Tough Laptop for a Clumsy Friend

Riczter on 27/04/2013 - 19:19

My clumsy friend is looking for a new laptop. I want something that's tough and resilient, but doesn't look as ugly as those "ruggedised" laptops that fold into a mini military grade briefcase.

I want something that is thin as a normal laptop, doesn't weigh a tonne, and still looks aesthetically pleasing.

The first thing that comes to mind is Lenovo, but I personally find them quite ugly too. Are there any other options for normal consumer laptops that have stellar build quality, spill resistant keyboards and can take a few knocks?

Let me know what Lenovo models you recommend (I'm not familiar with their range) and if there's any others that look better.

I don't want to spend over a grand if I can help it.

Thanks
Ric

Computing

Comments

  • micm1991 on 27/04/2013 - 20:27
    +4

    The Panasonic Toughbook is used by Paramedics, the Police and the military. It is spill resistant and can apparently withstand being run over by a truck. I've dropped the one I use at work multiple times with no problems. However it is probably the exact opposite of aesthetically pleasing….

    Edit: I probably should have read the thing about not wanting a militarised hunk of metal… sorry

  • Davo1111 on 27/04/2013 - 20:40

    buy a cheap laptop. Get one that is "thicker" rather than an ultrabook. Replace with SSD

  • bob_wangkar on 27/04/2013 - 21:10

    Lenovo X1. Its tough.

    • scrimshaw on 27/04/2013 - 22:35

      And really, really expensive.

      A slightly cheaper (but less powerful) alternative: Samsung Series 9 ultrabook — has a spill proof KB and magnesium alloy chassis.

  • Riczter on 27/04/2013 - 23:40

    I figure the two most fragile components are the screen and the mechanical hard drive right? So an SSD is a good idea obviously. The Samsung looks good, nice and light and a strong frame.. Any other cheaper options?

  • jelko on 27/04/2013 - 23:46
    +4

    Why don't you get your friend a cheap laptop, so it won't matter if he breaks it. Just buy another one…
    Here's one:
    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/101292

    Alternatively your friend could act like an adult so he can have nice things.

  • Riczter on 28/04/2013 - 00:12

    Yeah I was looking at that one.. And 'clumsy' was just an easier way of saying physically disabled with impaired motor skills. Cheap disposable laptops are good, but migration between old to new becomes a hassle. Just trying to make the guys life easier :) appreciate the suggestions so far.

  • Medrad on 28/04/2013 - 16:51

    Have you tried purchasing a laptop and then just purchasing a secondary keyboard and mouse?

    Laptop goes on desk/table (not lap) then the keyboard can go on lap, will hardly break and is a lot cheaper to replace if it does?

    Try something like this:

    http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Com…

    Combination keyboard and trackpad (like a laptop) so everything is in one! It's wireless so no wires to snag and pull the laptop off whatever it's on.

    I know a little off topic, but could prove to be a cheap and plausible option.

  • 1bug on 29/04/2013 - 00:52

    For a non-ruggedised but well built and durable business grade laptop, try the Dell Latitude E5530…
    http://www.dell.com/au/business/p/latitude-e5530/pd

    The cheapest online price is currently $1199, but they're clearing 41 NEW E5530s for $579 at the Dell Outlet. Specs are as follows:

    i5-3320M Processor (2.6GHz, 3M Cache), Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, 4GB (1x4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM, 500GB 7200rpm Hard Drive, 8X DVD+/-RW Drive, Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (802.11 a/b/g/n) Half Mini Card, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 15.6" HD (1366x768) Anti-glare LED-backlit screen, 1 Year warranty, 2.38 kg.

    http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…

    Note: Outlet models come with Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit. If you want 64-bit, you may have to re-install the OS (from the recovery partition or by downloading an ISO).

    • Riczter on 29/04/2013 - 10:37

      Cheers that's a good option. Shame about 32bit though.. The rest looks good.

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