possible to obtain a shockproof, hard-to-destruct laptop?

[Bill Petersen]

Is it possible to either obtain (at reasonable cost) or modify an
existing laptop to make it virtually shockproof/ destruction proof? The
reason I ask is because a relative has small children who keep
accidentally damaging or destroying their laptop. The first time there
was damage, mom was able to actually repair the laptop screen herself
with a new one and the second time, the damage wasn't so severe that it
couldn't be repaired under warranty. However, this time, and being the
third incident, it is beyond repair and I thought it was about time to
ask if a more damage proof laptop could be obtained.

Thanks for your help.

Bill

[Bill Petersen]

NOTE: I should also mention that each time the laptop has been damaged,
it was during a time when it was open, just not being used at the time.
So whatever protects it needs to do so when it's opened up too. Thanks.

Post by Bill Petersen
Is it possible to either obtain (at reasonable cost) or modify an
existing laptop to make it virtually shockproof/ destruction proof? The
reason I ask is because a relative has small children who keep
accidentally damaging or destroying their laptop. The first time there
was damage, mom was able to actually repair the laptop screen herself
with a new one and the second time, the damage wasn't so severe that it
couldn't be repaired under warranty. However, this time, and being the
third incident, it is beyond repair and I thought it was about time to
ask if a more damage proof laptop could be obtained.
Thanks for your help.
Bill

[mike]

NOTE: I should also mention that each time the laptop has been damaged,
it was during a time when it was open, just not being used at the time.
So whatever protects it needs to do so when it's opened up too. Thanks.

Post by Bill Petersen
Is it possible to either obtain (at reasonable cost) or modify an
existing laptop to make it virtually shockproof/ destruction proof? The
reason I ask is because a relative has small children who keep
accidentally damaging or destroying their laptop. The first time there
was damage, mom was able to actually repair the laptop screen herself
with a new one and the second time, the damage wasn't so severe that it
couldn't be repaired under warranty. However, this time, and being the
third incident, it is beyond repair and I thought it was about time to
ask if a more damage proof laptop could be obtained.
Thanks for your help.
Bill

I see only 3 choices.
1) lock up the kids.
2) lock up the computer.
3) close the damn lid when it's not in use.

If it were possible to fix this at reasonable cost, laptops would
already be using it.
Anybody here with the solution would be better served by a trip
to the patent office instead of posting it.

There are military computers that are more rugged, but that fails
to meet your requirement of reasonable cost.

[the wharf rat]

Post by mike
There are military computers that are more rugged, but that fails
to meet your requirement of reasonable cost.

You can pick up a Cf-29 with a Pentium-M 1.4-1.6, touchscreen,
optical drive, and half-assed battery for $200.00 or less. They'll do
everything a kid needs except play games well. When my 9 year old wanted
a laptop I gave him an old Thinkpad A31, and it was junk in a week. So
I gave him a Toughbook CF-29. He not only thought it was the coolest thing
ever, but he's 12 now and still has it. Never broke, not once, through
spills, tantrums, intra-sibling violence 1/2 :-), pets, or accident. Once
in a while I swap a spare keyboard in so I can scrape the dried soda pop
off the case, blow the Coco Puff fossils out of the hinges, and put the
dirty keyboard through the dishwasher. Don't really have to do that but I'm
afraid it'll attract yellowjackets or something if I don't.

To the original poster: I've got a couple of these laying around,
so if the kid doesn't need to play serious games (it'll do web video and local
DVD just fine, and mine used it for Toontown and the like) drop me a line
and if you want I'll make you a deal. I'm tired of stubbing my toes on the
things but they're too cool for Goodwill. Shipping is what gets ya; they're
made of titanium and weigh almost 8 pounds with the battery. (No kidding.)

Kidproof features on Toughbooks: water and spray resistant,
shockproof hard drive (and can use SSD), all ports sealed when not in
use, titanium case (you can stand on it), unit shockproof for 6 foot
drop, LCD surface and touchpad protected by polymer shields, all ports
(power, net, USB, serial, etc.) on replaceable boards... Parts are high,
though they're seldom needed.

I love these things. Panasonics and Thinkpads are the only
laptops I'll willingly work on.

[cameo]

Post by Bill Petersen
NOTE: I should also mention that each time the laptop has been damaged,
it was during a time when it was open, just not being used at the time.
So whatever protects it needs to do so when it's opened up too. Thanks.

Post by Bill Petersen
Is it possible to either obtain (at reasonable cost) or modify an
existing laptop to make it virtually shockproof/ destruction proof? The
reason I ask is because a relative has small children who keep
accidentally damaging or destroying their laptop. The first time there
was damage, mom was able to actually repair the laptop screen herself
with a new one and the second time, the damage wasn't so severe that it
couldn't be repaired under warranty. However, this time, and being the
third incident, it is beyond repair and I thought it was about time to
ask if a more damage proof laptop could be obtained.
Thanks for your help.
Bill

Have them look into one of the Toughbook models from Panasonic:

http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/laptop-computers.asp

[Ron]

Post by Bill Petersen
Is it possible to either obtain (at reasonable cost) or modify an
existing laptop to make it virtually shockproof/ destruction proof? The
reason I ask is because a relative has small children who keep
accidentally damaging or destroying their laptop. The first time there
was damage, mom was able to actually repair the laptop screen herself
with a new one and the second time, the damage wasn't so severe that it
couldn't be repaired under warranty. However, this time, and being the
third incident, it is beyond repair and I thought it was about time to
ask if a more damage proof laptop could be obtained.
Thanks for your help.
Bill

The original HP calculators were supposed to be safe to drop from a
certain height, I haven't heard of any thing like it since.
Some laptops may be better than others, but I think a cost effective
way for you would be to fabricate a solid cage out of timber or ply
for the opened laptop to sit in. Maybe velcro could hold it in place
so it can't fall out if it slips to the floor.

HTH
Ron M.