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Cheapest, smallest laptop to run automotive software?

clipperfixer

Senior member
The software that I run to scan the cars I work on runs from a PC. I have a 17 inch lappy that I run it on, but there are some problems with it. Too big to be inside a car while driving, battery life too short. I know that it will run on something like a Dell Mini 9, but I would like something cheaper if it is out there. I don't care about the screen size, but it needs to be small. The longer the batter life the better. I don't need any drives, but I don't care if it has one. The cable connects through a USB port. The OS has to be Windows xp or better. I don't even care if the screen is color. If the software would run on a PDA it would be perfect, but it won't. So, I thought I would post and see if anyone has any ideas for me, cheap is good, all it will be used for is scanning cars.
Thanks!
 
Yes, I know the netbooks would be fine. I just don't have a use for one outside of the automotive scan software that I use. The software will run on something like a P2 no problem, the biggest thing is that it runs Xp and has USB support and is has a small form so that it can sit inside the car and still be viewable. I was wondering if there was something cheapo used out there that would do the trick. I mean the netbooks are not expensive, but all I am gonna do with it is bang it around inside a car.
 
I had my Aspire One inside the car the other day. I was checking out some diags on the Nav screen of the car while looking up info on the netbook. It rested on the e46 centre arm rest just right and would have been perfect for an OBDII hookup. I also have a leather case that makes it look like a posh little paper notebook that cost me ~$20 on eBay.
 
Originally posted by: clipperfixer
Yes, I know the netbooks would be fine. I just don't have a use for one outside of the automotive scan software that I use. The software will run on something like a P2 no problem, the biggest thing is that it runs Xp and has USB support and is has a small form so that it can sit inside the car and still be viewable. I was wondering if there was something cheapo used out there that would do the trick. I mean the netbooks are not expensive, but all I am gonna do with it is bang it around inside a car.

Well you asked for the cheapest smallest thing to use for this. The netbook is it.
If you want a true laptop and buy new you're looking at $400 minimum and you won't get the same battery life out of it.
 
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