Desktop computer in a van???

[JesseTrue]

If you have the means, I would go with a laptop and external drive enclosures for your drives. You can place them in a fire safe when not in use for added protection. I don't know what a jimindenver is (generator?), but I'd avoid having overhead for a single purpose function. Everything needs to serve the overall ecosystem which hinges on mobility.

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[SoulRaven]

If you have the means, I would go with a laptop and external drive enclosures for your drives.  You can place them in a fire safe when not in use for added protection. I don't know what a jimindenver is (generator?), but I'd avoid having overhead for a single purpose function.  Everything needs to serve the overall ecosystem which hinges on mobility.

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A "jimindenver" is a ... well, do a username search for jimindenver.  Let's say he has a high-capacity solar power system. 
If you were replying to me, I wasn't REALLY asking what others would do.  I was explaining what I plan to TRY. 
Thanks for the good intentions. 

Pat

 

[JesseTrue]

My apologies

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[SoulRaven]

My apologies

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No need for that!     just clarifying.  Jimindenver is a generator of sorts. He generates a lot of goodwill with all of the people he helps and his willingness to do so.  He also has a solar power system that many of us marvel at!   I'm also privileged to call him a friend.

check it out if you get out on to a gathering where he is at. 

Regards,

Pat

 

[ZoNiE]

Not sure if it was already posted here, but most new low price desktops are nothing more than a "laptop-esque" motherboard in a big box. The tell is that they will come with a laptop style "brick" power supply. That said, one of these wouldn't be a bad way to go. Only the Display will take a bit more energy to run, but you can use a TV with a VGA input and kill two birds with one stone...

 

[gcal]

I see a lot about power, here, but almost nothing on the additional permanent space desktops take or the increase fragility of desktop systems. Desktops are heavy. Desktops are not made to be constantly moved around for better access to a cabinet or to free a work space. Nor are they made to go bumping down backroads. Laptops are light and portable and were born to take that kind of treatment.

 

[SoulRaven]

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned, and will be a problem for me (since I plan on using the desktop that I have), is that most desktops do NOT come with wireless capability.  It IS possible to add one, but last time I did that , I was underwhelmed with the performance.  You can also get creative with hooking up to a router that you bring with you, and use IT'S wifi capability, but now we're talking about even more hardware ie, more things that can go wrong.


Pat

 

[SoulRaven]

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned, and will be a problem for me (since I plan on using the desktop that I have), is that most desktops do NOT come with wireless capability.  It IS possible to add one, but last time I did that , I was underwhelmed with the performance.  You can also get creative with hooking up to a router that you bring with you, and use IT'S wifi capability, but now we're talking about even more hardware ie, more things that can go wrong.


Pat

On the other hand, here is a fairly inexpensive adaptor that might work:

https://smile.amazon.com/Edimax-EW-...d=1488584341&sr=8-2&keywords=wireless+adapter


It has some good reviews.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Well from here on out, i'm calling generators Jimindenvers.

 

[JesseTrue]

Yeah...Don't know what I was thinking.

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[Gypsy Jane]

With terabyte external hard drives you can stash all the information you want, access it with a laptop or a friends computer or your next computer without reloading... Laptop batteries mean if the power goes out your computer stays on... You can get power supply chords for them to run directly from dc power. You can even attach a second monitor.

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[jimindenver]

Well from here on out, i'm calling generators Jimindenver

 

[ArtW]

Here's my take
PCs are heavy, and take up a ton of space
PCs are power hogs
Most PCs are Windows Units, and I will never buy another Windows unit with the dirtbaggery MS is up to now
On the road a laptop or even a tablet with external storage will be much better IMO
Heck, for MY use, a TV with firestick and a smartphone might be all I really need

 

[jimindenver]

With 1185w of solar and 675 Ah of battery, power wasn't the reason I didn't bring my desktop. I would have liked to for the dual screens, power and speed but I ran out of room. Now that I'm out here I realize what a pain it would have been not to mention what the dust would have done to it. The other thing is I just haven't been doing the work I use to that would make having it here justifiable. A inexpensive laptop, a 2 in 1 tablet and external hard drives do everything I need at the moment.

Pat

You can get inexpensive wireless adapters or tether directly to your hotspot/phone via USB.

 

[SoulRaven]

With 1185w of solar and 675 Ah of battery, power wasn't the reason I didn't bring my desktop. I would have liked to for the dual screens, power and speed but I ran out of room. Now that I'm out here I realize what a pain it would have been not to mention what the dust would have done to it. The other thing is I just haven't been doing the work I use to that would make having it here justifiable. A inexpensive laptop, a 2 in 1 tablet and external hard drives do everything I need at the moment.

Pat

You can get inexpensive wireless adapters or tether directly to your hotspot/phone via USB.

Jim, 

Yeah, my buddy Weldon gave one he isn't using.  It works great.  

I agree with the whole dirt and sand thing.  On the other hand, I just don't want to buy another laptop if I don't have to .... So, until my finances change, I will be bringing my desktop on the road. 
As I mentioned , I will be reporting how it works out.  I suspect I will wish I didn't!  

 

[FastEddie313]

You could build a desktop into a cabinet in your rig instead of using a PC case..
Screw the mobo to the ceiling inside a cupboard with a hole in the side for the ports and mount your disk drive like a car setereo..

 

[JesseTrue]

You could build a desktop into a cabinet in your rig instead of using a PC case..
Screw the mobo to the ceiling inside a cupboard with a hole in the side for the ports and mount your disk drive like a car setereo..

This is a fabulous idea. May easy to put an aluminum pan over it to keep RF from playing havoc with wireless or radio. Holes for ventilation - big one for the fan.

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[TrainChaser]

Thanks for all the info, guys. Unfortunately, I don't have the faintest idea what most of you are talking about. But I'm getting the idea that my opinion about laptops may be somewhat... outdated. Archaic.

However, I did understand Art's opinon: "Most PCs are Windows Units, and I will never buy another Windows unit with the dirtbaggery MS is up to now".

And I didn't think of the jostling of unpaved roads, or the dust and sand. (sigh)

I suspect that I'm going to have to print out everything I will need, and make decisions later on, preferably when I'm talking to someone who knows what they're talking about (like you guys). I hate the fact that every year I know less about electronics.

Thanks for the opinions and advice. I'll print out that, too.

 

[Thirsty Boots Nomad]

As for the mother thing, that sounds like face blindness which is sometimes associated with autism. I have it as well but didn't know until I was well into adulthood.

Same here; ... finally diagnosed on the spectrum (was "on the spectrum", then had Asperger's Syndrome, now back to "spectrum" --- gotta love medicine/insurance changing what someone has depending on economics) when I was almost 30

ETA: Didn't go back to read all responses; but the rv'ers I've known or heard of trying to bring/use a desktop on the road have all said the road vibrations were too hard on the computers causing them to break or malfunction. I don't know that laptops are that much more sturdy, but they don't "seem" to have the same problems as often/quickly.

 

[John61CT]

Yes laptops are much more rugged, designed for mobile use, not only shock & vibration but temperature, dust.

And sip a tiny fraction of the power.

Intel NUC and similar "mini-PCs" are like laptops that way but designed for full separate monitor, keyboard etc.