Any suggestions for a small, dedicated computer I can use for a utec? It won't be used for anything else.

I might have an old laptop laying around I'd be willing to trade for parts you may have sitting about :p

Any old laptop should be able to work to connect with the UTEC. Just be sure that it has a serial connector. That makes it much easier than trying to deal with the usb-serial adapters. I got a brand new Dell 6000 thinking it would work great, but it only had a USB port, not a serial port. I got it to work with an adapter, but it was a bit of a PITA.

Good luck.

Depends how flashy you want to go. You could easily buy an old cheap laptop for $100 bucks at your local garage/flee market sale- or you could go the distance and get a carputer that will have more functions such as GPS, music, movies, internet if you wanted to. That setup can also be relatively cheap if you don't go for a touch screen and lowest brand computer. You should check out www.mp3car.com for that stuff.

I used a Presario 2715 (kind of big and clumsy overkill) in the past, using an adapter cable readily accessible so I don't have to mess with the floor plate.

I might just pick up an old IBM computer. Although some kind of stripped down small dell or HP is more appealing. I guess its time for a Google search. It would be nice if I could use a hand held of some kind.

However, I don't intend to tune while driving. :lol:

hit up ebay for laptops :D

....the most basic of basic windows----windows 95 even works....OS'd laptops will work......a friend had a 133 with 128mb ram and windows 95 that worked just fine for his UTEC.....as long as it has Hyperterminal installed(ya can dl it for free) and a working serial plug(or usb)....it will work.

I just found a Kensington dc brick for my laptop at CompUsa for $40.....:D

I have a 10 year old Toshiba laptop Satellite Pro 430 CDT 166 Mhz (original Pentium Processor) with Win 98 2nd Ed. I used it on the UTEC in my '04 WRX with Hyperterminal and I still use it today for browsing the Internet wirelessly around the house. :lol:

I'm thoroughly convinced that this laptop will never die as I have NEVER had to change or repair ANYTHING on it other than opening the removeable CD to bend the CD door catch a little so it would keep latching the door properly about a year ago. Even the hard drive is the original unit and it has seen pretty heavy use. It's outlasted 3 batteries, bumps, knocks, and, just about everything else. I now just use it plugged in as the laptop isn't worth the cost of a new battery, but the thing survives like a TIMEX watch is suppose to do. :D

I'd ALMOST put my laptop up against one of those new Panasonic Toughbooks the police officers and other "rough occupation" guys use. ALMOST... ;)

If you can find an inexpensive Toshiba (I'd recommend an older Satellite Pro or Tecra, not the regular Satellite which tended to be less durable) with a serial port on eBay or someone local, it would make a great "tuning" laptop that you won't freak out about if you get a smudge of grease on it. :lol:

This isn't cheap, but does anyone have one of these.Overkill - From $1200 (http://jkontherun.blogs.com/jkontherun/2006/01/oqo_introduces_.html)

Is this the end of the carputer ? It was for me.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV1WGDW37c0&search=project%20origami


As far as your question goes any old laptop will do. As far USB/PDA adpters go as long as you get a decent one that comes with a CD rom it should be plug and play. Most older laptops have a serial port anyway. Ebay is your friend here.

Thanks to all. The problem is I am addicted to new tech toys.

Since I have a new Desktop, the idea of a new small new tech gadget with a usb port/serial adapter appeals to me. I need to argue with myself on this.

If I stick to logic, Ebay is a possibility. I also found a site that sells refurbished notebooks.

I'm using a brand new laptop with 17inch screen... it's way to big and overkill... luckly I use it for homework and programming...

35.00 at best buy and circuit city for a usb to serial adapter

I got mine for 25 at a local computer shop...

personally I'd love something smaller... I have to adjust my driver seat all the way back and then recline to use this thing in my car.

hit up ebay for laptops :D
+2 for Ebay

50 bones you cant go wrong...lol

The Micro Soft Origami is the answer to the power of a laptop and the footprint about the size of a DVD question. It is about three DVD's or so thick I think. I will be trying one out shortly after they release. Windows XP(tablet edition I think) with a touch screen and the bonus of taking it out of the car if you want is attractive to me.

I use an iPAQ for datalogging, minor map adjustments, and daily MP3 music playing. I mount it in a cradle next to the radio, then take it into work/home to process datalogs and use as my PDA.

I use an iPAQ for datalogging, minor map adjustments, and daily MP3 music playing. I mount it in a cradle next to the radio, then take it into work/home to process datalogs and use as my PDA.


What operating system does the Ipaq use? I think those are Pocket PC . What software and cable set up are you using ? I have seen one image on the web of a Pocket PC displaying the Scooby View digital dash.

I believe that the UTEC Dashboard has a mode for palm (and I expect PocketPC) devices. It is a menu option.