Laptops for mapping with serial port, recommendations?
11-02-2009, 08:52 PM
#1
Laptops for mapping with serial port, recommendations?
I have just had my second Compaq Presario 1635 fail today and need another laptop, I'm only going to use it for mapping and it could do with having a serial port... What's worth buying?? Or better still anyone got one I can buy?? 
11-02-2009, 09:01 PM
#2
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the older toshiba satilite pro range 4000 series was a good all rounder
i got one for car stuff had it about 7 years myself the spec is about 15 years old like but still going strong lol
spec of mine was
p2 400hz
64mb
6gb
windows nt
now its
p2 400
196mb
20gb
win xp
have to down load drivers for graphics sound modem etc for xp but got them from toshiba website easy enough
hope this helps
i got one for car stuff had it about 7 years myself the spec is about 15 years old like but still going strong lol
spec of mine was
p2 400hz
64mb
6gb
windows nt
now its
p2 400
196mb
20gb
win xp
have to down load drivers for graphics sound modem etc for xp but got them from toshiba website easy enough
hope this helps
11-02-2009, 09:11 PM
#3
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Martin. Dell D400 is a nice reasonably powerful little machine that has a serial port too.
You can get one easy for between 100-150 on ebay. 150 buys you one from a reputable reseller with a 30 day warranty. I use one for messing with my car.
You can get one easy for between 100-150 on ebay. 150 buys you one from a reputable reseller with a 30 day warranty. I use one for messing with my car.
11-02-2009, 09:28 PM
#5
try looking at some of the IBM thinkpad series of laptops perhaps the T series (eg T21, T23) as some have serial ports. They are all well built, easy to fix and most parts easily and cheaply available on egay or similar. My old one i smashed the screen and keyboard in a rage and for less than Ł70 i had a new screen and keyboard and an hour to fix as long as you can use a screwdriver.
11-02-2009, 09:29 PM
#6
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Yeah let us know on the prices I asked about later this week. Ta
Last edited by polly_x; 11-02-2009 at 09:30 PM.
11-02-2009, 09:39 PM
#11
an example of a thinkpad:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-THINKPAD-T...3A1|240%3A1318
You should be able to get them cheaper than that or get the lower spec T21 just check it states it has serial port.
You should be able to get them cheaper than that or get the lower spec T21 just check it states it has serial port.
11-02-2009, 09:42 PM
#13
how about one of these http://www.targus.com/Uk/product_details.asp?sku=PA088E
11-02-2009, 10:20 PM
#14
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Tried, tested with serial port and proven to run XP and work with;
T6 2000
Deskpro
Pi Toolbox
Pectel ECU Offload
Passionford
What else do you need?
11-02-2009, 11:21 PM
#18
Oldish, but look here
http://efi101.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2340&highlight=
If you really cant get a serial port...most PCMCIA to Serial adaptors work much better than the USB-Serial types.
Although most of teh guys over on EFI101, reccomend a Keyspan USA-19HS USB-Serial adaptor if one is needed.
I actually bought one off ebay UK the other week, not expensive, although havent used it yet.
That said, even a cheapy ebay adaptor works fine with my DTA, either USB, or PCMCIA.
If buying a PCMCIA style, dont get one that has a small connector. Try and get one with a stronger more secure connector.
I used to use a Dell Inspiron 8000....worked faultlessly for about 7 years. It was giving me problems mostly with bootup and battery life...so I just bought a cheapish widescreen Acer now. Im still keeping the Dell as backup though
It doesnt have serial, but I only use this one for my own car mostly. Works fine, and I find the larger screen better, but given Acer's ( lack of ) customer service, I would never buy from them again.
http://efi101.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2340&highlight=
If you really cant get a serial port...most PCMCIA to Serial adaptors work much better than the USB-Serial types.
Although most of teh guys over on EFI101, reccomend a Keyspan USA-19HS USB-Serial adaptor if one is needed.
I actually bought one off ebay UK the other week, not expensive, although havent used it yet.
That said, even a cheapy ebay adaptor works fine with my DTA, either USB, or PCMCIA.
If buying a PCMCIA style, dont get one that has a small connector. Try and get one with a stronger more secure connector.
I used to use a Dell Inspiron 8000....worked faultlessly for about 7 years. It was giving me problems mostly with bootup and battery life...so I just bought a cheapish widescreen Acer now. Im still keeping the Dell as backup though
It doesnt have serial, but I only use this one for my own car mostly. Works fine, and I find the larger screen better, but given Acer's ( lack of ) customer service, I would never buy from them again.
12-02-2009, 09:35 AM
#26
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I will buy it off you though as I want to have a back up..
12-02-2009, 03:02 PM
#34
Testing the future
i have an old ibm but the battery is no good. not brilliant for in car work.
in the future if you need another one, have a look at the panasonic toughbook range as that is what most OEMs use
EDIT: great minds think alike Rich
in the future if you need another one, have a look at the panasonic toughbook range as that is what most OEMs use
EDIT: great minds think alike Rich
12-02-2009, 03:59 PM
#36
I've got an old dell latitude laptop which has a serial port, Its got slots for 2 batteries on the front, so the charge lasts 6 hours+, It drains one battery before starting on another, so another can be slotted in without having to shut it down!
