Laptops for contractors

[Eieio]

who has got the perfect Laptop for Field work?

Do you have mobile access?

What feature would you like to see added to a laptop that would increase or help you as a contractor?

[Mike(VA)]

I don't have a laptop for field work yet, but I am looking at tablets for later. To me, they would seem to be most useful as I could enter notes, small sketches, etc. As for additional stuff, air cards are so yesterday, I plan to tether to my BB.

[Eieio]

Mike I use a tablet. had one for about 4 years. It is the greatest thing since slice bread.

Alot of the new Laptops and Tablets now have the aircards built in. Tethering works but is sometimes less reliable and not as fast as using the cards depending on what you are doing with the pc.

[Winchester]

I've got a laptop and a "rocket stick"*

Also a BB, I usually just use that if I need internet quick. I read and send emails from my phone more than anywhere else.


*for those who don't know, rocket stick is a little stick from your cellphone company that plugs into your usb and connects you to the 'net

[Eieio]

I've got a laptop and a "rocket stick"*

Also a BB, I usually just use that if I need internet quick. I read and send emails from my phone more than anywhere else.


*for those who don't know, rocket stick is a little stick from your cellphone company that plugs into your usb and connects you to the 'net

I have one too and hate it.

I am so rough that it pops out all the time. My next Laptop will have to have the net built in or the card that slides into the pcmcia slot

[Mike(VA)]

Rory, tethering to a BB is the same as an air card since both go to the nearest cell tower. However, you said you are rough on things, so a built in air card would be best. The 'floppy' types come loose and can break off if hit just right.

I am waiting until tablets are reasonably priced, but more realistic, I am waiting for enough justification for buying one.

[Winchester]

I'm debating between mounting a laptop stand in my truck or getting one of those dvd players (with multiple inputs) with 7" screen to replace my stereo.

I would then build a PC under my seat and connect to the screen input and have a wireless keyboard in my glovebox.

I have a friend who did something similar but mostly for GPS and to play MP3s. He doesn't use a keyboard since they are touchscreen.
but I'd have one if I needed to do up an invoice or contract.

I have a small portable printer already.

I basically never bring my laptop because it's a pain. A stand would change that, but I'd worry about it getting stolen. People break in cars for spare change here.

[Eieio]

I'm debating between mounting a laptop stand in my truck or getting one of those dvd players (with multiple inputs) with 7" screen to replace my stereo.

I would then build a PC under my seat and connect to the screen input and have a wireless keyboard in my glovebox.

I have a friend who did something similar but mostly for GPS and to play MP3s. He doesn't use a keyboard since they are touchscreen.
but I'd have one if I needed to do up an invoice or contract.

I have a small portable printer already.

I basically never bring my laptop because it's a pain. A stand would change that, but I'd worry about it getting stolen. People break in cars for spare change here.


I have seen pictures of your van. I don't think this will be a big problem for you. They may break in and leave change for you

[Winchester]

I have seen pictures of your van. I don't think this will be a big problem for you. They may break in and leave change for you

That's for hauling crud around or letting my guys drive it to work.

I usually drive my manly V6 truck :p

http://www.winchesterconstruction.ca/fungku/pic1.jpg

It's nice on my wallet for gas mileage and just a little bit of a nicer ride than my van.

Actually, if it were my van they'd probably steal it and use it to crash through the doors/windows of a bank :p

[Eieio]

Rory, tethering to a BB is the same as an air card since both go to the nearest cell tower. However, you said you are rough on things, so a built in air card would be best. The 'floppy' types come loose and can break off if hit just right.

I am waiting until tablets are reasonably priced, but more realistic, I am waiting for enough justification for buying one.

The connection speed can be a bit slower while tethering the information is processed a bit slower also if you are mobile with the laptop the cord can be a pain sometimes.

By the tablets use I bought a used one for 500 bucks and put about 200 bucks in upgrades.

[Eieio]

If money is not a problem. click on the image panasonic tough book

10

[fez-head]

I'll sell you my Toughbook for $500 - I'm ready for an upgrade to a newer version.