Decision's decision's...

**Skunk_Truck_2590** · 04.19.2008

I'll be looking into a laptop, air card and GPS system some time in the near future after I get started. Until then, I'll have to manage the old fashioned way. Laptop's. What's a decent one that won't kill my wallet? For what I want to do I at least need 1GB RAM, 128MB 3D graphic's card, Pentium IV 2.0Ghz and at least an 80G hard drive. Something with XP on it! Also, what's a good reliable aircard that won't kill the bank either? How do they work? (i.e monthly bill, pay as you go, etc.) And a VERY reliable GPS system for truck's. I'm looking at around $1,500-2,000 for everything. I'm not gonna be like my parent's and keep buying POS and have to keep having them worked on only to find out they can't be fixed and have to buy another. Thanks in advance.

**iowabmw** · 04.19.2008

I can answer some of your questions since I just bought a new Laptop and Air card.

I bought a HP DV9700 Laptop from Bestbuy and I LOVE IT! I think I paid $800 bucks for it 2 months ago, it came with a 2.0 AMD processor, 1983MB of RAM, 17" LCD screen, 250gb harddrive, DVD player, CD burner, VISTA ( I have gotten used to it and LOVE IT).

I also did some research on the Aircards, and Verizon has 3 different style of ones for the same monthly price of ~$50 a month for unlimited usage. You can either get one that plugs into a USB port, or 2 differenet types of cards that slide into the side of your laptop. I think mine cost $150 and it is the most expensive one they have. Sometimes they have deals where they will throw the USB port ones in for free. You have to sign a 2 year contract (just like a cell phone, matter of fact you get a telephone number for your air card). I did some research and Verzion is supposed to be the fastest, and have the most signal in my area (midwest). I have broadband internet at home and I can't tell the difference.

As far as GPS I bought a really cheap one its called a MAP lol...

Hope this helps

**Skunk_Truck_2590** · 04.19.2008

####. That sound's like a steal deal you got with all those options. Vista though.... I tried it and don't really care for it. At least I have some kind of idea about how much I'm be looking at. 10-4 on the map!

**iowabmw** · 04.19.2008

I great deal on it, I tell you Best Buy has some awesome prices. My friend works for HP and he just bought a Laptop from Bestbuy because they do better then the deal he gets through work. I think it cost $1100 or somethign like that normally. Watch the sale ads at Best Buy and you will find a good deal. I really like Vista and it took some time to get used to it, but it has ALOT of new features.

**Roadmedic** · 04.19.2008

You can also buy them for a lower price at the factory website.

**Skunk_Truck_2590** · 04.19.2008

I'll have to check into it. It'll be a while before I can actually buy one but definitly give it a looksee. Thanks guy's.

**Scarecrow03** · 04.19.2008

If it's gonna be a while before you get a laptop then you probably won't have a choice but to get Vista. I just saw a thread on here about MS no longer making XP as an OS on all Windows PCs and laptops.

**iowabmw** · 04.20.2008

Originally Posted by Roadmedic

You can also buy them for a lower price at the factory website.

Heck I beat the factory prices as well! Trust me I did some research and found Best BUy to be the cheapest by far! I could have gotten a refurbished one for the same price as what I paid for at Best Buy. Watch the sales, they have sales ALL the time on Laptops

**iowabmw** · 04.20.2008

Originally Posted by Scarecrow03

If it's gonna be a while before you get a laptop then you probably won't have a choice but to get Vista. I just saw a thread on here about MS no longer making XP as an OS on all Windows PCs and laptops.

I heard that too, really Vista isn't really that bad. It took some time to get used to ,but once playing with it for a little bit you will love it.