Field datapad

"A good, tough datapad is as important as your sniping blaster. More important even, because without it, you're blind, deaf and dumb to the bigger picture, and that's what will get you killed."

- Marine scout/sniper axiom

A field datapad was a portable, hardened battlefield computer that was employed by the special forces of the  and Marine Corps. Essentially a lifeline for those working behind enemy lines or out in the field, it was used to interface with other computers and provide the user with an overall picture of the tactical and strategic situation. Field datapads were seen as critical for the successful operation of scout/sniper pairs, since it allowed them to co-ordinate their actions with larger units and formations without being detected.

Though as sophisticated as most contemporary datapads, they were somewhat larger and bulkier, in order to stand up to the rigors of field use. They typically consisted of a flip-up screen that used a two-dimensional display to minimize potential exposure, and a standard interface set for accessing its functionality. Their casings were constructed of hardened with the inner components insulated with a five milimeter layer of rubber. They were typically carried in a canvas pouch that was chemically-treated to repel moisture, dirt, and other pollutants that could harm the datapad when not in use. These pouches were then camouflaged appropriately by the team that used them.