Combat ready.(Ask The Concierge)(Interview)

I travel a lot and need an unbreakable laptop. Any suggestions?

A few come to mind, especially from the growing "ruggedized" laptop segment. These are magnesium-encased, steel-reinforced notebooks designed for the U.S. military. These droppable notebooks have proven their mettle in combat: One survived a bullet, saving a soldier's life in Iraq. They have also withstood a one-meter drop on concrete and exposure to heavy rainfall, as well as dust, salt water and desert sand, according to Maria Leadingham, who manages technology for the Civil Affairs Operations Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Panasonic's Toughbook is regarded by the U.S. military as the "Humvee of laptops." Their hard-disk drives are mounted in shock-absorbing polymer compounds which insulate them from severe blows and continuous vibration. But other proven models include the Talon, by Rugged Notebooks, which provides units to the Navy, Air Force, Morines and Coast Guard, and laptops by Dolch, another military contractor, also a favorite of oil drillers.

The downside is that they are heavier than normal computers and have lower battery life. Plus, they are expensive, though prices might be starting to decline. Last year, for example, Panasonic released a "ruggedized" one-pound, ultralight notebook for US$2,000--about US$300 more than a similar, non-rugged model.

Deep-vein thrombosis scares me. What can I do to avoid it on long flights?

Deep-vein thrombosis, also called "tourist-class syndrome," is the formation of a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body, usually the leg. According to Donald Schreiber, a surgeon at Stanford University School of Medicine, this can happen if the vein is damaged or it the flow of blood slows down or stops, for example while being seated for several hours, as you would on a long flight. Quite often there are no symptoms at all.

Schreiber says the risk can be reduced by exercising the legs at least once every hour during long-distance travel. This means taking regular breaks if driving, or walking up and down the aisle of a coach, train or plane. The muscles of the lower legs can be exercised while sitting by pulling the toes towards the knees then relaxing, or by pressing the balls of the feet down while raising the heel. Other advice includes taking a low dose of aspirin, which thins the blood, before a long flight. (Aspirin, not aspirin substitutes like Tylenol; check with your doctor before taking any medication); wearing compression stockings; keeping the legs uncrossed; and wearing loose-fitting clothing.

Finally, although anyone can develop blood clots, certain people are at greater risk, including pregnant women and people who are overweight or obese.

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