laptops to go

I was recently reading an article about the "$100 laptop" and found the design quite interesting. Although it was created within strict budgetary constraints, it also features a built in carrying handle as part of the case. This got me thinking about portability of laptops. So far, the only problem that I have experienced from traveling with my laptop is the protective sheath of the power cable splitting near the transformer, and that was likely from winding and unwinding the cable so often. The laptop itself seems to be holding up well, but I treat it quite gingerly.

What if you accidentally dropped it? Or if someone else (say an airport inspector) accidentally dropped it? In most cases, I fear that the laptops of today might not survive that fall. Why aren't laptops made more rugged? I'm thinking something along the lines of those rubber-encased Motorola two-way radios. Wouldn't it be great to have a laptop that is enshrouded in a rubber shock-mount case, that still allows access to the access doors for drives, peripheral jacks and memories?

Thus far, I have yet to find a laptop that includes this feature. Perhaps it is because they don't want to make them last that long. Or perhaps they assume that anyone who is wiling to shell out the extra cash for a laptop instead of a desktop will take care of it. Either way, I have found a possible solution: laptop skins.

This company called SkinIt, offers 3m-compliant adhesive skins that can offer a bit more protection while also adding your own personal touch. Just like cellphone skins, you can now cover your laptop with style, and protect areas that are more scratch-prone. My only complaint was that you aren't able to actually see the skin on your laptop while on their site, so I have no idea how it fits, or what areas it covers or doesn't cover. But it should offer a little more rugged sensibility to an otherwise pricey and sensitive piece of office gear.