Laptops out in the dirt

[Dadoose]

Presently listening to the net on the Keller machine. Topic is laptops for off-road.

Great points about the various options. May I suggest a solution to the coffee-spill issue? Rather than worry about keeping the keyboard on your laptop clean, simply cover it with a heavy plastic bag and plug in a separate keyboard. Same as those used with desktops. I know one may use those special keyboard covers, but plastic bags are cheap and there may be plenty stuffed into that plastic grocery bag hanging somewhere in the kitchen. My (desktop) macally board even has a plastic shield inside. Keeps out the crumbs and liquids very well, thank you. I suspect other after-market keyboards also have decent protection from spills.

Some of the more compact laptops, Mac and PC, have keyboards that are on the small side. I am a touch typist and find it a pain to use those small keyboards. An E-book or note book has an even smaller keyboard. The separate keyboard takes care of that matter.

In addition, separate keyboards are FAR less-expensive than the keyboard (or a the repairs to one) on any laptop. I have seen them in thrift shops, even, for bargain prices.

As for shock damage, the hard drive is the most fragile piece, other than the screen, and a solid-state HD might be the cat's meow for shock resistance out on the GOOD roads. Dirt roads, of course.

Gotta get back to where I can hear the net.

73,
Steve

[cruiserlarry]

Welcome aboard, Steve.

Using an external keyboard is a great idea...I use a Toughbook, so the keyboard is pretty watertight, but the larger remote keyboard would be convenient...

Better yet, don't put your coffee on or near your computer (or any other electronics you might want to keep working properly...

Post up your call sign, and we'll add you to the OAUSA Amateur Radio Operator list...

[DaveK]

Presently listening to the net on the Keller machine. Topic is laptops for off-road.

Great points about the various options. May I suggest a solution to the coffee-spill issue? Rather than worry about keeping the keyboard on your laptop clean, simply cover it with a heavy plastic bag and plug in a separate keyboard. Same as those used with desktops. I know one may use those special keyboard covers, but plastic bags are cheap and there may be plenty stuffed into that plastic grocery bag hanging somewhere in the kitchen. My (desktop) macally board even has a plastic shield inside. Keeps out the crumbs and liquids very well, thank you. I suspect other after-market keyboards also have decent protection from spills.

Some of the more compact laptops, Mac and PC, have keyboards that are on the small side. I am a touch typist and find it a pain to use those small keyboards. An E-book or note book has an even smaller keyboard. The separate keyboard takes care of that matter.

In addition, separate keyboards are FAR less-expensive than the keyboard (or a the repairs to one) on any laptop. I have seen them in thrift shops, even, for bargain prices.

As for shock damage, the hard drive is the most fragile piece, other than the screen, and a solid-state HD might be the cat's meow for shock resistance out on the GOOD roads. Dirt roads, of course.

Gotta get back to where I can hear the net.

73,
Steve

Steve:

Welcome aboard. Good ideas. I think part of my solution might be getting the coffee and the PC separated so that spills are not as dangerous.

Glad you enjoyed the net.

[Dadoose]

Dave and Cruiserlarry,

Thanks for the welcome!

Steve

[hmfigueroa]

My only comment on the plastic bag issue is heat, the killer of many laptops. Many laptops draw air in through the keyboard area. Use a cup holder for your coffee. Heat is an everyday problem for Laptops, coffee should not be.

Hector

[unwiredadventures]

Welcome Steve! I missed the net last night.

I've lived with a laptop mounted in my last three trucks. So far no spills on the keyboard. The old IBM laptop has absorbed lots of dust and shocks without a problem.



I'm in the process of installing a carputer with solid state hard drive and a 10" touch screen on the dash. The carputer will allow plugging in a keyboard as needed.

[cruiserlarry]

My only comment on the plastic bag issue is heat, the killer of many laptops. Many laptops draw air in through the keyboard area. Use a cup holder for your coffee. Heat is an everyday problem for Laptops, coffee should not be.

Hector

Well, that's another way the ruggedized laptops spoil you - they don't use fans, and don't generate much heat, either. They also work in extreme environments such as the desert without much issue....