Thinkpads Forum

My current machine will need to be replaced before long. I understand that in-use durability varies with different models; some say those with an internal metal frame (-61, -42, others?) flex less and hold up better. OTOH, some of the recent models passed the semi-rugged test sequence.
The other alternative is the toughbook line, but I know nothing of them nor the service/support/driver/parts availability years down the road.

Thoughts?

If money is no object, I hear that the new T series are the way to go for sturdiness. I am the proud owner of a TP 600, one of the sturdiest models ever built. I have just recently bought an SL500. Before buying it, some of my research indicated that there was a slight bit of keyboard flex. I have been very pleased with it though, and it's a very nice laptop if you've always wanted a new Thinkpad but don't have the money. The SL500 has been retired I believe, and it has been succeeded by the SL510, as well as the 14 inch cousin of the SL500, the SL400, being succeeded by the SL410.

For slightly older models, I would suggest a T60 14.1" with SXGA+, such as my own (2008-VKL).
They are stronger than the 15" models.
Don't go for the SL series, cheap, ugly looking shiny plastic stuff.
If you need newer, and a bigger screen, look into the W500/W700 series.
If you do need the ruggedness of the Toughbook, then be prepared to spend a lot of money, and buy one.
There's no other laptop comparable. If you do get one, remember you will lose the trackpoint!

Having used (and owned) a variety of ToughBooks over the past decade, I'll say that nothing really compares to them. If you buy a U.S. model, you'll get good customer service and support. Should you end up with a non-U.S. market model, good luck because you'll be on your own. Been there and done that...but overall, they are fine and well-built machines, with excellent quality control applied.

Now, my only question being, do you really need a ToughBook? How much abuse is the machine expected to survive without a glitch?

For normal use, ThinkPads are well-built. If you're intent on climbing telephone poles or getting shot at, ToughBook might become your best friend...

Im in the Automotive industry, and have a ToughBook for GM, Ford and Chrysler use. HATE it, HATE it Hate IT! Did I mention I hate the thing! Uncomfortable to use, a pain to add peripherals to, hateful to type on, touch pad is heavy handed and generally I hate to use it.

That said, it is a great machine for what we do to it. Its been dropped, gotten wet and is used from 0 degrees to 150 degrees and has never given us any problems. There is no way on earth I think a ThinkPad would live with the carp that poor machine has been put through.

YMMV
Ron

@jronald:

What ToughBook are you using? My initial guess from your description would be along the CF-28/CF-29 lines...

Just being curious...

Dell has been making a rugged Latitude series.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/note ... =bsd&cs=04
http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/note ... =bsd&cs=04

I've never used them, but an alternative to the Toughbook.

I think its a 19

Ron

To me, "Dell makes a..." is just one more reason to buy from Panasonic. Or any other vendor. While Dell has been really popular, it also has managed to permanently turn off an awful lot of folks, perhaps more so than any other vendor. Very much the way that AOL grew huge, while churning a million customers every month, many of them not just quiting but vowing never to use AOL again.

I'd trust a box of sidewinders more than anything with the Dell name on it, they burned me once too often. If they gave away the machines for free in CrackerJack boxes, I'd still buy a computer from another company.