Cheap Windows Computer for Scanner Programming

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tglendye

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I am looking for a cheap Windows based laptop to use for Sentinel, the Unication PPS and probably Pro96com. I will probably use it for some internet surfing, but not really for anything else. Any recommendations?
 

KK4JUG

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I've been using an old Acer Netbook for almost 10 years. Programming is about all I use it for. It has Windows 7, a 9.5" screen and the battery lasts 7+ hours. I have never, ever had a problem with it. It has Internet access but I only use it for updating and not surfing. I highly recommend it but it's so old, one like it would be hard to find. If I said it was worth $50, I'd be exaggerating.
 

jaspence

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Try Newegg.com. I recently got an older HP i5 business laptop with a fresh Windows 10 Pro installation for $127. You won't need that much computer, and there are hundreds of choices, some less, some more, including Windows 7 which generally works better with older programming software. Look for one the is refurbished by a Microsoft Certified Refurbisher. Some even has a full year warranty.
 

tglendye

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Thanks, everyone. Some good ideas here that I’ve been checking out.
 

questnz

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If you have a desktop its just as easy to add another small SSD disk for messing up with Radios. Laptop different matter unless there is room for another disk? At BIOS boot time just s
 

questnz

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OOOpppss, didn't finished this sentence, one of my senior moments again


If you have a desktop its just as easy to add another small SSD disk for messing up with Radios. Laptop different matter unless there is room for another disk? At BIOS boot time just select appropriate disk to boot from.
 

LeSueurC

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OOOpppss, didn't finished this sentence, one of my senior moments again


If you have a desktop its just as easy to add another small SSD disk for messing up with Radios. Laptop different matter unless there is room for another disk? At BIOS boot time just select appropriate disk to boot from.
Yea but a desktop you can't take with you. I have an older HP Laptop I use for Pro96Com and programming, all the recordings and such take space I use for other things. The laptop is better for trips or if you need to take Pro96Com with you in the field and get info.
 

questnz

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of course, I use one of my desktop SSD disk's mainly for "programming" stuff, laptop to "control" my radios away from home if need be.
On radio disk I have all sorts of programs and drivers for Unidens, Whistler TRX-1, SDRPlay RSP1A, and SDR RTL dongles. But overall cheap laptop will be more convenient option for a long run. Where I live we can buy cheap ex Business Lease Windows laptops for that purpose.
 
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