type of lap top PC

[dczrose]

I was wondering if anyone could give some info on the best type of Lap Top PC to use/buy (and cheap places too). I currently have a Dell desk top and will be searching for a Lap Top for our future travels. Keep in mind that I will only be using it for Facebooking- to keep up with family and let them know our status, checking on this site and also "next destinations" and some small time E-Bay selling for extra income. I have been 'putering for 6 years but am still basically a greenhorn for much more than the below mentioned. Will have very little in downloads (maybe grandkids photos) and low storage as I will burn or have burned disks of photos/PDF files as often as possible (or pull them to a flash drive). I will be checking on internet services at a later date but hope to have&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;for TV and possible internet use, too?<div>Thanks for any info</div>

 

[twokniveskatie]

hi! i have an HP netbook that i find great for traveling....my needs sound similar to yours. only disadvantage i know is that i have to use an external disc drive (?) to play dvd's.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>but i know very little about computers. we have a few wizards on here who may be able to advise you on more technical aspects, such as how to have more than one window open at a time.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>J/K! i learned that last year&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"></div>

 

[blars]

The market changes too quickly and peoples preferences differ for me to recomend anything specific.&nbsp; Used laptops are rarely a bargain, count on $100 or more to replace the battery.&nbsp; I like the eraser style mouse and hate the random action pads, so that pretty much forces me to thinkpads (lenovo/ibm) in todays market.&nbsp; (Dell used to make some.)&nbsp; I also like high resolution screens and use Linux.&nbsp; Netbooks tend to have small screens and keyboards and longer use per battery charge, so you may see if one would work for you.<br>

 

[gadgetMe]

netbooks now days work as good as full blown laptops of the past<br><br>You are correct about the cd/dvd drives not available on the netbooks, but I have a 6 month old laptop (hp) and it did not come with a dvd drive either.<br>&nbsp;So, I use the small external hard drives to save pictures, and large files and pretty much anything else I would not want to loose when a hard drive creators.<br><br>I have recently aquired an external dvd drive from best buy to burn cd's , and be able to use older programs that are on dvd's, &amp; cd's<br><br>The other advantage of the netbook is the small amount of power usage ( my new computer uses 10 watts<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"> )<br><br>Putz<br><br>

 

[Guest]

I think it must depend on the size of your fingers. I have a terrible time using my netbook. I like it in many ways but have to type just about everything over since I am always hitting more than one key at a time...<br>I think if you plan to get one be sure you will be happy using it.&nbsp; I sure wouldn't get another one unless it had a bigger keyboard than my little Acer. <br>Bri<br><br>

 

[dczrose]

Thanks for the info so far. I have tried to use my daughters NetBook with the same results- keyboard to small and I do need a bit larger screen as my eyes are older than I am. I am actually THINKING of hanging on to my reliable old (2005) Dell desk top (has had service to clean both dust and harddrive and an updates DVD drive added) and just downsizing my printer. My monitor is a 16" flat type so it really won't take up much space in a travel trailer. What are anyones input on this? I know the downside would be not being able to use a McD's WiFi maybe. As I stated- I am still illiterate as to whats available. I still have to check with DirectTV (I have had for years) to see what the cost of a portable dish/hookup and possible internet service would be.

 

[oldnjung]

I have a Dell desktop from about '05. I bought a wifi antennae to catch the internet from our router approx. 45 feet away in the house. Worked immediately and very well for about a year now. Bought the antennae&nbsp;at Target. Simple plug in to front data port. Salesman said they had a stronger one that plugged in the same way, but were out. I am probably going to keep this Dell and just get a stronger antennae. Lots of info, reviews on Amazon and other internet sites for wifi stuff.&nbsp;My Droid Incredible (Verizon) has good internet access, which makes me consider getting an Ipad. But a stronger antennae is a lot cheaper! Good Luck and Welcome!<br>jb<br>

 

[dczrose]

Thanks jbandhilda! I had no idea you could do that. This is the type of info I need! Hopfully I can get some input on the satellite use/ soon. I may post in a different area on it.

 

[cyndi]

<P>I'm with Bri on the netbook.&nbsp; Love the battery life, hate the keyboard!</P>

 

[Guest]

I think that whatever the netbooks Mike and Heidi have are a better keyboard...maybe ask them. They aren't members here but&nbsp; are on several other things including their blogs.<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[gadgetMe]

I agree with the net book smallness,<br>I thought that the lowest cost may have been the main consideration.<br>I use a full size laptop for web use and typing.<br><br>for the direct tv.....<br>you can use your existing receiver in the camper, ( a 12 volt to 110 volt inverter will be needed to run it) unless you have hookups all of the time.<br>Or you can purchase another receiver for an additional 6.00 per month, (for programming and rent) and it will have the same programming as the one at home.<br><br>Most folks will have a separate dish for the RV, most use a tripod,<br>&nbsp;I purchased a crank-up dish that mounts on the roof (much easier to find the satellite).<br><br>Putz<br> <br><br><br><br>

 

[blars]

You can buy a USB wifi dongle or PCI wifi card for your old PC.&nbsp; On some, you can use an external antenna with higher gain so you can use it further from the access point.&nbsp; (Like in the parking lot.) Some are directional and need to be aimed, but you can get even further away with these.<br>

 

[butterfly]

<FONT size=3>I have a&nbsp;Dell Inspiron netbook.&nbsp; So far I only use it at home conected to a land line server.&nbsp; I never did get the hang of that&nbsp;mouse pad!&nbsp; and the keyboard was also an issue.</FONT><br><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT size=3>&nbsp;I've used the ports on both sides to connect the netbook to my old keyboard,&nbsp; familiar old mouse &amp;&nbsp;the old larger screen which is set&nbsp;on another&nbsp;desk at the side for when hubby needs&nbsp;wants to check out what I'm reading or my eyes get tired.&nbsp; I also have&nbsp;my netbook&nbsp;conected to&nbsp;a printer.&nbsp; </FONT><br><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<br><FONT size=3>My son in law worked his genius to create more "real estate" on my netbook screen.&nbsp; Don't have a clue how to do that but I did find the correct ports for hooking up keyboard, mouse ect. on my own after my dau. told me it could be done.&nbsp; </FONT><br><FONT size=3>Hope this helps those w/ keyboard &amp; mousepad issues.</FONT><br>

 

[CP]

A friend of mine was able to buy a laptop with a 17"(?) screen just before xmas at walmart for 300 bucks.&nbsp; The DVD player is nice.&nbsp; You can watch movies on it.&nbsp; I don't like the touch pads on lap tops so I use a usb wireless 2 button with scroll wheel mouse.&nbsp; Also, now you can buy cheap wireless printers...under a hundred bucks!<br>

 

[sl1966]

The ASUS brand makes very good laptops that are competitively priced. I've built many computers using their components and was happy when they entered the laptop market. You can usually find a decent selection at any Best Buy,<div><br></div><div>Good luck!</div>

 

[Tara]

I have a big netbook - regular sized keyboard, 15" monitor, 2g of ram/320g hard drive, DVD drive, and 5+ hours of battery life. And it was under $400!

 

[dczrose]

Thanks all! This info is GREAT!

 

[RVTravel]

MacBook Pro<br>

 

[karl]

Dell Inspiron, added battery, wifi.<br>Hate the keyboard, carry a mouse .<br><br>

 

[Vern M]

<P>I'm now on my third Sony Vaio. This, a 15-inch screen. The other two smaller, when my eyes were younger. </P>c(;&lt<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">&gt;&nbsp; I purchased this one, after researching others and shopping stores, via the Walmart ship to store program for about half what the previous one had cost. I use it on the road for WiFi e-mail and surfing. I also have loaded a good program called WinTV from Hauppage that is compatable with Windows 7 and gives you digital TV from either a little antenna or cable or whatever. Well worth the investment.<BR><BR>It also serves me in my hobby of ham radio with digital programs that allow me to see Morse Code, teletype, other&nbsp;keyboard forms of communication, even slow scan television pictures and faximilie weather maps, etc., with very little power draw. I use it on battery with re-charging through my solar panels and the modified sine wave power box.<BR><BR>