Suggestions for Inexpensive / Entry Level Laptop .... NO bells or whistles ???

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by junipersage, May 26, 2008.

  1. wd40

    wd40 Light Load Member

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    google Dell Coupons... About three months ago I found a one day 50% off internet coupon... got a bad daddy loaded refurb fully loaded 4G ram huge hard drive..DVD...for $271.00...direct from dell to the door...Happy, Happy, Happy !
     
  2. MsJamie

    MsJamie Road Train Member

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    Speaking of Dell, one of the Black Friday sites reports that Dell will be putting their 15" laptop on sale for under $200 (half price). That's an awesome price, and I'd get one for myself if I had $200...
     
  3. SoCalDude

    SoCalDude Light Load Member

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    This is directed to a somewhat (maybe 6 months) experienced driver..What do you suggest I focus on first? A CHEAP laptop or a truckers GPS? I do enjoy doing things online including paying bills, email, or just surfing. Some people don't think a GPS is worth it. I would think I would like to use both a gps AND a truckers atlas. Any thoughts?
     
  4. SoCalDude

    SoCalDude Light Load Member

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    ...forgot to ask in the previous post. How do I get internet access on a truck? Do I have to wait to get to a truck stop to get wifi?
     
  5. Dieselboss

    Dieselboss Technology Contributor

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    Many locations (truck stops, McDonalds, Starbucks, hotels, etc) have WiFi hotspots. Some are free and some are not. There are web sites like this one that give you the free locations. There are also many cell phone apps to find WiFi locations near you too. The downside to WiFi is that (1) you have to be in good range of it, and (2) their bandwidth is limited and get very choked down by other users. So it is a spotty method, but it IS a method. This is suitable for those drivers who do not depend on an internet connection for work or play purposes.

    The second way is through a cellular hotspot that you pay for from your cell phone company (Verizon, ATT, Sprint, T-Mobile, Cricket, Virgin, etc.) This method is more desirable for those who either do business regularly via internet, or who want a connection in almost any place or time that they may need one without looking for hit-and-miss WiFi areas. In terms which ways are best, just look though the threads here in the tech or cellular areas and you will find hundreds of them.
     
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  6. SoCalDude

    SoCalDude Light Load Member

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    Thnx Diselboss. I appreciate any and all info. Now at least I can point to the right direction and figure out the route.
     
  7. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Verizon has mifi which works off the cell towers. So do most of the cell providers.

    Straight Talk come out with one I noticed last week but you would need an inverter to plug it in. You can buy cards starting at $10 on up. A $40 card will get you 4GB. I wish it was out before I renewed my satellite contract last month or I would of bought it. Walmart sells it and so does the ST website.

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Straight-Talk-WiFi-Mobile-HotSpot-3G/30824075


    Or many driver's buy a stick. You can get better ones from other stores

    http://www.walmart.com/browse/cell-...-moduleB112113-lLinkFC1MobileBroadbandDevices
     
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