Looking for an used compact laptop that has a COM / serial port

[alkemyst]

A tablet would be ideal. I have been using my Palm up to now for ODBII stuff on my car. I'd like to now get into CONSULT and data logging as I am going to play with some ECU tuning.

They do make serial to USB adapters but those still don't work with all software...

I'd like something that runs XP Pro, has a COM port and at least a PIII-1.2 in it.

The smaller the better.

Any ideas for models to look for out there? Looking for a $100 laptop.

 

[corkyg]

You can easily add a Cardbus (PCMCIA) adapter to any laptop and have one or more serial ports.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: corkyg
You can easily add a Cardbus (PCMCIA) adapter to any laptop and have one or more serial ports.

looking to have it built in.

 

[IlllI]

welcome to 1998

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: clandren
welcome to 1998

ahh almost a teenager?

 

[xSauronx]

you should check fs/t

some people regularly have some older laptops they want to clean out for cheap. you might luck out and get xp, maybe xp pro if you cross your fingers.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: xSauronx
you should check fs/t

some people regularly have some older laptops they want to clean out for cheap. you might luck out and get xp, maybe xp pro if you cross your fingers.

pickings seem slim lately, either broken stuff or incomplete...things that would work are priced more than even ebay.

 

[Peter]

You could try a PCMCIA or ExpressCard serial port though ... unlike USB, these are bus-attached, much more backward compatible than USB-attached peripheral converters.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Peter
You could try a PCMCIA or ExpressCard serial port though ... unlike USB, these are bus-attached, much more backward compatible than USB-attached peripheral converters.

definitely better than the usb to serial, but pretty pricey for what you get.

For my purpose it'd be a problematic connection. Simply not as robust for a laptop that will be spending time on my passenger seat with me driving.

I may go with a X31 or R/T series thinkpad. I don't like touchpad only and these are built well. the X32 is about the same price as the 31 but I'd have to use the X3 dock to get the serial connection.

 

[TerryMathews]

Compaq Evo N600/610/620.

$250ish for the P3 models on eBay, up to ~$500 for Pentium M

Worth noting that the docking connector on these models expose a TON of ports including serial. You could conceivably make a docking station a permenant part of your car and just dock the laptop when you're in it.

EDIT: I know this is outside the range you were looking for, but I thought you might be interested in something that can pull double-duty. If you're not, I do have a P3 laptop that I could let go for $100. 15" Toshiba, works. PM me if interested.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
Compaq Evo N600/610/620.

$250ish for the P3 models on eBay, up to ~$500 for Pentium M

Worth noting that the docking connector on these models expose a TON of ports including serial. You could conceivably make a docking station a permenant part of your car and just dock the laptop when you're in it.

EDIT: I know this is outside the range you were looking for, but I thought you might be interested in something that can pull double-duty. If you're not, I do have a P3 laptop that I could let go for $100. 15" Toshiba, works. PM me if interested.

actually an Evo N600C was what I wanted from work but apparently `we may still need it`

Tried to find one on ebay but they were just as expensive as the later model P4`s

I picked up a D400 on Friday. Should fit my needs well.

I don`t get the pricing on this stuff...it`s like any laptop goes for $200 at least on ebay.