[TenTec] RE: off topic: you think buying a radio is difficult, try buying a notebook PeeCee

[Hsu, Aaron]

Bob,

The info on environmental specs are out there, at least for the major manufacturers.  It's just a matter of knowing where to look.  On the 'net, environmental specs for Compaq's, IBM's, Dell's, and Toshiba's notebook systems are all available on their websites - just go to the "support" pages rather than the product info pages.  You'll usually find the reference guides there.

>From what I can find, most all notebooks are rated for +5C to +35C (40F to 95F) and 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing) working environment.  IBM rates their ThinkPads at 80%RH with floppy in drive and Toshiba tops out at 80%RH.  I believe these specs apply to just about any electronic device, not just notebook PC's.

Although I can't confirm that most of the world's population lives in the tropics, I belive I can safely say that most people who can afford to buy a laptop don't live in the tropics.  Most PC manufacturers assume (maybe wrongly) that the notebook itself, while mobile, will be used in a "controlled" environment and just "pass through" extremes.  Tropical locations are definitely a challenge on the hardware and I'm sure you've noticed that any electonic device suffers in the temps & humidity.  Add to that the fact that CPU's tend to run on the *HOT* side (+60C average, upto +90C before burnout) and you'll see why systems are only rated to +35C - you *need* some decent ambient cooling or the system will die...especially with a notebook where everything is crampped in and there isn't much space for heat dissipation.  And, with 90% RH, imagine the amount of condensation collecting near the unit's CPU fans.  Definitely a tough environment.

So, as you have also found, there are systems designed for "rough" environments, but at a severe premium.  I guess it's one of the sacrifices for living in "paradise".  I have a lot of family in Hong Kong (similar conditions) and it's rough on electronics outside of de-humidified rooms.  I remember emptying buckets of water from the de-humidifiers when visiting.

I'll pull some strings with my Compaq and Toshiba reps to see if they have any suggestions for you.  If I find anything, I'll send a PM.

73 all,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O (ex-KD6DAE)
    {nn6o}@arrl.net
    {athsu}@unistudios.com
    No-QRO Int'l #1,000,006
    . -..- - .-. .-   ".... . .- ...- -.--"
 


-----Original Message-----
From: tongaloa [mailto:tongaloa at alltel.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 2:42 PM
To: TenTec at contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] off topic: you think buying a radio is difficult, try buying a notebook PeeCee

Subject: Environmental operating limits.
Almost impossible to find. Even IBM doesn't put them on their spec sheets.

Most of the worlds population lives in tropical or temperate zones. Most of the
worlds population does not have the luxury of climate controlled environment.

So, if you want to travel with your notebook, you want something that will work up to 40C and 90%RH. I'm into my second failing Fujitsu and months of frustration when like pulling hens teet, I am finally able to get the design specifications. 35C

I've spent the whole day looking and the only thing I can find is overkill Panasonic
'toughbooks' that are good to 50C with an overkill price to match. What gives?

Does anyone on the list know of something that has the power to play a DVD, comes with removeable DVD/CDRW, and will work at 40C 90%RH under full CPU utilization that doesn't cost $3k+++

Thanks,
-Bob
ah7i