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Looking at getting a notebook type pc for downloading data and vid at the track and have no clue what to look for? Would be nice to have wifi or whatever to be able to surf the web at starbucks or airports/wherever. Not opposed to used (fleabay/amazon, etc.), prefer something around <$500..
Any help would be appreciated!
SA
You opposed to a 'netbook'? Smaller, cheaper, but fine for what you're looking to do.
I am very happy with my Asus EeePC. There are tons of versions of it out there under $500, all with WiFi... Some of them have solid state drives (flash memory) and some have traditional hard drives. I would recommend the Solid state as it should be slightly more durable. Also be sure you get one running Windows as the Linux ones may not be able to run whatever data-logging software you use.
Not at all, just never heard the term "netbook". Thoughts?Quote:
Originally Posted by sammm
Solid state sounds good. What about their capacity? Data and vid can be large I assume...also agree that I would like windows XP preferrably as that's what I use at home..Quote:
Originally Posted by Titus
I second Titus' reccomendation for an ASUS EeePC. I got mine for $250 brand new from NewEgg a year ago(at Titus' reccomendation) and it runs basic web surfing and photo editing just fine for me. It's smaller and lighter than most of my college textbooks, even the small size supplemental textbooks. Slips in my backpack easily, and has most basic laptop features, wifi, card reader, etc. Keyboard is annoying, but that's really my only complaint. If you type a lot you get used to it, if you don't type alot, then it's not a big deal either.
Memory and hard drive are easily swappable. I hear you can drop a 500GB HD in it just with a couple screws and removing a panel on the bottom, this is a big plus for me as I'll still use it as a meadia center long after it's obsolete.
It works great for any car scenario, I plug it in to AUX and use it as an MP3 player on trips and when im working on the car. I'd imagine it would be perfect for datalogging at the track.
FWIW, mine is the 900HA and was at the time the smallest laptop offered that still had basic laptop features.
the only issue with the true "netbooks" are that they have a single core Atom processor. Those are tuuuuhrrrrible for video processing, even in a pinch.
My recommendation is to pick the size you want (9", 10", 12", 13.3", 14", 15.4", 16", 17", personally a 13.3" is just about the perfect size) and then look around. Definitely watch the Dell outlet with a coupon.
This brings up a question you guys can probably answer. I don't have a netbook, but a friend had one last year that had no way to hook up external devices without going WiFi. Is that still the case? I might buy one if I could do hardwire connects to printers, thumb drives and such.
they all have usb ports, vga ports and network jacks.
+1 to what goofy said. While netbooks are great for web surfing or watching a DVD, most of them will not have the processing power to handle even light video editing.Quote:
Originally Posted by goofygrin
We bought a Dell Inspiron similar to this one last year, and I've been quite happy with it for video editing. Price is in your ballpark as well.
^ hadn't thought about video processing as I haven't done any with it. Makes sense though, they're definitely not designed for it.
Video editing? You can do video editing on that laptop? I wouldn't expect you to be able to do that on a laptop with no dedicated graphics card (it has a graphic accelerator, but I don't see dedicated graphics card). I may be tempted to grab one of those...Quote:
Originally Posted by altiain
Graphics cards aren't used for video editing/processing (I mean other than to display the video). The CPU and hard drive will be the big bottleneck for video processing.
Thanks for the help so far. Looking at traqmate requirements and all, I'm starting to see what's needed. The Dell outlet is "substantial" and a bit overwhelming. And what is this "coupon" you speak of Goofygrin?
How's this one look?: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D2
Seems to fit the bill? If not the exact one, something along these lines correct?
Get on Dell's mailing list and they'll send you coupons all the time.
That one looks decent.
Ok. Thanks. The only thing is on this one, I don't see any reference to wireless net capability. Is that pretty much standard nowadays?
I can only imagine it has one. Pretty standard these days.
I have a ACER Aspire One. I swore I would never buy a damn Acer but I picked this one up for 300 bucks new at the PX about a year ago. It has Wi-Fi Capability and if you know how to do teathering you can use internet anywhere. Some of them have built in wireless air cards that use the various wireless networks depending on which one you buy.
It's basically my travel laptop it's very small and doesn't take up much space which is a big deal when I'm doing motorcycle traveling as I need all the space I can get. And it only weights probably 2 or 3 lbs tops.
Seller lists the Service Tag: 80VN1J1Quote:
Originally Posted by SixAce
I entered that at the Dell tech support site and it shows it to have wireless B/G/N.
i picked up a toshiba qosmio when they first came out and love the fuck out of it. it replaced my desktop at home and work. no to mention can kill a man if needed to ;).
i bot mine from new egg and set up a new egg premium account, anything over $500 was no interest for a year, paid it off in 6 months. not sure anyone else can match that.
this is the model i got but there are some cheaper ones. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-804-_-Product
my old 15.4 ver the new hotness of the 18.4
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs455...._5914087_n.jpg
if that's a to mannly check out some of the smaller toshibas or acer. don't get a dell, they over charger for tech that's over a year old. for the same price you can get better else were.
i like that jeff..... if it is anywhere near as reliable or hardy as my toshiba satellite, that thing will last forever.
A "laptop" that you can't pick up is no longer a laptop. Seriously, carrying around a 15"+ laptop becomes a real PITA. Of course, I use mine all day, every day and drag it all over the place, so thats why I prefer the smaller ones.
Thanks for the help guys. I went ahead and got a bigger unit than initially planned, figure I'd go ahead and use it for other things besides just trackday stuff. Thanks for opening my eyes to the specs. Got a nib from fleabay under the make offer thing...specs below should handle what I need....
SA
FREE SHIPPING!! USA 48 STATES!!
Meet the Inspiron 15.6" laptop computer for your everyday needs. With an attractive, stylish design and mobile technology, this laptop features everything you want for everyday computing.
Includes the full version of Microsoft Office Home and Student.
Enjoy viewing photos and watching widescreen movies on this 16:9 aspect ratio 15.6" HD widescreen display.
Quickly transfer your digital photos and music from your camera, phone or MP3 player using the 7-in-1 media card reader
The latest in WiFi technology allows you to connect to the Internet wirelessly and transfer larger content faster. By utilizing MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out), the Dell Wireless-N employs multiple integrated Hyperband antennae to handle simultaneous wireless data streams when sending and receiving
Microsoft Home & Student:
Includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and more; the most popular software titles to easily improve your notes, documents, and projects. Software pre-installed for right out-of-the-box enjoyment!
Dell Dock:
Enjoy a cleaner desktop with this application organizer. Installed software applications on your PC are automatically sorted into user-friendly categories placing your most frequently used programs front and center.
Communication:
Integrated camera and microphone Open up a vast world of communication with the integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and digital array microphone. Special effects software can create avatars and graphic overlays that add personality and flair to your video communication.
Features
Processor and Memory:
Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 1MB L2 Cache
4GB DDR2, Shared Dual Channel DDR2, 800 MHz
Hard Drive and Multimedia Drives:
320GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Audio, Video and Graphics:
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD
Connectivity:
Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card
Ports/Slots:
3 USB 2.0 compliant 4-pin ports
15-pin VGA video connector
Integrated network connector 10/100/1000 LAN (RJ45)
AC adapter connector
Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 Mic-in)
34 mm ExpressCard slot
7-in-1 Media Card Reader
Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor:
Standard keyboard
Glossy 15.6? Widescreen XGA (1366x768)
Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
Power:
9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Dimensions and Weight:
Dimensions: 14.7"W x 1.02"-1.48"H x 9.6"D
Weight: Starts at 5.8 lbs.
Additional Software and Information:
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition
Creative Camera SW
Adobe Reader 9.0 multi-language
Roxio Creator DE 10
Media Direct 4.0
McAfee SecurityCenter with Antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, 30-day subscription
Dellconnect 2.1, free basic service
Cyberlink Power DVD 8.2 Playback
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium Edition (64 Bit Edition)
The only thing I'd upgrade would be to Windows 7. Vista sucks comparatively.
Cool...I just picked up a tiny Toshiba dual-core for $499 - Waiting on the $50 rebate now...
It's slightly bigger than my wife's Netbook and has a dual-core AMD CPU along with 320Gb drive and 2Gb memory.
I wanted something that I could use to write a book while on an airplane. My work laptop is too big to use on an airplane in coach seating - especially if the jerk in the seat in front leans it back.
Pro not home. Get a external drive and use the auto hd back up system.