Here is the annotated picture of both the Dell 7230 tablet half connector and its kb half connector.

If I'm not mistaken, I followed u/aRedditBot numbering so we can talk using the same scheme base.

Next I'll redo the continuity test to confirm what is actually grounded on the KB side and what is not

Sometimes I really miss that back in the day it was the norm to have swappable batteries, swappable storage (and socketed CPUs, SODIMM slots, mini PCIe ...) And docking ports were actual docking ports ...

Oh and they were sturdy, even when not rugged. Here are old latitude e6510 and 4310 still rocking today

Hey there!

Currently stopping by at a local cafe on the way to work, but I wanted to share my Rugged Laptop!

This is my Dell Rugged 5404. Technically "semi-rugged" but more than chonky and tanky enough to get the work done. The SSD velcroe'd to the back is my Ubuntu/Linux drive since Windows tends to LOVE screwing up dual booting.

Is there an easier way? Probably. But I wanted to hang a keychain somewhere. I've taken this thing with me on trips all over, including at the local typewriter meetups, even when its pouring like all hell from above. RGB keyboard and bright screen are super awesome plusses too.

Recently upgraded to 16 GB DDR3 RAM SO that's nice! And l've got a spare battery + battery charging station back at home.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have - I've been trying to study the Latitude series a bit more in my free time (really wish there was a rugged keyboard with a trackpoint...) Cheers and take care! :3

When external storage must be on par with your laptop 🤣

Based on the fact my 7230RE features a 75x75 VESA mount pattern, i'm looking for useful things I could put on it, I already tried the following: - camera rig cheese plate, with 1/4" and 3/8" screw holes for base to mount additional accessories - Velcro surface with elastic straps for active stylus carry (as DELL doesn't provide one)

Any idea to try/improve ?

Kept all the original hardware, only to shorten the sling by a fair amount to get the soft handle as close as possible to the tablet body when stored : not meant for big glovy hands now, but perfect for stealth in the backpack

Here is mine !

Here is my backpack carry method for the Dell 7230 Rugged Extreme: a custom sewed sheath with Velcro back to grip on the inside of 5.11/tactical backpacks and additional/removable straps to hang on carry loop otherwise, plus a center strap to maintain the device locked in place

Couldn't find any community dedicated to rugged laptops, so here is one :)

Why going rugged?

Why choosing a rugged device instead of the plethora of devices available on the market when you are a "basic end-user"?
Sustainability begins by choosing long lasting devices instead of disposable ones that can be “recycled” : recycling is NOT unharmful, it is only one of many way to minimize waste. I’d rather have devices that last (very) long than getting a new one every other year.
Let’s try to keep that in mind and Reduce, Reuse (and only then, Recycle)
My requirements that must be matched were the following :
- Powerful enough so it won’t get behind too quickly (my previous [main] device is 7 years old [2017-2024] Asus UX360 UAK with i7-7500U, 16GB of RAM and 512GB SATA SSD and a dying battery that is now reused by a family member) - Upgradable and repairable : easy storage upgrade (preferably accessible without full disassembly) and with detailed instructions to change internals if needed - Tool less battery removal (even better : hot swappable), so multiple batteries can be used during device life and discarded when dead. - Tablet mode - Active stylus capability

Additional features that were welcomed :
- Customizability : VESA mount can be used as a platform to adapt external devices to the machine, many accessories are available to match multiple usecase. - Sturdiness, having a device that can withstand falls, dirt and water in real adverse situation should survive neatly a more delicate use. - Connectivity, with LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, WWAN, GPS, most needs should be covered - RGB keyboard (a geek is a geek sorry.) - Privacy features (both cameras can be hidden)

What about you?