In the end, I did the math and realized that rather than spend $3000 on a computer that can withstand anything short of a 6 megaton detonation, I can use a $300 laptop until it dies. Then I can spend another $300 on a replacement, likely with better specs.And, assuming I buy less than ten laptops in 5 years, I will be ahead of the game.
I wanted a rugged laptop. I wanted an excuse to buy one. In the end, it's just not worth it. I work outdoors in the weather, but realistically my laptop is inside the Jeep 98% of the time it is used at work, so it really isn't exposed to inclement weather.It still experiences temperature and humidity issues, but even a rugged laptop would suffer from the same issues.Def
These days I'd simply go for a tablet unless you need high end computing power or proprietary software. They're built more rugged to start with, are far more affordable/replaceable and something like the Samsung Galaxy Active Tab is IP68 water resist, rugged drop shell, etc. Simply add bluetooth keyboard and mouse.