Small Laptop/ultraportable for (motorcycle) travel...

[witold]

First, let me say that I am clueless about laptops. Aside from getting a standard one from work, I've never had one. I am looking for some laptop advice.

I don't play video games, so I don't need anything too powerful. I will be working with Photoshop and some database work, but I don't mind waiting. My current computer is AMD ~XP1700/1gig, and it's sufficient, if not that great.

I would like the laptop to serve as my primary computer. I will add external drives for storage and use a big LCD when I'm at my desk.

BUT, I also want this laptop to serve as a travel laptop. Motorcycle travel to be exact. As such, it needs to be small and rugged. It needs Wifi, and a big hard drive. It needs to have USB port at least, and CF/SD card reader would be nice. I would like to stay under 1K for this, and that seems to put me in the 12inch screen category, correct? Any specific laptops I should be looking at? Any way to cut costs? Any deals out there? Help!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

I'm still trying to figure out where the motorcycle comes in.

Everything new nowadays will have WiFi and USB. Smaller laptops tend to actually cost more than their full-size counterparts as well - is 12" a required size, or "preferred"?

As far as deals, Dell usually always has something running. Keep an eye on the Hot Deals forum and search through it for the latest. I imagine you can easily get a Core Duo notebook with 2GB of RAM for under $1K - it may be a 14 or 15" model though.

- M4H

 

[cheesehead]

I would run screaming away from Dell.

You may want to look into either a used Panasonic Toughbook, or possibly an IBM X40/X41. Both are durable, well made laptops, but only the Toughbook also features limited waterproofing, a sealed keyboard, and more.

The Toughbook W4 would likely be perfect, with a 4+ hour battery life, 12" screen, 2.8lb. weight, and built-in DVD player. The 2,000$ pricetag for a refurbished unit is a bit hard to swallow, though.

 

[flyboy84]

As M4H said, you will find that 12" notebooks will actually cost more than 14 and 15" models. I would recommend the Dell Latitude D420 for you.

It meets most of your requirements: It has a 12.1" widescreen, you can get a core solo/duo, up to 1.5GB RAM, I think up to an 80GB or 100GB HDD, a built-in CF Reader, and has no optical drive.

It has a VERY well designed docking base (look at the "mediabase" option) that has an integrated DVD writer, DVI output, etc.

The only areas where it might not meet your requirements are in price and durability. The price is probably in the 1500 range depending on options. As far as durability is concerned, I just don't know. I know it is somewhat ruggedized (Magnesium Alloy chassis, "Strike Zone" protection) but I'm sure it's not to the level of a Panasonic Toughbook. Honestly though, you would be hard pressed to find anything in that category other than the toughbook itself. I'd do some research on the D420 to find out if it meets your needs in that area.

 

[witold]

MercenaryForHire, I included the motorcycle part so that it's clear that space is huge consideration. During my search, I was surprised to see that smaller laptops with poor specs and small screen actually cost more. But 12 inch screen is about the max motebook size I can do (weight doesn't matter, though) The laptop needs to stand up to vibration and constant bumps, so it needs to be sturdy. I posted to see wich of these laptops have a reputation for durability/warranty service...

 

[hmsrolst]

I just picked up a D420 at the Dell Outlet--Core Duo with 60GB HDD. Been using it for about a week, and I like it a lot (once I figured out how to adjust the fan speed). I don't know how rugged it is. However, if you do go for a D420, go to the Outlet. Mine was just under $900 with a 3-year warranty. Currently, the 80GB ones are running between $1,000 and $1,100.

 

[andrewbabcock]

I thought dell had a latitude that was military spec. for durability. Did i completely dream this or can one actually be bought?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: witold
MercenaryForHire, I included the motorcycle part so that it's clear that space is huge consideration. During my search, I was surprised to see that smaller laptops with poor specs and small screen actually cost more. But 12 inch screen is about the max motebook size I can do (weight doesn't matter, though) The laptop needs to stand up to vibration and constant bumps, so it needs to be sturdy. I posted to see wich of these laptops have a reputation for durability/warranty service...

Ah, I see.

If you don't need to do the aforementioned Photoshop/DB work on the road, and just need something that can do internet/word processing/etc, I'd suggest just getting an older ultralight notebook, and keeping the desktop for home work.

- M4H

 

[Aarondeep]

Id go with something made by IBM. My experience with dell is that they aren't very rugged or durable. My current MSI-1013 (S260/262) is a 12" but I think it fails your standards for ruggedness as well. You can't go wrong with the reliability of the thinkpads. Realistically your budget is too low for something small and rugged.

 

[BladeVenom]

Rugged laptops aren't cheap. You can buy an expensive rugged laptop, cheap laptop with good warranty, cheap laptop with the expectation of replacing it, or two so you have a spare. Just remember to keep all important data constantly backed up.

 

[andrewbabcock]

Originally posted by: aarondeep
Id go with something made by IBM. My experience with dell is that they aren't very rugged or durable. My current MSI-1013 (S260/262) is a 12" but I think it fails your standards for ruggedness as well. You can't go wrong with the reliability of the thinkpads. Realistically your budget is too low for something small and rugged.

I've heard a lot about the durability of thinkpads but i'm not so convinced. Someone at my school took a T60 home with them in their backpack and the screen broke. I seriously doubt their incredible durability especially with the latest models...

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: andrewbabcock

Originally posted by: aarondeep
Id go with something made by IBM. My experience with dell is that they aren't very rugged or durable. My current MSI-1013 (S260/262) is a 12" but I think it fails your standards for ruggedness as well. You can't go wrong with the reliability of the thinkpads. Realistically your budget is too low for something small and rugged.

I've heard a lot about the durability of thinkpads but i'm not so convinced. Someone at my school took a T60 home with them in their backpack and the screen broke. I seriously doubt their incredible durability especially with the latest models...

I have an X40. It's built like a brick. The LCD's protected not by plastic, but by a thick metal plate. (It's rubberized).

A Panasonic Toughbook is another good option. If it's good enough for cops, it's good enough for anyone.

Also, have you considered a MacBook? Although not in the same category perhaps as the above laptops, they do have a thick polycarbonate shell. Having owned (and dropped) an iBook innumerable times, I can tell you they're quite sturdy. And at 1100$, the MacBook is a pretty decent deal. I reccomend it over, say, Dell or Gateway.

Dell, on the other hand, uses much more plastic in their construction, and are less durable.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead
Dell, on the other hand, uses much more plastic in their construction, and are less durable.

Are you confident this is the case with the new D420 & D620? Dell touts them as having magnesium alloy cases.

 

[irishScott]

http://tinyurl.com/yky9d4

 

[alimoalem]

thinkpads are good but out of your budget i think (what is your budget btw?)

i think a dell D420 or D410 (the D410 doesn't have core duo) would be a suitable option. if you check out dealsea, you can get a decently spec'ed D410 for $819. it comes with only a CD-ROM drive though

 

[mordantmonkey]

wow, i'm looking for the exact same thing. for the same reason, i'll be going on a long (few months) motorcycle trip in about 6 months and i need a laptop that won't get fubared from bumps and vibration. Though i am wondering, why such small size requirement? do you plan on keeping it in a backpack? or is it going in a hardcase that will only fit a 12"?
let me know how it works out for you, i really want to know.

 

[Trippytiger]

A used X32 sounds like it would fit the bill perfectly. It's 12", fairly lightweight, all magnesium (AFAIK), has a 2.5" HDD (unlike the X40/X41, which has a 1.8" drive which really limits capacity), and I believe it has a CF slot too.

 

[Brianoes]

I've got a used IBM X30. Its fantastic. Pro's: Really light, fantastic keyboard to type on, almost 5 hours of battery life with a new battery, CF slot, 2.5" hard drive, CHEAP! I got mine for $400 off of eBay. The thing is built (almost) like a tank. I'm sure that any damage that it *could* sustain would not be nearly as bad as the damage your bike you sustain in a similar situation.

Cons - Only USB1, but if you really need fast transfer rates to an external HD, just get a firewire one and use the onboard FW port.

I would personally go for the X31. Plenty of power (P-M vs. P-III on my X30, but my 1.2gHz P-III runs XP like a champ!), rugged, great battery life, USB2, and a fantastic keyboard.

Brian

 

[chrisram]

I carry my compaq v2000 14.1" widescreen in a Targus backpack in the saddlebag of my Concours all the time. No issues as long as the laptop is in a proper case. I carried my old IBM240 10" screen all the time in an Axio backpack on the bike. No problems. This Compaq has flown off the seat of my truck a few times in the Targus backpack without problems. Hope this helps.

 

[Ingemar]

yes, thank you, that helps.

best regards from Stockholm