My big decision was between a tablet and a toughbook for field reports

I had to pick between a basic iPad and a higher end rugged laptop last month for logging on site. I went with the toughbook because everyone warned me about dust and drops. After a week the screen got scratched from a screwdriver in my bag and the touch pad stopped working in the rain. Now I'm stuck with a $900 paperweight and I keep wondering if I should have just used paper forms instead. Has anyone else had buyer's regret on a field device?

3 comments

3 Comments

robinf5111h ago

Man that's rough, @lucasschmidt and I both got burned the same way - these "tough" devices are basically just marketing hype most of the time. I learned the hard way that a good quality plastic case and a $30 tablet sleeve will outlast any overpriced rugged laptop in real field conditions. Honestly paper forms with a clipboard and a ziploc bag for rain would have saved you money and headaches.

lucasschmidt11h ago

Bro I got burned the exact same way with a "tough" laptop.

milaw1410h ago

lol yeah that "tough" marketing is such a scam. I switched to a refurbished ThinkPad with a few dings already on it and that thing has survived rain, drops down stairs, and a coworker spilling coffee on it. The case cost me like $20 on Amazon and I just accept it's gonna get beat up. Way better than buying some overpriced "military grade" junk that cracks the second you look at it wrong.