Best tech for mountaineering?

[altitudegeek]

I am about to start the planning for my next mountaineering trip (I would like to do the seven summits). Having already bought the kit I required, this time I thought I would invest in kit I would like. Basically, various bits of technology.

I already have a satellite phone, so the main thing I am looking at is a laptop...I think. Functionality required: email/web via satellite phone, e-book reader and video playback plus storage for a few series/movies. It would have to be small, robust, light and able to deal with cold temperatures. Batteries can be a problem (I now know that Lithium-Ion don't perform as well in cold as they claim and need to be warmed slightly before use), so any help/advice on this front would be welcome. I already have a solar charger, but if anyone can recommend a better one that is not too pricey then it would be appreciated.

I know that specialist mountaineering suppliers sell purpose built laptops, but these are very expensive (e.g. GoBook ~ $4000+). I was thinking that a netbook might even meet my needs. If it won't, separate cheap devices might (e.g. a video ipod + ezvision glasses).

Any advice would be useful.

 

[shabaa]

This is a good site to look at what is avalible.... http://www.buytough.com/?cpao=111&cpca=tbs&cpag=gk&kw=Panasonic+Toughbook&gclid=CK7jrO-7tpgCFQIMswodrHAkbQ
I would suggest one with an SSD as these are a little more durable and the temps will not affect them as well as the fact that there are no moving parts in the drive... giving a better battery life. Panasonic toughbooks are good and they handle -20F.....

 

[altitudegeek]

Those are also in the high-end range of price.
I wonder - wouldn't a netbook kept safely in a padded bag and only brought out when i'm in my tent be good enough?
Perhaps I should relax my requirements slightly and say that "robust" isn't that important. It doesn't need to be shock absorbent.
I'd say that the cold is the only real worry. Would a standard net book survive I wonder...

 

[frozenlead]

I think a standard netbook would do just fine, so long as it's compatible with the phone. Just don't get it wet, and put it in your coat while you make camp. By the time you're done, it should be warm enough to use.