buying a laptop specifically for GMPCM, datalogging, etc...

[twinturbosedan]

i am completely clueless when it comes to PCs; i've never used them...i've never used Windows.  everytime i've used a friends PC i honestly have no clue what i am doing or how to get around it.  Macs have always seemed so easy by comparison so i've always stuck to those.  i'm not saying one is better than the other (i hope no one turns this into a Mac vs PC debate..), i'm just trying to illustrate the fact that i am completely PC illiterate.

i've been wanting to get a laptop specifically for GMPCM software, datalogging with a laptop on my car's front seat, and using Pocket Programmer.  what should i look for?  how much should i expect to spend on one if i get a used one off of ebay?  what are the requirements?  i really can't do anything until i get one...

any advice GREATLY appreciated!!!!!
joshua

[god910]

Well this might not help you any, but it is what I am doing.  If you NEED a portable computer then this would be worthless to you.  I am building a computer (PC) for Sunshine.  Not a laptop, but a PC.  I am using a Biostar Ideq SFF barebone system (most likely) I am going to be using it for everything in the car.  I will datalog w/ it, play MP3's, dvd's, tune, everything.  I bought 2 broken laptops off Ebay and am using the monitors for the car.  One on the dash and maybe one in the trunk.  I am using a PCI slot for a wireless network card.  All I have to do is pull into the garage and I can download MP3's, and whatever else I want to it.  I'm still deciding whether I should try and make my own p/s for it, or just buy and DC/AC converter.  It won't take up much power so I think I may just get the converter.

[twinturbosedan]

i'm just looking for the cheapest possible laptop that i can get from ebay that will work with NO problems.  i want to be able to easily set it on the front seat so i can take it with me, then bring it in my house, set it on the desk and it obviously needs to be able to run GMPCM software, Pocket Programmer, and good datalogging software.  it won't be used for anything else but tuning.  i would like to get on the internet with it (not a requirement...or would it be?), but only to download .bin files and definition files i guess.  i'd still use my mac for mp3z, making CDRs, normal internet use, mail, etc.

my main concern is 1.) how little RAM/processor speed/HD space i can get by with and still have NO problems, and 2.) should i easily be able to find something on ebay that will work for $100-200 ?
thanks
joshua

[m6amba]

i have a new laptop and i have the diacom software for it but i haev no cables or anything to run it


also i wouldnt mind if some was nice enuf to send me any other software for car tuning, diagnosing, datalogging etc.    i would be more than happy to trade u the diakom for whatever u have

[Tooky]

A couple suggestions for you:

1.) Make SURE the laptop you get has a 9 pin serial port.  DO NOT OVERLOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS!!  I cannot stress this enough.  If you aren't sure it has a serial port, don't chance it!   If you really want to endure Laptop PC Hell, try getting a laptop datalogger or BIN burner (?)  to operate through a Serial to USB converter (as would be needed on a laptop without a serial port.)

1.) The 9 pin serial port.  So important, it gets two #1s.

2.) You might be able to get a laptop on eBay for $100-$200 but it becomes increasingly hard if you want one with "everything" you need including wall charger power supply, batteries, floppy drive, CD-ROM, fully tested & working laptop unit with sufficient HD and RAM.  If you want to buy a complete tested package, expect auction competition and a higher price naturally.

3.) I would say that anything Pentium 133MHz with 32MB RAM would be your minimum.  Anything faster should work fine.  I'd run Windows 98 for maximum compatibility and speed.  (Windows Me/2000/XP would all run slower and be less compatible, to boot.)  With graphical Windows datalogger software I get 3.5-4.0 records per second on a 120MHz Pentium, about 4.0-4.5 records per second on a 133MHz Pentium laptop, and about 5-5.5 records per second on a 150MHz pentium laptop.  On a Pentium II 233MHz laptop, I got near the 10 rec/sec maximum speed.  Anything faster than that will have diminishing returns (and increasing price).

4.) A direct cigarette lighter power charger is worth its weight in Gold...  Having a AC/DC inverter plugged into the cigarette lighter socket and plugging the standard wall power charger into that, may sound like a good idea, but it gets hot, can blow fuses (mine always do), and is extra weight & cords when you're already going to have a minimum of 2 long cords hanging in your passenger seat.  If you can get a direct cigarette power charger for your laptop you will thank yourself.

5.) Final thing, might be hard to do on eBay, is if you can determine how well the laptop works in terms of usability.  Does it have an easy slider on the side to adjust brightness/contrast?  This will be important as the day turns to night and you are driving your car.  During the day it will be hard to see the laptop with sunlight, and at night it may become so bright that it distracts the crap out of you glowing from the passenger's seat.  Also, does the laptop easily go to Sleep/Hibernate and resume properly?  A lot of laptops I've used will crash/hang when trying to wake from Sleep mode.  You might use Sleep mode when you stop at a gas station or friends house and the laptop is still running.

[twinturbosedan]

thank you for the advice, that's exactly what i was looking for :D
joshua