Notebook for Military Deployment

Well the number one laptop for harsh enviroments, and for Military use is the Panasonic Toughbook. Depending upon the model you get, they can be fairly light or REALLY heavy.
Unfortunately the last order of Toughbooks I placed was 4 years ago. So I am not up to speed on their available models or prices.

However, they are the only laptop I have ever heard of that can take a bullet, or take being completely submerged and still work.

Randy

a tough book isn't necessary b/c he will not be taking his notebook on patrols/convoys/raids etc. My biggest suggestion would be to buy a notebook with a GOOD WARRANTY that will last the duration of the deployment, you will obviously have to make sure the warranty is valid overseas. This way you can ship it back to the states for repair. Secondly I would suggest getting only what you need to run WoW, no need for a 7900gtx or 160gb HD keep it simple and fairly cheap b/c chances are you won't want the notebook when you get back to the states (not like you won't have enough money to buy an awesome notebook when you get back anyways) My suggestion would be an ASUS S96J you can get one of those from Gentechpc for $1000-1100 it will easily play WoW, just make sure and check if the warranty works overseas or if you can somehow insure it. Also I'm sure if you ask enough people that have been deployed they will share their tips on keeping sand out notebooks and how to effectively get sand out when it sneeks in.

I have nothing to add to this discussion other than expressing gratitude for the service you provide our country, bocephas. Soldiers rock!

1. Any notebook will work fine, just make sure you have access to compressed air and wet (computer) wipes. When stored, make sure it is in double plastic bags. Toughbooks are really expensive and not really needed, unless you're taking it on patrols with you.

2. Like mitcity22 already mentioned, get a good warranty. One way to get around this is to ship the laptop back to your family in the US and get them to make the warranty claim. It will take a little longer. Also, be aware that while a military address is a US address, most companies use Fedex/UPS who have an aversion to such locations. You can bypass this by buying a laptop from a PX/BX/NEX/MCEX (though it probably won't be as good a value as you can get outside).

3. Take the games with you and don't expect to play online games, unless you are on very select bases.

Regards,

zakaluka2.

I would still look into getting something cheaper (you may plan on keeping the notebook when you get back and in this case you should probably get what you want as far as size, specs wise) though I would still say look at the S96J, much better GPU (x1600) than the 7400 and you can get a fairly nice configuration for a little more than 1000 dollars, that includes a 2 year warranty which will of course last the duration of your deployment.....at least I hope it would. Also I will add that a 12" screen will probably such for playing WoW, especially if you plan on playing for an extended period of time.

First, thanks for your service!

Second, since you'll be deployed in the desert, you should definitely consider the Toughbook line. More info here: http://www.panasonic.com/business/to...-computers.asp

Even following the recommendations to keep your NB sealed up when not in use (and I don't think military duty is quite that predictable) and even if it were only exposed an hour a day during use/play, desert sand/dust/micro particles is still going to start eating away at your system. Sand really does get in everywhere - even when you don't think it's getting in.

If you want something that will last for your tour and beyond, you should give it serious consideration.

Alternatively, maybe you can check with other folks who've been there and they would have good recommendations.

I second (or third) the warranty part. I would also spring for what Dell calls "complete care." I believe it also covers accidental damage, like spills and falls.

As far as I know, the warranty and the complete care are different. Just my speculation, but I do not think that the warranty cover accidental damage.

way worse, like I said before a toughbook is NOT what you want. They aren't ment for gaming at all and besides that I am positive that you won't be taking your notebook outside your FOB. Get a regular notebook, choice depending on if you will keep it when you get back and get a warranty for it.

Most of the people above are right in what they're telling you. On the one hand a Toughbook will survive the conditions you are talking about because the 'higher end' ones are completely sealed to the enviroment. In fact, to my knowledge the Toughbooks are already issued as standard kit to the military anyway.

Because they are sealed, I doubt you are going to find one with a high end videocard mainly because there is no vent to disperse the heat a decent 3d graphics chip generates.

Sanpabloguy is right in what he tells you that if sand gets into your lappo it will destroy it very quickly. I don't think you have a choice here anyway. If WOW is the priority you will have to go with a standard notebook and protect it as best you can. Hope this helps...

bocephas70,

Here's some more info for you (Buying advice, First post of thread being things to consider before buying a HP mostly-, but info applies to other mfgs as well)

BTW Plenty of TECH TIPS within the thread... on all kinds of things, issues. One post for example having a couple of links to the varous GPU's (video cards) used in notebooks that you should READ thru before buying ANYTHING.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=86901

I'd also consider other mfg's.... Consider the SUPPORT after the sale. This gentlemen finally getting he money back from HP after multiple failed attempts at repair, going with a Clevo M570U instead:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/show...9&postcount=18

Another option as noted by mitcity22 above is maybe the Asus S96J, x1600 GPU. A fairly nice configuration for a little more than $1,000 dollars, + a 2 year warranty sound good to me.
(That and any warranty may be null and void overseas so double check warranties from mfg to mfg)

(Note there may be a "newer model out now, point is shop around the various mfg's... and Check the GPU links in the above thread to see where this or that GPU "places". )
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2975

Also keep in mind during your research that:
A: In a few months the SANTA ROSA machines with be out.
B: Buy only what you NEED to run your apps...
(Last time I checked WOW has very low requirements, so if you can find a $500 /$1,000 computer (for example).... buy that, use it, and when it dies buy another $500 machine 1.5 -2 years from now... That next $500 /$1,000 being the ones being sold for $2,000-/+ now spec wise...
C: SAND..

I guess what I'm saying is buy what YOU "need", sort ot stupid to buy a $2,000 computer when a $500 /$1,000 computer will do.

.
.

The case of the vanishing post, by Sherlock Holmes!!!

ROFL...Toughbook is a horrible idea! Bro, my buddies brought their i9300 and XPS Gen 2 downrange last year and they were the marvel of their work centers. Although we're all Air Force so forward deploying and convoy duty weren't factors we had to consider. That 17in widescreen monitor and good sound was great for the lot of us so I could recommend nothing other than an e1705 or m1710 if you got the $$$. Dell even provided warranty support to our APO address so that was an added bonus. Plus if you game, there's always someone wanting to run WOW, COD, or CSS and it'll payoff not to be stuck with the junk video cards that 15" lappies provide. I'm sure you're use to lugging crap around too (damn those chem bags :P) so an extra 6 pound laptop that most say is a bit bulky/heavy is gonna be feather weight for ya. Best of luck to ya and stay safe!

My opinion of you just went through the roof...

Remember those pesky little forum rules you agreed to when you created your account?

Definately go for a panasonic toughbook. My father bought a centrino 14 inch panasonic toughbook about 2 years ago. Its still working fine no problems the keyboard is the best I have ever seen in a laptop. The material its made of is lightweight and sturdy as heck. It weighs about 3 pounds and is excellent for surfing or office work. Take a look at the Panasonic Y5 it should meet or exceed most your expectations for a laptop... http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp...5&displayTab=O

This just came out and has the dual core intel chip on the model so, so it should be able to tackle WoW with the onboard video.

Do you happen to know where your deploying to? If your pretty close to the Euphrates or Tigris then sand isn't something you really have to worry too much about. KBR has set up decent living quarters in most of the major U.S. bases, if you get to live in one of these then it's just like living in any cramped trailer apartment. If your at a major base that is crowded at the moment, then you will probably be living in a large tent (probably w/ wooden floors & electricity outlets) or a large warehouse (w/ outlets). Are you Army? (if so what MOS?)

For most soldiers/contractors going over to Iraq, a laptop is something I would recommend as one of the most important things to distract you (when you need distracting) from everything else going on over there. At the base I was deployed to, at Taji, Iraq about 20 miles N of Baghdad, probably about 40-60% of the peps there either brought a laptop over there or bought one at the PX there. Camp Taji offered pretty nice KBR trailer barracks, personal internet access (albeit slow & pretty costy & apt to be down some of the time), and several "Iraqi DVD Stores" (selling pirated DVD's/Games; installing PS2/XBOX 'Chips'; etc.).

Basically you should be able to use any laptop you would want to purchase. It needn't be any sort of "Toughbook". A good warrenty is good idea. I brought an Inspiron 9300 over and brought it back untouched. But be sure to be able to secure your laptop case, as when your in Kuwait (usually staying in large tents) and if you happen to be staying in a tent/warehouse in Iraq, because theft can be a issue.

bocephas, I think you should consider your notebook to be rather "disposable" due to the harsh environment it'll have to endure. Don't buy an expensive one, and opt for the "An elephant shit on my laptop. Please replace it." type warranty.
As careful as you'll be to not get sand grain in it, you will get dust in it, and the bearings in the fans will eventually fail. The hard drive will probably be alright for the duration that you're there.
Dust may even find it's way in between the membranes of the keypad under the keys, possibly inhibiting contact of some of the keys.

When you do choose a laptop, consider figuring out a way to filter the intake air for the fan vents. Obviously too much of a restriction will be counterproductive (to the point of being downright detrimental). I'm thinking like a thin layer of gauze...breatheable, but can catch dust, and be replaced cheaply on the fly.
Perhaps a laptop cooler will help.
Install a free fan utily program. That way, you can shut the fans right off and monitor your CPU & GPU temps, and turn them on only when you really need them.

And then finally, I recommend a a felt lined aluminum case for the laptop instead of a bag. Dust is less likely to get in, and you could even run a bead of silicone caulk along the lip of the case and let it dry so it forms a gasket-seal when you close it. Things won't be able to smack into it, etc.

I sure hope you find something good. Document it's use throughout your tour with pictures of it being used in a harsh environment. -Maybe when you get back the manufacturer will give you a new super-system if you send in the photos for promo purposes!


(Thank you, bmwrob. We're lucky you came along to straighten everyone up.)

@Mikemex:

@Marqo:


@OP: my own suggestion would be to buy a relatively inexpensive machine from Dell or any company which offers the (can't recall exact name) complete warranty/accident insurance coverage - if it can be had for situations like your own where the machine will be overseas. Good luck with the machine and the trip "to the desert" from an old, ex-Marine.


My own too sense. (Yeah, I know it's spelled wrong-having a little fun just to lighten the mood).