Thinkpad Spill proof??

I have always wondered this but never got a chance to ask.

When Thinkpad advertises that their laptops are "spill-proof", does it mean that the laptop works perfectly find after spilling liquid over the keyboard? Or does it just mean that the laptop is dead but the hard drive data will be protected?

 

It'll work fine in many cases. The water is drained through holes in the keyboard and out the side of the laptop.

However, the laptop can't be submerged into water, just water spilled from above.

 

Actually, any liquid spilled would drain out of the bottom. I think the standard is three ounces, but it's not spill proof in the way a Panasonic Toughbook is. A small amount of liquid if it hits the spot can do a lot damage.

 

I don't think they're called spill-proof - it's spill resistant in tabook.

 

It can take small spills, but I wouldn't recommend taking it in the bath with you.

 

I found a few video demonstrations:

This is what appears to be an IBM demo. The machine is never turned on, though.

This is a more impressive demo. Again, the machine is never turned on.

This demo demonstrates a more realistic scenario. They *try* to turn the machine on.

Basically, I think it would work fine for small spills, and perhaps it can withstand thinner liquids like water better than a latte from StarBuck's. Either way, it's better than no protection at all.

 

I think it would do best with water. Other liquids (e.g. Coke, a latte, alcohol, etc.) would leave sugars and other residue inside even if the liquid itself drained away. This would necessitate a keyboard replacement at the very least. Further, unless you have the accidental damage policy, I doubt this would be covered by warranty. In any case, I am in no rush to give it a try.

 

Another thing to mention is the position of the laptop when their is liquid on it. If the machine is parallel to the ground I think there is less chance of damage since I don't think the liquid will be able to slosh back and hit the MOBO.

 

Aww, come on, jon. Take one for the team.

 

I have tried...with the laptop off and a little water dripping from the sink .

 

Where's the fun in that. It needs to be running, doing mission critical work, and you have to tip a 22 oz. glass full of liquid into it.

P.S. I am not suggesting anyone try this.

 

It actually worked afterward -- turns out they didn't charge the battery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=issygLT65OU

 

Has anybody seen the greates ThinkPad stories on the _Lenovo webpage? There are some wicked testimonies over there...

 

They haven't updated those in a while as far as I know. But, ya, there are some pretty crazy ones.