Decision's decision's...

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Skunk_Truck_2590, Apr 19, 2008.

  1. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    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.
     
  2. iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

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    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
     
  3. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    ####. 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! :biggrin_2559:
     
  4. iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

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    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.
     
  5. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    You can also buy them for a lower price at the factory website.
     
  6. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    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.
     
  7. Scarecrow03

    Scarecrow03 Road Train Member

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    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.
     
  8. iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

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    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
     
  9. iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

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    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.
     
  10. Kilroy

    Kilroy Light Load Member

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    check out dell"s refurbished units I just got the inspiron 1720 for just a little over 600.00 it's got a 160 gb hard drive with a 1.8 processor