[Acoustics] laptop recommendations

[McBride, Daniel J MVR]

Dan--

We have used a Rocky (Amrel) ruggedized laptop with Rio Grande ADCPs for a
few years in various conditions.  It has performed well in rain, sun, and a
couple trips in 30-degree weather.

Last fall we purchased a Panasonic CF-29, but we have only used it with a Rio
Grande once.  That was in December, in sub-freezing weather on an all-day
deployment.  It performed well overall, but there were a couple inexplicable
system crashes that might or might not have been cold-related.  Each time, we
were able to collect data fine after a reboot (it happened 2 or 3 times over
2 days).

The Panasonic is a bit nicer to lug around, but I'm not sure if that means it
loses some ground in the "ruggedized" area to some of the heavier, bulkier
models.  Also, having the wireless networking built-in is a plus, in my
opinion.

Good luck,
--Dan McBride

Daniel McBride
Hydrologist
U.S. Army Engineer District, Rock Island
Water Quality and Sedimentation Section
CEMVR-ED-HQ
Clock Tower Building, P.O. Box 2004
Rock Island, IL  61204-2004
Phone: (309) 794-5720   Fax: (309) 794-5584
E-mail: daniel.j.mcbride at mvr02.usace.army.mil

-----Original Message-----
From: acoustics-bounces at simon.er.usgs.gov
[mailto:acoustics-bounces at simon.er.usgs.gov] On Behalf Of Daniel G Wydra
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 8:33 AM
To: acoustics at simon.er.usgs.gov
Cc: James M Ellis
Subject: [Acoustics] laptop recommendations

Good Morning All,  I have a very short window of opportunity to purchase a
laptop for use with our Rio Grande ADCP.  I need a unit that will perform
well in cold, harsh environments so I decided to look at ruggedized
versions of the Panasonic, specifically the toughbook 29 or CF29.
Considering the price of these units is around 4000$ , I'm looking for
input prior to the purchase.  Any advise or guidance on these laptops or
other ruggedized units would be appreciated.  Dan

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