Laptops search help.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #1 27-10-2005, 09:47 PM

Hi all,

I am looking at getting a cheap laptop for use with Ozi Explorer, Skymap Pro, maybe the sky, geocaching and photo storage and the like. I need to hook up to it a GPS via Serial Cable, aswell as being able to connect a Scope to it in the future. It will need at least 1 serial port 2 prefered, 1 parallel port. 2 USB, CD burner, DVD not important. Screen can be 14" or 15" at least a 20gb hard drive but 40gb better. at least 256-512mb or RAM. Price between $500 and $1000. I would also like to add wireless networking so I can use it on the net at the same time as this machine (we have ADSL).

If you know of any laptop types that fit into this area please let me know. Also laptops you have or have used that have these features.

I am still looking at this stage but just need to be pointed in the right direction. I have not owned or used a laptop before.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #2 27-10-2005, 09:52 PM

It will be interesting to read the answers you get Andrew. I will need one soon too so I can use my TouCam.

asimov (John) · #3 27-10-2005, 10:01 PM

"Quick, look behind you..."

And I just did! don't do that Ken!

I only just received a laptop & still learning the ropes. But one thing I know is, because the maximum screen resolution is 800X600 on mine, I can't use registax, so looks like I need a CD burner for it.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #4 27-10-2005, 10:09 PM

Thanks Asigrandad, that's one thing we've learnt already: 'go larger than 800 x 600' Keep the info coming folks, Andrew and I (and probably others) need info. "Input, Input"

asimov (John) · #5 27-10-2005, 10:22 PM

Here's another tip then for you Ken: If one has a laptop with max. 800X600...'astrostack' works ok. Only it's less user friendly than registax. Another month & I'll have that program down pat. (hah!)

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #6 27-10-2005, 10:23 PM

Thanks John. So we don't rule out 800x600 completely if the price is right.

asimov (John) · #7 27-10-2005, 10:39 PM

Theres also an old version of registax: V2.1.1 that was for 800X600 specifically. I'll be giving that a go if I can find it! (been browsing for awhile & can't find it)

My aim was to capture the AVI directly to laptop, process in registax (stack), send final BMP to main computer via floppy & continue processing, then upload to IIS.......unfortunately it's not working out that simply.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #8 27-10-2005, 10:45 PM

Here's a tip Davo P gave me. Capture image, zip it up in Winzip, load into Memory stick, put memory stick into main pooter and download, then play with it.

Haven't tried it yet though as I don't have anything to capture on. Pooter man still hasn't brought my old pooter back yet!!!!

asimov (John) · #9 27-10-2005, 10:54 PM

Yes Dave & I have been discussing all this behind the scenes. A memory stick is an option in my case too. I reckon a CD burner would be the way to go though. Might be a bit more expensive than the stick but at least a CD hold 750 megs of info. Not sure yet.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #10 28-10-2005, 05:46 AM

Thanks John for the info on the 800x600 screen. I will leave all the processing to this computer since it will most definately be the better of the two. So for now Registax is not a major issue. What I need are model numbers, prices, where to get them, and features.

GrampianStars (Rob) · #11 28-10-2005, 07:01 AM

In Melb you can get New IBM ThinkPad T30 LT's with Intel Mobile P-4 1.8Ghz, 512MB 60GB 14.1inch 1024 x 768 wireless & Internal 10/100 Ethernet LAN, ATI7500 display, Internal 56Kbs Modem, Windows XP Pro License (pre-installed), DVD-ROM, 2.4Kg, PC $950

http://www.trading-post.com.au/Photos/W85611179620.jpg

An Ideal field LT at this price get 2 (buy the trading post therein the computer section)

[1ponders] (Paul) · #12 28-10-2005, 12:58 PM

Office works currently have an ACER 3202 40 gig HDD cd butner/DVD player, 3 USB 2 ports etc (check out the acer site for more details) and 15.4" screen for $999 with a $100 cash back.

However it doesn't have Serial ports (I had trouble finding any new laptops with them, so I used a usb to serial converter cable NP) and only came with 256 meg of RAM. I used some of the $100 to buy another 256 and it runs like a dream ($60 for the ram).

It does everything I need it to do np including running Starry Night Pro which used to choke my old thinkpad T20 (

not surprising

)

shredder · #13 28-10-2005, 01:40 PM

How about a Dell Inspiron 2200 for $898. but you had better hurry on that one as it says last day....

http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/prod...=au&l=en&s=dhs

M

norm · #14 28-10-2005, 09:24 PM

Astroman,

I'm using an IBM T42 TP. 40gig 2 USB ports, 2 pcmcia slots, built in wireless, 512mb ram, built in modem, PS2 mouse port, no serial port, but you can get an USB adapter. 1.7Hgz Pentium Centrino, CDRW, DVd player etc. Its abt 12-16months old now.

Its been superseded now with the T43 or maybe even a newer model.

I've worked on all models of IBM thinkpads for several yrs and imho they stack up as pretty good workhorse machines. Prior to that I've had an R32, I series, 380X, 760XL. All worked fine without any problems. Outside the 390 series (1999-2000), all have been pretty reliable machines. Mine gets a good workout for abt 10hrs+ day, it gets picked up, moved, bumped, unplugged,put into standby mode in and out shaken, (T series have anti shock on the hardrives where the arm parks itself in microseconds to save any harddrive damage).

I can't speak of other brands and I might be biased to IBM machines, but any well built notebook should be able to take a hammering. It might be comforting to know that hardware has gone a long way in terms of reliability. Back in the days on W95, NT4, it was a right pain the A** with finding/installing drivers. But with XP (even with its own misgivings) its easy to get things working quickly.

Cheers

Ambermile · #15 28-10-2005, 09:41 PM

Registax V2.0 is downloadable about an inch below the ver 3.0 DL button...

http://registax.astronomy.net/

(or should that be *above* for you antipodeans?

)

Arthur

asimov (John) · #16 29-10-2005, 08:24 PM

Yes Arthur, the link to V2.1.1 wasn't working on the day, but I have it on the laptop now, so that solves the problem of needing removable storage.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #17 31-10-2005, 07:55 PM

How about an Aspire 3002LC or the COMPAQ PRESARIO M2217AP?

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #18 03-11-2005, 06:33 AM

Well I bit the bullet and bought a Compaq Presario M2000, has everything I need, just need a USB to Serial adapter for the GPS. It even has inbuilt wireless connection.

looks something like the pic below...

http://www.ezit.com.cn/pub/attachment/2005/1/380347.jpg

JohnH · #19 03-11-2005, 06:59 AM

For those who are interested in IBM equipment I can get you the IBM Friends and family discount (approx 15% off but sometimes more) on new IBM ThinkPads. PM or email me and I will send you the details...

ving (David) · #20 03-11-2005, 09:56 AM

i have a ibm t22 1 ghz, 256mb ram, 20gb hd, dvd player, etc... cost me about $600.

ebay is my friend...