I am now on my third laptop in a little over three years on the road.
My first HP met its demise under great stress from my big foot
late in the night.
My second laptop, while still working in the comforts of my brothers home, was retired from the road as almost all the screws holding it together vibrated out. This was discovered as I picked it up and thought it was going to eat me as it opened up like a clam.
My 3rd ( and last ) knock knock......... is a Panasonic Tough Book.
WHOA YEAH....titanium case, anti vibration mounts, wifi, DVD, 2 usb, sealed ports to protect from water and dust, antiglare touch screen.......combat ready. :
New, starting around $2000 and can get much much more expensive.
Good news is I checked with Tiger Direct and they had refurbs
off lease. I got my for under $400.
Its a couple years old but looks great loaded with XP Pro.
Not a fancy machine, just built like a tank.