I've got a client with multiple sclerosis. She recently bought a consumer laptop by recommendation from me. Within the last several months, it has come in for repairs for a dying harddrive, and broken power adapter. After a few long talks with her, i found out that she has a problem dropping the laptop on a semi regular basis (small distances from her powered wheelchair to the carpet, usually).

So I thought about recommending a toughbook, now that I better know her situation.

Can you guys think of any issues that she might come across using a toughbook everyday?

I'm open to other suggestions, too.

5/15/2009 12:00:12 PM

the price is pretty high for the performance...but that's the cost of tough, i suppose

5/15/2009 12:08:26 PM

yeah

The cost really isnt the prohibitive thing

she just hates being without the computer while it's in for repairs.

I found one for about $1700 are a quick glance.

Anyone know where the best place to buy these are?

5/15/2009 12:12:55 PM

the client i'm working with purchased about 100 of the smaller toughbook UMPCs for the project i'm working on right now and i've been really impressed with them

5/15/2009 12:20:19 PM

I have a Dell ATG. Its gotten airborne in my car before and keeps on ticking.

5/15/2009 12:37:42 PM

The toughbook is a serious computer for hard use. It's HEAVY though and people with MS won't be able to lug it around frequently.

Dropping it is fine, but having to pick it up?

I like them a lot. They aren't powerful but they will run almost every program and the Wi-fi reception is good.

The dell and other wannabes aren't worth it.

5/15/2009 12:52:49 PM

maybe a thinkpad, but I don't have any personal experience with dropping them and shit all the time.

5/15/2009 3:17:01 PM

^^ there are lighter 12" toughbooks now, weighing 5lbs instead of 8-10. but yeah still pretty damn heavy

5/15/2009 3:33:25 PM

^
Good to know they aren't so heavy anymore. I can comment I have worked with the things before. They are damn useful for field technicians, but suck for doing anything useful more than a small amount of typing or an occasional movement of the mouse here and there. I.e. They likely wouldn't be comfortable using for several hours at a time. If you haven't already, make sure you can setup a docking station type solution to avoid this.

5/15/2009 8:49:59 PM

toughbooks weigh a lot and don't have much for screen size. if she's going to keep dropping them though, then maybe it's a good idea.

I used a rugged tablet PC before with an external keyboard, but that might not work very well for a person with MS. They don't have all that much functionality either.

5/15/2009 10:48:28 PM