What kind of laptop are you using?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by t_wilson0321, Feb 10, 2008.

  1. t_wilson0321

    t_wilson0321 <strong>Adjustable Wench</strong>

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    Looking to get hubby a laptop in the near future. Want it for
    1. Drivers Daily Log program

    2. Watch DVD's, no burning of DVD's, but need to be able to back up daily logs on to a CD with a CD burner

    3. Wifi and cellular internet (for non-wifi spots) for emails, live chat, weather etc.

    4. Able to hook up a small printer/scanner combo for printing logs and scanning scale tickets, lumper receipts and such

    No power inverter installed in truck yet, so needs to be able to run it off lighter plug till inverter installed.

    So, what are some of you using? Any suggestions, likes, dislikes, pros and cons of each?

    Thoughts on new verses refurbished, places you know of to purchase them, besides the big boys like Dell or stores like Wal Mart, and what kind of prices the places offer?

    Your input will be very valuable as taking a laptop in a truck is very different than just toting it around from school or the office to home.

    T
     
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  3. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The only notebook that can truly endure the vibration and shaking of a truck is panasonic's toughbook. They are pricey but worth the money. A friend of mine brought one back from Iraq with a bullet hole in it and it still worked. I was very impressed with it.
     
  4. t_wilson0321

    t_wilson0321 <strong>Adjustable Wench</strong>

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    A bullet hole. DANG!! That's a "die hard" computer!!! :)

    I'll look at them, thanks.
     
  5. squirrellsgnwild

    squirrellsgnwild Medium Load Member

    they have inverters that plug into the cigarette plugs.
     
  6. Markk9

    Markk9 "On your mark"

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    I have been using the IBM thinkpads for over 10 years. Never had one fail on the road. I used a T23 for the last 3 years, I upgraded in August to a T60.

    You can pick up a nice used T4X series for under $500.

    Mark
     
  7. MorphEQ

    MorphEQ Light Load Member

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    Toshiba satelitte a10s125 model, cost me 499 at Best Buy 2 years ago. I upgraded the ram and added a wifi card. Also have a sprint broadband card for no wifi areas. I have all the programs and uses you asked for. Never a problem as of yet. I did however buy a stand to mount in the truck off ebay, a laptop truck mount, cost me 30 bucks and it keeps the shake down to a very minimum. I also have that cause I use co-pilot GPS to help me get to new places or help me route around areas I cant stand to use a magnifying glass for. Great notebook for a great price. Think they are going for the same price now and are even faster. Good luck out there.
     
  8. t_wilson0321

    t_wilson0321 <strong>Adjustable Wench</strong>

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    Thanks everyone for your input. This is a big help.

    :biggrin_25519:
     
  9. Cybergal

    Cybergal Road Train Member

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    DANG! Still worked with a bullet hole?

    Shoot!!!:biggrin_25524:
     
  10. IH Scout

    IH Scout Light Load Member

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    I have a HP Pavillion 6226 very user friendly and has all the things I need like DVD, large HD, and works well. Got mine at Circuit City on sale for around 700.00 after rebate. I use a Verizon air card and so far the speeds are averaging near 1mb down and about 200Kbs up, so I am happy with that.
     
  11. rookietrucker

    rookietrucker Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Yes, You can go down to wally world, best buy and circuit city. Buy those cheap notebooks from $500-700. That is what your gonna get, a $500-700 boat anchor if you drop or spill liquids on it. The toughbook has all the same bells and whistles as those cheap boat anchors they sell at the store. Also, the toughbook comes with a 3yr warranty which many companies don't or you have to purchase it. If your a O/O or LP and storing your business info on this notebook. How much is that info worth to you?

    Now don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to sell you one. I'm just stating facts and have seen them. If your gonna spend money, at least spend it right. I have included a link to panasonic's testmonial where the cop car caught fire and the notebook still worked.
     
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