opinions from teh computor experts
 

I'm looking for another laptop, ran across this, I couldn't tell you a thing about it, but the price really caught my eye,

opinions please
http://www.gainsaver.com/Catalog/Det...FYio4AodRHNSCg

is it an outdated POS? I need a computer to keep in my van, its going to be a tough one, I'll use it for diagnostics, basic spread sheets and word programs, probably some quick books as well. I will probably use it for some internet work also

That's a commercial workman's laptop (like a sears repairman would have) they are very rugged. I've talked to a few guys who use them for work and they say they are rugged as hell and work really well. Most are set up for satellite connection.

I'm by far no expert but what your looking at is a used recondictioned computer runnig WindowsXP which is being outdated and slowly being phased out.It may not meet your needs in the future.Also they do offer a warrenty but it's for store credit only.

That's the comp they used in Iraq and Afganistan by our troops.. as previously mentioned, they are rugged as he!!. They are made to survive a 5 foot drop. That being said, I don't like the 20gb hard drive...very small by todays standards, The memory is small also. Almost all my comps run 8 GB or more, and even my laptop has 4gb. Nothing wrong with WinXP, but that comp doesn't come with any op system, so figure $80-$100 more for XP, and more for 7 (forget Vista)
You can probqbly find XP on eBay for a little less, but you're still looking at a min of $50. So, figuring XP for $50, a bigger hard drive ($50) and more memory ($25-$50) you are looking at an additional $150 min to get it upgraded to any sort of workable condition for modern programs. Plus, by todays standards, the CPU is slow. Most laptops are running at 3.5g or more.

Go to Tiger Direct (www.tigerdirect.com) and look at their laptops. They come complete, and once you consider the cost of upgrading this one they are in the same catagory price wise. More bang for the buck :beer:

i dont believe these are upgradeable. as destroyer said the 256 mb memory is painfully slow. yes, it's rugged as hell but severely obsolete. do you have a micro center nearby? comp usa? they both refurbs that are much more recent. you may not be able to drive your truck over them but you will be much happier with the performance. you should go with at the very least 1gb memory on a laptop.

I am typing on a CF-30 right now.

They are definately rugged...and should do anything you need to do.

hers one from the site Destroyer recommended, similar computer, when you upgrade the first one to the same specs, this one is cheaper http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...008&CatId=4936

It may be rugged but I think you will be kicking yourself for getting something that slow. And unless you are looking to spill stuff on it, drop it, sit on it, etc. that thing is overkill. If money is an issue, there are a ton of cheap refurbed dells that will suit you well.

Here is a nice example.
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?Inv...R-12R&cpc=RESX

-Svence

Agreed, but that's a CF-30...Upscale of the CF-29 we're talking about. Pentium duo processor running at 1.88hz, 2 gb or ram, 80 gb hard drive, etc. Sweet comp for sure, but a 30 is much newer and goes for around $800-900.

Yep, that's a nice one.. Same CPU as the Panasonic CF-30. Same size HD, 2 gig ram, Windows XP already installed, built in wireless network, nice price. I like the Latitude series.. My wife uses one and I have one at work for when I'm on the road. Fast, reliable, almost bulletproof. And one other thing to remember...since Dell sells so many units, parts are always available on eBay, be it a hard drive or more memory or whatever. About the only thing I'd have to knock them on is the recharge life of their batteries..but as long as you remember to bring your powercord you can recharge them and run them right from your vehicle's 12v power socket.