Digital Knowlege on Laptop post SHTF

[Audacia77]

I have been playing with the idea of picking up a second "net book" with a 9cell lithium battery (8-12hr) for use of storing the loads of data if have collected over the years (i.e.: FM's, TM's, Maps, Training Manuals, Survival Guides, Medical Guides, etc) for use in the event the SHTF. There just isn't any way you could remember everything and carrying a library of books just isn't feasible. But having the knowledge at your finger tips can make a big difference.

Of course proper steps will need to be taken to ensure all is well when you need it. Items to be purchased are:
1. Laptop (net book) running XP. Vista is a power hog!
2. External HD or Jump Drive for back up. Rubberized would be ideal.
2. A folding solar panel with AC/DC converter for recharging. And could be used for other items.
3. Pelican box to keep it safe and dry. Foam would be custom cut for each items to ensure organization and maximize protection.

Some of the information that I would want to have available to me:
1. Field Manuals (FMs) and Technical Manuals (TMs)
2. Local, State and National Emergency Response Plans, Instructions and Guidance
3. Survival and Wilderness Literature
4. First Aid and Medical Treatment Books
5. Maps (Satellite Images, Topo Maps, Street Maps, GPS Data, etc)
6. Automotive Repair Manuals for POV and other common vehicles
7. Agricultural literature
8. Local, State and Federal Laws (?)
9. Local, State and Federal Frequencies to load radio (?)
10. Solitary and Porn (Gotta keep morale up, right?)

The Pro's of having this available are pretty obvious. Knowledge is power.

Only Con's that I can think of are:
1. Additional weight. But it would be the equivalent to carrying two or three hard bound books.
2. Reliability. Books don't need batteries. No likely, but EMP would fry it.
3. Too much information. If there is such a thing. Got to keep it organized and easy to find.
4. Might spend to much time watching porn and kill the battery.

With that said...

Input, holes, suggestions?

[Chooie]

I like it. I already carry a set of flash drives with duplicates of personal information (encrypted) and identification in case of loss/theft of my wallet, PDA/phone, or PC. With netbooks being so cheap right now it certainly seems feasible. I would probably add in software such as Rosetta Stone with a bunch of language packs - you never know when speaking XYZ language will come in handy, and it would certainly help pass the time. Something you should take into consideration is that some knowledge, such as medical training, etc., isn't really the type of thing that will wait until you finish searching a dozen PDF files. You would do well to commit much of the critical knowledge to memory, while retaining the digital form as a reference.

[6933]

An EMP would render the netbook into a paperweight. If it is truly for SHTF situations, make sure you protect it. Building a Faraday cage for such a small item is easy and not expensive. A thorough search should give you instructions from a reputable academic source to build one.

[caporider]

Why not something like an iPhone? The revision coming this fall will most likely feature 64GB of solid state storage, so no hard drive to worry about crashing. The iPhone already comes with a compass app, along with a still/video camera and a built in microphone. With available apps, you can have all those books, plus PDFs of anything you can't get in ebook form. In addition, there are great apps for USGS topo maps, external ballistics, medical how-tos, plant identification, language translation, and on and on.

If you put the iPhone in an otterbox-like case, you can throw it around and submerge it with no ill effects. And if you get the KAC mounting kit, you can use your iPhone even when you have your rifle mounted.

[Audacia77]

Why not something like an iPhone? The revision coming this fall will most likely feature 64GB of solid state storage, so no hard drive to worry about crashing.

Good idea. I had the iMate JasJar which was pretty cool and tried using it for a reference of reg's, maps and reports loaded on SD cards for my work. It was like an iPhone with a key board. It ran MS Mobile, had WiFi, etc. The problem I had was with the size of the screen and trying to read PDF, MS word, Excel, etc.

Also, I have noticed that the iPod products haven't been all the dependable though. Between the wife and I we have had 6 iPods, all eventually crapped out in a year or two. I have had my netbook for two years with no problems. However, I just got back from shopping and the wife bought the iPod Touch (32GB). I'm interested in seeing how it works. So, how 'bout that for a contridiction!

[LOKNLOD]

With the possible exception of games and porn that stuff can be run on a pretty old, slow computer --- you could always shop for a used Panasonic Toughbook? Anything to add some extra durability in the field would be nice.

[JB2000]

I keep electronic copies of the following on a micro-SD card in my smart phone, on a thumb drive in my bag, and a thumb drive in my safe.

US Army Survival Manual
UN HCR Emergency Handbook
UN HCR Stoves
CERT training manual
Simple First Aid Guide

I'm still looking for a good first aid manual. If you have any links to some good manuals, etc. please share.

[HES]

The thumb drive is a good idea, so it the netbook. But I would still seriously consider printing everything, putting it in binders and stashing the documents some where as a back up plan.

[Waggoneer]

You want CD3WD for sure, http://www.cd3wd.com/

[ColdDeadHands]

A netbook is a good idea, just don't rely solely on the internet cause Obama tries to get something passed where he can shut down all internet to civilians in case of an "emergency". That guy is so scared of joe puplic...I wonder how he sleeps at night...