Thanks Robert!
What do you think the risk of vibration damage is to a "conventional" laptop rather than a ruggedized one? Also, how about the Durabook line? A bit newer, bigger screen, Durabook D14RM Looks like this is going to be a bigger expense than I anticipated...
Then there is the question of can I just put Win7 in my current laptop and try to get a few more years out of it? it's a Dell Vostro 1400. I've had it since I graduated high school and it still runs strong.
Sorry for so many questions, but computers are not my strong suite.
Don't be sorry I have been building fixing PC's since the good old DOS days. I can't really contribute on the wheeling knowledge side but with pc/notebooks I can and am very happy to help.
From how I think you are going to use the laptop on the trip the only things I think that are at risk from a "conventional" laptop are the screen hinges and the mechanical hard drive. Beside say dropping or getting water on it.
GEEK ALERT
The hard drives heads in a hard drive are very close to the data platter 0.07mm or less so all the bumpy trails could cause head crash.
hard-disk-hard-drive-construction
When AT&T first deployed laptops to our field techs they got "conventional", they went through screens like candy because they would break the hinges, opening closing them 20-30 time a day. Next lease roll AT&T bought the CF-29's.
You might be able to use your Vostro, PM me your service code number (on the back) so I can look up what was installed on the laptop when you bought it. Assuming that you have not upgraded anything, I should have a better idea on how to direct you. It should be cheaper, a OEM version of WIN7 Home 64/32 bit online is about $100. A good Samsung Electronics 840 Pro Series 256 GB is running $160 on amazon, the 128 gig is $99 both on prime.
This is the hard drive vibration protection enclosure from a TB CF-31.