Now I'm looking into getting a laptop for datalogging (Haltech) and I'm wondering if any laptop will do or not. I checked out the other post here about getting a laptop for cheap, but I will need one relatively soon and know it would be a while after seeing all of the names on that list. I hope to spend the smallest amount of money possible as well. Should I just look for one around ebay?

 

since the Haltech program is a DOS program the older and therefore cheeper laptops are sometimes the best. I bought mine from an auction site(not ebay) for $250. the only thing I use it for is ECU programming so I don't have to worry if it gets dirty or damaged at the track or in the garage. no real need for some of the super fast new laptops unless you have another use for it.

 

Ok, thanks! Would you recommend a specific manufacturer (IBM, Dell, etc.)?

 

I have a compaq 5300 and I have used a Dell not sure of model and both work fine. I didn't need the laptop for anything other than tuning the car so I just got something that would run the Haltech program and not any extras. I think any of the name brand models will work fine.

 

find one at bestbuy.com and i will get you a discount

 

Well, I didn't plan on spending much money at all on a laptop, so unless the discount is something crazy, I think I'll have to pass on this offer. Thanks though.

 

Best buy employee discounts are "at cost." Or at least they are here. Meaning whatever Best Buy buys the particular product for is how much they sell it to emloyees. Works out really well for many products.

 

Get an Apple laptop hehe

 

Considering there really isn't much of a discount in the hardware biz, you're best going online.
www.pricewatch.com has the best prices on hardware, and for laptops I'd suggest Dell. But yeah, you don't need much of a computer. Just check e-bay or something like that.

 

I use Mac's myself. I would get one without the OS from Pricewatch, you can get a sweet laptop without the OS for like $700.00 then you throw your copy of Windows 98, XP or 2000 and your ready to go.

 

I just got an old laptop from my work a few days ago.

Its a texas instruments TM5000. P75, 500 meg HD, 8 megs of ram, color screen, windows 95 loaded. Looks like te perfect system for a Haltec setup.

Downsides - Broken mouse pointer, needs new battery, no sound card

Upsides - Network card (10base2 or 10baseT)

I'd say I can prolly sell this thing for like $50 bux since it still works even after it overheated (paint bubbling off), perfect Haltec laptop.

 

Dell CPi-A -- is pretty cheap, you run 400mhz, P2

 

I have a Gateway Solo 2500 I am looking to sell, awesome for datalogging and great as an everday PC. It has a 366Mhz processor and I will throw in a Vivitar digital camera and lots of software, $575.