laptop purchase

[JeffC]

just been on to omex about setting the rev limits and I need to get a laptop, dont suppose I would use one for anything other than that so dont want to spend a lot  on one

Is it a brave move buying 2nd hand or better to buy cheaper make and new      ..

guy said I would need one with a "comport" and comport lead or failing that a rf232 extension..

as you can imagine this means nothing to me so looking for some guidence      

edited to say just punched in laptop on ebay and they have come down in price since last time I looked    

[Darrell O'Neill]

Jeff, check out Dell their online prices are good and there 'outlet' (ie. reconditioned and pre-ordered) ones are fantastic prices with the warranty and back up you'd expect..

[JeffC]

b****y hell there is thousands on there, spending around  £150 what would be recomended what makes prove to be more reliable,  are all laptops wireless ready for the net    

ta  

[CedricTheBrave]

Jeff

You will need an RS232 or serial port to communicate with your ecu

failing that a USB to serial adapter will also work but compicates things

so when checking spec make sure one is listed.

post a link to any you fancy and someone on here will give you the thumbs up if it will be suitable

D

[Leon B]

Get a second hand one Jeff, these tend to have the serial ports built in rather than having to use a USB adapter, IME they are sh*te!

This would do fine

[Darrell O'Neill]

Jeff, I've no idea when it comes to spec, and to be honest mine was more like £300.

But just remember, as you have your own business, a laptop is a vital business tool, can be offset against your tax and the VAT can be reclaimed....    

[CedricTheBrave]

personaly I would stear clear of any laptop that does not come complete.

whats the point? its probably been nicked!

[JeffC]

looking at buy it now options , what about this toshiba?

?hash=item120296191732&_trkparms=72%3A984%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1308&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CHEAPES.....c0.m14

item no 120296191732

[Leon B]

If its just for using on the car then you just want something cheap and cheerful.  I've dropped 2 laptops now where I've been making map changes sat in the car, glad they weren't expensive.

Jeff I can probably get you one if you're stuck, £50 plus p&p  Same as I use

[Leon B]

What about this one?

Has a serial port

[dhutch]

(Darrell Oneill @ Aug. 19 2008,10:29)

QUOTE

I recently bought a Thinkpad T30 for £40 and im sure that would meet your requirments.

- Rock solid laptop, decent keyboard and screen, 2hour battery life still. and not even a bad spec.

You shouldnt really have any problems with somthing of a well know brand like a thinkpad or dell or whatever.

The T30 has a wireless card, as well a network socket, although in doesnt support WPA secured wifi, only the older WEP standard.

- Ive thought about fitting a new wirless card (£20) or geting a pcima wireless card but in the end just havnt bothered.

Daniel

[JeffC]

What about this one?

Has a serial port

this is like a snowball rolling   thought I would spend £50 on one for th car, but if £150-£250 gets you something decent will get one for the net and a back up ..

the one in the link could fit the bill, but if i spent up to £250 would i get any benifit with my limited computer skills    

whats fujitsu like ?mate of mine bangs on about Toshiba laptops been the most reliable? any views

ta    

[reaper]

Have  a look HERE.

[Pilot Pete]

Jeff,

I've literally just bought myself one off ebay, you could use that if you want to fiddle with the omex software. I've only bought it to install some guitar software and itunes. No problems lending you it when you need it.

On the otherhand, lad at work is selling a toshiba laptop for around £150, I could get the spec if you want.

Either way, for what you want, cheapest is king, it wont need to be owt fancy at all!!!

[JeffC]

what the pink one at  £7.39