Laptop or notebook suggestions

[mmckenna]

I'm still using an old Dell X61 from the 2000 era.
It works, sort of, but just won't die. It'll no longer boot into Windows without holding the escape key to get past some error. The WiFi and Network cards failed. The battery will not take a charge. It's still running Windoze XP.

But it works. I use it for programming my own Motorola CDM's and a few other older radios. Using the Rufus DOS on a Stick, I'm able to boot into DOS easily and program some of the older stuff that still uses RSS.

While it's annoying as heck, it just keeps going. And, it has a -real- RS-232 port as well as USB ports. It's long since lasted the computers that came after it.

 

[Osprey1163]

The only thing I'll regret about giving up the Dell Latitude (which was a freebie) is losing a REAL serial port. I'm considering one of the Toughbooks another member suggested. It's set up with a triple boot system (win7, 8 and 10), has an actual serial port, has SDR receiver software and programming software already loaded. As I've gotten older, downloading, installing and setting up programs like those has lost its appeal!

 

[mrweather]

I have an HP Omnibook that's at least 20 years old. It's running Win98SE, has a real serial port and the original battery still holds a decent charge!

 

[Osprey1163]

I was upset when Microsoft stopped supporting XP, I loved that OS! For me, it was incredibly stable and up to that point the best one Bill ever came up with. I played with Vista a few times and it was horrible!
I've been pleasantly surprised with Win 10.

 

[TexTAC]

I’m in the same boat. Thinking about a new laptop for scanner programming, scanner streaming using proscan, and other personal use (internet/TV/finances). I am confused on what connections the laptop will need. What ports do I need on the laptop to get sound from the SDS100 (I guess from the SDS headphone jack?) into the laptop? What ports do I need on the laptop to get sound from the laptop (I guess from the laptop headphone jack) to my external speaker? All the various USB (a, b, c) and thunderbolt designations make my head spin. Also can I stream wirelessly or do I need a Ethernet port on the laptop?

 

[iMONITOR]

I’m in the same boat. Thinking about a new laptop for scanner programming, scanner streaming using proscan, and other personal use (internet/TV/finances). I am confused on what connections the laptop will need. What ports do I need on the laptop to get sound from the SDS100 (I guess from the SDS headphone jack?) into the laptop? What ports do I need on the laptop to get sound from the laptop (I guess from the laptop headphone jack) to my external speaker? All the various USB (a, b, c) and thunderbolt designations make my head spin. Also can I stream wirelessly or do I need a Ethernet port on the laptop?

Ideally you want the following ports:

Ethernet
RS232 Serial
USB3 (the more the better)
Microphone
Headphone
Speaker
Line-In

 

[jazzboypro]

On my laptop i have only 3 USB C ports. I don't have many peripherals that uses USB C. I bought a hub that supplies USB C and USB B along with an Ethenet port, 1 HDMI port and a SD card reader. My rigs do not require RS232 interface. I never paid attention but do modern laptops actually have an RS232 port ?

 

[iMONITOR]

I never paid attention but do modern laptops actually have an RS232 port ?

Yes. Most of DELL's Precision Laptops have RS232 serial ports. Serial port are still very common for testing labs, instrumentation, ETC.

 

[Osprey1163]

Hello,

I am using a Panasonic CF-19 "Black Cobra edition" to program my Motorola APX 6000XE, Harris XG-75 and Harris XG-100 portable radios while running Windows 10 pro edition. This is my second Panasonic CF-`19 laptop and these are great computers for work use and personal use. I bought both mine from a well recommended dealer on eBay with no issues.

I just ordered a CF-30 from a recommended dealer on good 'ol Ebay. Now I'm in the "little kid waiting for Santa" phase of getting a new ham radio related toy.

 

[N1XDS]

I just ordered a CF-30 from a recommended dealer on good 'ol Ebay. Now I'm in the "little kid waiting for Santa" phase of getting a new ham radio related toy.

Nice! I bought mine from the eBay seller named TechStuff well recommended seller and great service!