Cheap but bombproof

oalocke — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:27:31 -0800

I'm looking for examples of insanely overbuilt, reasonably-priced consumer goods: "Cheap, bombproof...XXXXX" I was talking with a friend the other day and we got on the subject cheap, readily available goods that aren't simply reliable but stand up to abuse beyond reasonable expectations. He used the phrase "like an AK47."

I had an '86 Toyota pickup, purchased used for $2500, that was thrown into reverse at 70mph with no damage (long story) and I drove it for another 125,000 miles.

Other examples we came up with- Nokia 61xx, 90s era cellphones that seemed to function no matter how many times they were dropped or spilled on. He and I both still see them in use around the world. Casio G-Shock watches, cheap and available at any Wal-mart, are issued to the Navy SEALS. I've had one for 15 years that I cannot kill, and is still running on the original battery.

What else can you add to the list?

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Cheap but bombproof