Having a waterproof rugged laptop computer can make all the difference if you work outside. If you have done any sort of consistent outdoor work for any length of time you know that water damage can ruin a good day faster than nearly anything. From coffee to rain, sea spray or even your lunch soda, moisture is a real problem that should be taken seriously. If you don’t yet have a rugged laptop computer that is designed for moisture resistance it’s only a matter of time before you have major issues. Not only can those issues cost you a laptop but it can also cost you valuable time on the job as productivity can come to halt.

How Waterproof Are Today’s Current Rugged Laptops?

Today’s industrial rugged laptops are more waterproof than you might think. Of course the definition of a waterproof is debatable. For sake of simplicity in this article we will use the term waterproof laptop and water resistant as equivalents since no laptop is 100% waterproof.  Most review experts agree that the top two rugged waterproof laptops are the Dell XFR and Panasonic Toughbooks. Of the two, the Toughbook by Panasonic generally has a reputation of a better ability to deal with water. Perhaps this is because they were one of the original rugged laptop manufacturers and have slightly advanced engineering due to being in the field longer. While they are both close the Panasonic Toughbook remains the laptop to own if you are going to be dealing with rain or other liquids. The degree of water resistance is determined by the amount of pressure. Being that the laptops are sealed they generally can withstand a great deal of blowing rain however using a pressure washer to spray the unit down would almost certainly result in a rugged notebook or laptop successful destruction.

Water On The Keyboard-Is it Really a Waterproof Laptop?

Of course certain Toughbooks can withstand water better than others depending on how intense your needs are. When it comes to water being poured directly on a keyboard all Toughbooks have the ability to withstand 6 ounces of water, coffee or liquid poured directly on the keyboard. Some of the more robust models with a IP65 certification are designed to keep running after 12 hours of consistent spraying water. This would be the equivalent of leaving a laptop out for half the day in intense rain. This would make the Toughbook the waterproof laptop to own if you have challenges with rain on your job.

What’s Different About Waterproof Rugged Laptops?

The big difference with rugged laptop computers with a water resistant certification is that they are engineered for common outdoor occurrences. Coffee and water spills are all too common as are unexpected storms fiercely blowing intense rain. Rugged laptops like the Dell XFR and the Panasonic Toughbook contain spill resistant sealed keyboards. Touchpads are sealed and LCD screens are protected with an additional sealed overlay panel. This extra protection helps lessen the likelihood of challenges from dust or any type of moisture. Finally a heavy duty hinged alloy case or housing is used with water resistant rugged laptops which includes ability to cover up terminal connections. This provides extra protection from drops as well as water to help ensure a high probability that your laptop will continue working even in the most challenging conditions.

Laptop Waterproof Resistance Test Procedures

Both the Dell XFR and Panasonic Toughbooks are put through a 30 minute test in which nearly six inches of rain is introduced at 70 MPH winds to simulate blowing rain while the laptop is operating. Unfortunately no laptops can withstand being completely submerged in water for any length of time. Many can deal with being dropped in water and momentarily plucked out however no laptop to date currently is  certified for being 100% waterproof.

Finding A Waterproof Laptop For Less

Many folks after looking at water resistant laptop computers and water resistant rugged notebooks find themselves a little shocked at the prices. It’s not uncommon to see prices exceeding into the thousands of dollars especially with some of the premium models. One of the best ways to find a cheap rugged laptop is to consider a refurbished rugged laptop. Huge changes in the refurb process are producing some of the most stable laptops and rugged notebooks to date.

In the past reviews on refurbished laptops  and notebooks were not the greatest. With new testing procedures and stress tests, huge strides have been made in their quality. Many top experts have since changed their views and now argue they are the laptop to own if you’re looking for a budget rugged pc as they often contain the same three year warranty as a brand new unit. It’s not uncommon to save a third off the price or more making refurbished laptops worthy of consideration for customers who are trying to find a cheap rugged alternative.