We need a durable laptop to go to Iraq, any suggestions?

Question

My husband is leaving for Iraq and we want to be able to communicate efficiently and as much as possible. We also want a fairly inexpensive computer because it would be going to Iraq. He doesn't need gaming or anything, just a very basic laptop. Any ideas, especially from those who have been in this situation before? We've been looking at Toshibas. Thanks

Answer 1

Panasonic Toughbook.  They claim impact resistance, and also say it's good with heat and protected from dust/sand.

I took my MacBook with me, but I had a mostly desk job.  My computer traveled with me to my work center in the case, or stayed locked up in my living quarters.  Durability wasn't an issue.  Also, I only used it indoors, in climate controlled areas, so I had no problems there either.  I suppose my suggestion is get whatever laptop you want, but get a rugged case to travel with.  

But here's another thought.  From my experience, you can't really get internet service over there on your own personal computer.  But in my office, all the computers had it.  We need the internet for my job, and I just used that to do all my e-mailing.  There also should be some other site, like a library where he can get on a government computer and e-mail.  Though that's far less convenient, and there's often a waiting line.

One location I went to had an "internet cafe" where you could use your own computer, but had to pay by the hour for the internet connection.  I know a guy who wanted to use his built in camera to video chat with his family, and he dropped a lot of money paying for service.

They were trying to get wireless internet where I was in Iraq, (so we could get online in our living quarters) but it never happened.  Can your husband make contact with someone in his work center there and ask their advice?

Answer 2

I don't remember the name of it but Dell has a laptop that is designed for extreme conditions, including heat, dust, and the ability to be dropped around some.  It starts at around $800 i think.  

Answer 3

i would look into a Asus Eee PC, they are super inexpensive, and are very basic laptops, built just for accessing the internet

Answer 4

Okay, this one costs a bit of money and it is made by toshiba I think but it is totally worth it going to Iraq.  It is tough as nails.  You can drop it and is spill proof and I did watch a girl from Consumer Reports run over one with a Hummer and it still worked.

Check it out.

Answer 5

Laptops are precision products.

They are very sensitive to vibration, temperature, moisture etc...

So I'm sorry to tell you that CHEAP DURABLE laptops don't exist.

Panasonic 'Tuff Books' are what you are after. Very expensive, and limited performance too. But they will survive a 4' drop.

Answer 6

Panasonic Toughbook

Answer 7

acer laptops they r great very cheap   and durable

have camera and microfone    its like 400 to 600

Answer 8

Go Dell (start around $500)... they are inexpensive.

Sony Vaio (start around $800) is a great laptop, my fiancee' and I both have one and they are built sturdy, but pricey.

Answer 9

The Dell ATG laptop is designed to be very durable. Link is in the source.

Answer 10

there is a brand (i dont know which manufacturer) that is build specifically for rugged use.

i believe its called a Tough notebook/laptop.

Answer 11

I am currently in Iraq and i use a toshiba. It works fine. Just need to get a can of air to clean it out from time to time. they have them at all the BX's. I haven't had any issues with it. But don't try using it outside in the summer. it will over heat. but thats with any laptop here.

If you don't have internet hardwired, but they have wireless(most places i've been do) you might want to get something to extend your wireless range. i got a USB wifi adapter for like $30 and some USB cord(like 16ft) and put the adapter on my roof and ran the cord into my room to my computer. Works good now. Just a suggestion. :)

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I'm not aware of anyone that takes their laptops out in the field with them. So i'm assuming he's not and just leaving it back in his tent or trailer in most places now. So any computer will work fine. But if he plans to have to carry it everywhere he goes(like out in the field) then i would recommend a stong rugged durable computer.