new computer -- what to get? can withstand dusty environments

[Anonymous]

I have a $2500 laptop from work but am going to quitting to work on my own. I'd like the general top of the line because I figure at this point I am accustomed to it. My current employer uses HPs and I've gone through enough during my years there that I don't trust it. I live in a very dusty environment.

[Anonymous]

Do you want a laptop or desktop?

For laptops, you want one with an IP (ingress protection) rating where the first number is "5" or "6." This relates to its protection from dust entering the device. Generally, these are in the "rugged" or "semi-rugged" category of device. Panasonic is probably the most popular manufacturer in this category. Look for the FZ-40 (rugged) and FZ-55 (semi-rugged). You won't like the price. A refurbished CF-31 would be a more economical choice. Also look at the Dell rugged Latitude line, as well as Getac and Durabook.

For desktops, you want an "industrial" model, preferably without fans or with significant air filtration (you will need to clean the filters occasionally). These are made for use on factory floors and such. An alternative would be to buy a regular PC and an industrial case and re-located the guts of the machine to the industrial case. There are also dust-proof keyboards, but it is probably more cost effective just to buy a bunch of $10 Logitech plastic keyboards and replace them if/when they go bad.

None of the above will be "high-performance," since they will have limited cooling and will not be able to accommodate high-end processors and, even with mid-tier processors, will "thermal throttle" if running long-term workloads that require high CPU utilization.

[Anonymous]

MacBook with m processor. Generates MUCH less heat and therefore needs less air intake which will bring in less dust

[Anonymous]

Have you tried vacuuming more?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MacBook with m processor. Generates MUCH less heat and therefore needs less air intake which will bring in less dust

really helpful, thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried vacuuming more?

We live in the desert and mop daily.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you want a laptop or desktop?

For laptops, you want one with an IP (ingress protection) rating where the first number is "5" or "6." This relates to its protection from dust entering the device. Generally, these are in the "rugged" or "semi-rugged" category of device. Panasonic is probably the most popular manufacturer in this category. Look for the FZ-40 (rugged) and FZ-55 (semi-rugged). You won't like the price. A refurbished CF-31 would be a more economical choice. Also look at the Dell rugged Latitude line, as well as Getac and Durabook.

For desktops, you want an "industrial" model, preferably without fans or with significant air filtration (you will need to clean the filters occasionally). These are made for use on factory floors and such. An alternative would be to buy a regular PC and an industrial case and re-located the guts of the machine to the industrial case. There are also dust-proof keyboards, but it is probably more cost effective just to buy a bunch of $10 Logitech plastic keyboards and replace them if/when they go bad.

None of the above will be "high-performance," since they will have limited cooling and will not be able to accommodate high-end processors and, even with mid-tier processors, will "thermal throttle" if running long-term workloads that require high CPU utilization.

Thank you so much for the time to write all of this out!

[Anonymous]

Panasonic Toughbook 40