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Laptop
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Post 1 made on Friday December 26, 2003 at 11:40
MiamiMan
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I am in the early stages of programming remotes for customers. I am currently looking for a notebook computer to use for programming remotes. One of the main features I am looking for is an integrated serial port. I know there are usb adapters available bit I would definetly prefer an integrated solution. Is there any other features I should be concerned with? I would love to hear any comments anyone may have. If someone would like to recommend one that would help as well.

Thank You
Miami Man
Post 2 made on Friday December 26, 2003 at 13:25
Jay In Chicago
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All I can say is that I was in your shoes again recently as I was ditching an older laptop.

FORGET looking for an integrated serial port... It will only leave you making compromises in your choice.

I bit the bullet on 2 HP laptops in the last coupe years and have been very pleased. The latest being a very capable Pavilion ze5400 with a DVD burner to boot. I am frustrated by the lack of a Serial port, but I figure now that this one little cable I must keep in the bag is just sharing space with al the other cables I must carry.

It also puts you in a league of your own. The few, the proud. The Serial port users... Your customers have likely already forgot what a serial port is along long ago.

See. They can't even program the remote on their own machine without even using special cables etc.

... Besides. In a short while, I doubt you will see a remote that's serial programmable.

....But you will still bring that cable around for years!

Have fun MM.

Oh...one more thing...When you've just spent 18 hours coming up with an all new bomb ass config... The last thing you're thinking about is that little cable and port issue...

You're thinking. I better sell this same system some more!

Peace and prosperity in the new year my friend.
Jet Rack ... It's what's for breakfast
Post 3 made on Friday December 26, 2003 at 13:40
Impaqt
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Serial ports are not going away anytime soon.....

I use a Dell 8500 which I specifially purchases because of the serial port and the widescreen display. The extra resolution is awesome when I'm working on Crestron or AMX as I can have both software suites up on the screen at the same time.... Comes in handy with all kinds of programming.

I'm not positive that new 8600 has the serial port, but I bet it does.. Worst case, you can get the enhanced port replicator for it which does provide the serial port.

You can get the 8600 pretty loaded for under 2K The screen alone is worth it in my book, and the seial port is a bonus.

We just picked up a couple Compaqs and have to use adaptors with those.... PITA if I do say so.....

Post 4 made on Friday December 26, 2003 at 13:56
Derek
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My personal theory is to buy from the open box/refurb table for most electronics. New technology and features come out so quick paying top dollar for today's latest doesn't make much sense to me. Especially when I have to take it to a job site with other work going on. I recently sat and programmed a pronto while my boss drilled a stone mantle to hang a plasma. Dust everywhere. Then the homeowners kids came in and ran around the room narrowly avoiding electrical cords strung through the room. This is not where I want to take the latest $3K top notch computer. I recently bought a new laptop. I did look for one with a serial port and found a P4 with serial port cd-rom and 15" 1400x1050 resolution screen, for $1500 out the door. I visited three stores and drove about 60 miles.

Good luck
Derek
Post 5 made on Friday December 26, 2003 at 14:21
Jay In Chicago
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Dell?!?! See I said you'd have to make sacrifices...

LOL. Not really... IMOHO ...I have to say I'm not up to speed with their Models, but They certainly don't offer the best value for the $... And That IS ONLY my Opinion... I have had all type of machines, and I haven't found a lot of serial ports at brick and mortar locations... So while I wouldn't say they are going away soon either.. I would say that they are hard to find integrated in most newer machines out there. I even looked into having a custom Laptop built... EVEN From DELL, but I didn't like the overall options and value. (They couldn't integrate a DVD burner when I was looking at them / I believe that they have that option these days)

A friend of mine loves Toshiba laptops. We're all different.


___________________________

What I meant to really say is just make sure you are using a 15" screen... When doing your Pronto's... It has it ALL over a 14." You can view lot's of panels without overlapping.

I know it's assumed tat All new and serious laptops will have a 15" screen, but I'm sure somebody would say that 14" screens are not going away anytime soon, and they get them from gateway or some shizz.


_______OK.. Not machines, not laptops, but notebooks... I'll get it straight too.



And yes the 8600 does still have a serial port in that line.. I do know that. So if they have what you need and you like the $.. Go for it!

Impact...Why on earth did you guys pick up Compaq "notebooks" I'm sure they have improved, but my last one I had left me shaking (that was back in windows 98, so i guess I should give them the benifit of the doubt)...

Actually.. Who am I to talk... Didn't they recently merge with HP!?!?

AGGHHH.. There's no escaping the mess of this world.

As far as open box refurb computers go? No on you life. Not for me anyhow. The last thing I want to do is spend that money on a computer that for some reason was refurbished, returned, or out on the floor with a bunch of people that don't wash their hands inserting their fecal matter and their McDonalds from lunch into the keyboard. It's very likely on a return that a newbie gave this unit a royal bug.. I've seen it b4...

Go for it on other electronics, but spend the money on the computer for one you can F up all on your own.

If the kids are running the show in that environment, your boss needs to lay down the law a little better. (with the parents 1st if possible) I wouldn't allow them near any cords on the ground. Not twice anyhow.


Enjoy the rest of the year friends...



OOOooh oooohhh.. Spend the bucks on a great BAG. Never waste money on the bag. THICK foamy pads one the bottom of the laptop is a must in our world.

I'll cut back on the coffee now.

This message was edited by Jay In Chicago on 12/26/03 14:38.
Jet Rack ... It's what's for breakfast
Post 6 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 02:08
craig day
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Be careful. I have experienced first hand and heard from many others that USB to serial adapters dont work. In fact, I have a brand new one that I bought from Dell about a year ago when I made the mistake of buying a laptop from them that lacked a serial port. It wouldn't work on Crestron, Pronto, Intellicontrol, Sonance Navigator, MX Editor, Xantech Dragon Drop or HMS applications. In fact, I can think of at least 2 programming classes I've been to where guys couldn't participate because they were using USB adapters that didn't work.
Post 7 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 10:15
akaweed
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I use a Aten USB to serial adapter UC-232A, it seems to work with about everything. Lutron Homeworks, Crestron, AMX, Touch Screen Setup, MX editor, Sonance, Elan, Ademco, Lexicon, etc. I have used others that have not been as forgiving. What I run accross the most, is tech support blaming a problem on your adapter because it is "not the one we recommend". We can not carry 10 differnt adapters around, i'm lucky to keep track of the one I have. As far as notebooks, about a year ago I sceptically decided to go with an ultra light (Sony Vaio R505), I absolutly love this machine, but mostly the ultra light aspect of it. Most of my work is in the field & we do a lot of Elan, so not carrying around a boat anchor has been a dream. It came with a docking station (has serial port) that even makes it better. Just my $.02. Good luck.
Post 8 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 10:23
avdude
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toshiba makes a WIDE line of laptops with all encompassing gidgets and gadgets...they are also incredibly durable...I have owned three, with no problems at all!

Just bought a Satellite Pro 6100 2.4 Ghz, 512K ram, DVD/CDRW, 15" screen, WIRELESS built in, bluetooth built in, wire nic built in, modem, etc...and three year ON-SITE, even if you drop it and bust it we'll fix in warranty, for $1500.00

look here... [Link: shop.pcconnection.com]

mine is the same...except a little newer...not refurbed, and I got it locally through a computer friend of mine! Let me know if you're interested!

avdude
AVDUDE
"It might work better if it were plugged in and programmed first...just a thought!"
Post 9 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 14:11
roddymcg
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I have a Toshiba Satellite A 10 with USB serial ports only and have had only 1 problem, not confirming my adaptor was set to com port 1. (Doh!) I use it with Crestron, Pronto and Panasonic Phone systems.

I forgot where I ordered my USB to DB-9 adapter (USB Gear), but it seems to be fine. Our other programer also uses an adapter from Radio Shack and does not have any problems either.

My Toshiba has most of the bells and whistles that avdudes has and I paid about $1400 for mine new from Toshiba.

A happy USB Toshiba user. :)

Roddy
When good enough is not good enough.
OP | Post 10 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 14:35
MiamiMan
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Thank you all very much for the information.

I guess I should have clarified.

I am currently using an HP Pavilion ze 5170. It does not have a serial port so I use a usb adapter. I have had some minor problems but not many. The main reason I want to eliminate the converter is for troubleshooting. If I do run into a problem now, my first step is to check the converter. If I had no converter the I wouldn't have to worry.

Well I thank you all for the info.

MiamiMan
Post 11 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 15:00
avdude
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MiamiMan...

please CHECK the link I included in my previous post, then further investigate both Toshiba Laptops AND IBM Laptops....almost ALL of both have serial ports included...infact I'm really suprised the A-10 that roddy mentioned doesn't!

avdude
AVDUDE
"It might work better if it were plugged in and programmed first...just a thought!"
OP | Post 12 made on Saturday December 27, 2003 at 15:10
MiamiMan
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avdude

I did look at the link you provided. I have decided to go with a Toshiba almost just like the one in the link.

I thank you
Miami Man

Post 13 made on Sunday December 28, 2003 at 03:09
M_Bruno
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Find a nice 1-2 year old Dell on eBay. It'll be plenty fast for remote programming, and most other common tasks. Might still be under warranty, even. Just be sure to buy from a reputable seller.

I got a Latitude CPi-A PII/400 for $360 a few months ago, with CD, floppy, two batteries, docking station and PCCARD modem. Couldn't be happier, and I didn't blow $1000 on the rapid value errosion that comes with a new PC. One caveat: if you run on battery a lot, you can expect to have to buy a new battery as the used one may not have much life left in it.
Post 14 was deleted by a forum moderator.
Post 15 made on Wednesday November 23, 2022 at 09:52
highfigh
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On November 23, 2022 at 05:12, oliverlucas said...
Laptop is a device which is portable and easy to carry for everyone!
We can also call it as DIGITAL NOTEBOOK sometimes. 4GB of RAM should be insufficient for the one who is searching for a great LAPTOP.
We can do alot of stuff on laptops and it allows us to wprk easily from it.

But, apparently, your spell checker isn't working.
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."


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