This is cool, but if you want to see the proper extension of this style of computer, check out a Panasonic CF-31 Toughbook. They can be had for pretty cheap on eBay, and are amazing. In every way the opposite of the cost-cutting and cheap material you tend to see in consumer electronics. It’s the level of quality of a MacBook, but directed towards an ideal of “rugged” instead of “sleek”. Really a testament to what modern manufacturing can do when unbridled from the constraints of cost and popular aesthetics.
General Dynamics used to make these for the military - they're great for car diagnostics and such. The sunlight visible (transflective?) screen is a huge plus, and the whole thing is water proof:
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This is cool, but if you want to see the proper extension of this style of computer, check out a Panasonic CF-31 Toughbook. They can be had for pretty cheap on eBay, and are amazing. In every way the opposite of the cost-cutting and cheap material you tend to see in consumer electronics. It’s the level of quality of a MacBook, but directed towards an ideal of “rugged” instead of “sleek”. Really a testament to what modern manufacturing can do when unbridled from the constraints of cost and popular aesthetics.
General Dynamics used to make these for the military - they're great for car diagnostics and such. The sunlight visible (transflective?) screen is a huge plus, and the whole thing is water proof:
http://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_notebooks_itronix_gd8200.htm...
The CF-31 is discontinued, it seems? But other models are available.
https://na.panasonic.com/us/computers-tablets/computers/lapt...
The CF-40 is the replacement, but a zillion CF-31s can be had on eBay, many in pristine condition.
wow i just got banned by panasonic - rate limited
That's nice but no where near the "coolness" of the Recovery Kit, at first glance it just looks like any other laptop.