it roll around in a HMMWV, rucksack, or wherever and not have to worry about sand, water, or damage from drops.

I have been surprised by how much attention my CF-29 has gotten from my fellow soldiers though. They are sometimes issued by the military so people recognize them, but they seem shocked that I bought my own. My answer is usually, "Why didn't you buy one instead of that cute, fragile little netbook?" Sure mine weighs three times as much, but it will be the last one still running after a year in the sandbox, GUARANTEED!

Storage of hi-def footage from motorbiking around europe & some RTS gaming.