What laptop with tuners?

[puckyou]

With a SC in my future I am going to start shopping for a laptop to run the DHP software.

What is everyone using.....I want to start scouring ebay.

I know the minimum requirements but would like to focus on a cheap model that will handle nothing more than tuning.

[xonelith]

I was using a Pentium III with no problems. I'm not sure what the min requirements for DHP are, but I would assume you would need a COM Port. HPT used to use a COM port, but now have USB. If the new versions of DHP require a USB port, that would be something to look at.

I'm now using a laptop with Centrino. Definite difference, particular with on the fly programming. Are you planning on black box tuning? There might be some limitations on that. DHP is probably coming out with it. (scanning/uploading without a laptop)

[AaronGTR]

I had on old HP omnibook500 with a 700mhz pentium 3, 512mb ram, and 80GB HD. It handled the tuning program just fine, but the screen was small and dim, battery didn't last long, and it had a mouse button in the middle of the keyboard instead of a finger pad so it was kind of hard to use. System was basically maxed out on windows XP and it started having problems over heating and freezing up after it was on a long time, so I got rid of it.

I'm currently using a Dell Inspiron 600m. Pentium 1.7GHz M chip, 512mb ram, and 50GB HD. It's one of a few laptops made that still have a standard serial plug in the back too, so you don't need a usb/serial adapter. Has DVD/CD-R/RW drive, finger pad, wireless network, and most of the other goodies. Got it on ebay for $680.


Basically you're better off with something newer in the $600-800 range. It will be easier to use and more dependable in the long run, whatever model you decide on. Good hunting. :)

[LukeD]

Yeah something to consider, is that in the future, some options on the PT may be more demanding. I know you're mainly looking for something cheap to just run the PT but there are some pretty good deals out there where for a little more you can get a lot of nice extras.

I have a HP I got for $1250

AMD 64 3800+
1 Gig of ram
100 GB HD
128 graphics card (plus you can take 128 from system memory to make 256)
DVD burner
10 in 1 card reader
Wireless B/G

they sell several models with the only difference being the processer. You might be able to get one with a AMD 64 3500+ or 3200+ for under $1000

I'd recommend the Dells too. They have some decent models for around $700. Just use the restore disk when you first get it to install a fresh copy of windows without all that junk they throw on there (AOL and whatever else they preload).

Offtopic: Thanks a million for that egr drawing! That is perfect! I'm going to go down to a machine shop and see if they can make that for me or see if anyone I know can make it.

[puckyou]

Offtopic: Thanks a million for that egr drawing! That is perfect! I'm going to go down to a machine shop and see if they can make that for me or see if anyone I know can make it.

No problem, I am sure you will be helping me in the near future when I get this thing installed.

[nascarnate326]

Check out the Dell c600. Mine is a p3 1ghz with 512k ram. Runs xp pro wonderfully. Best of all, its what you need, and its cheap. I have had 0 problems with mine.

[xxbackhillxx]

Just remembered this thread when I was browsing HPTuners;

System Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Windows 98SE or Better
350 MHz PC or Laptop
64 MB of RAM
USB Port

Recommended Requirements:
Windows 2000/XP or Better
650 MHz PC or Laptop
128 MB of RAM

hope it helps

p.s. hpt > dhp

[Sprucegagt]

DHP minimum system requirements:
400 MHz
128 Megs of RAM
At least Windows 98 (I think)

I have an old Compaq Presario 1562 laptop that I use for tuning. Specs are 480 MHz, 192 Megs of RAM, Windows XP and MS Office. It's slow when trying to scan over 10 items for over an hour. But other than that it works just fine.



p.s. hpt > dhp

Given the recent news from DHP this is a false statement. Either way both tuning programs offer about the same features, but not the same support for the V6.

Without a doubt DHP forum > HPT forum

[puckyou]

Thanks, either I am going to go with a brand new HP with all the bells and whistles to use for more than just tuning or at least a 1ghz 512mb ram older HP or Dell.

Average cost right now is around $300 for the 1ghz 512's on ebay.