Best Laptop For The AV?

[pdxkevin]

What is the best all around laptop for the AV? One that has DVD-rom, a large clear screen for running GPS software on, and fits on the armrest of the bench seat?

I shouldn't have to get the latest and greatest for this.  So what, dollar for dollar is the best way to get set up?

[paulb]

PDXKevin,

I don't own one yet, but the 2 I'm looking at are the Sharp MV12W and the Fujitsu P2000.  They both have built in CD/DVD-ROM drives. the Sharp has a 12.1" screen and the fujitsu has a 10.6" screen.  Both are very small and light.  I figure either one of these with one of the soon to be released DeLorme Bluetooth GPS recievers would be a pretty hot and portable setup for a AV.  When I make a decision I'll post it here

[Wiki]

A couple things to consider.  Make sure your laptop has a serial port for the addaption to the GPS unit.  That is if your planning on converting the onstar to the laptop.  Another thing to look into is USB-2 ports are nice to have for quicker data transfer.  I don't know if that is important for you or not in this application, but in what I do it was a must for me to have a USB-2 port.

Wiki

[tractman]

Wiki, I am not positive but I think the new Earthmate is USB ready so the serial port isn't needed. That also powers the gps unit....
Tractman

[GMcNair]

I use the Toshiba Satellite 1405-S151.  It absolutely has the most bang for the buck.  Onboard, it has a cd/dvd/cd-rw drive AND an A-drive.  It has 3 USB ports, 15" diagonal monitor, 1.1gig processor....heck, it will run circles around my home PC.  I love the fact that both the cd and floppy drive are onboard.

I run Delorme's newest version of their 2003 Road Atlas software and the USB version Earthmate.  It's about 1/3 the size of the former unit, and it doesn't require batteries or special cables!  YAHOOO!  Really, take a good look at the Toshiba Satellite line of laptops.  They offer quite a bit for the $, and I consider myself a frugal hard-core shopper.  By the way, I can watch DVD's to my heart's content, and passengers around me on the airlines love the subtitle feature  The kids watch the DVD's on road trips.

[tractman]

I too have a Toshiba laptop but it is only a 700mgh. The model Satellite Pro 4300..........

[Wiki]

Didn't know about that unit.  All I know is my Sony VIAO has no serial port and to do the conversion to tap into On-Star, I needed to have the serial port.  No need now though, that was my old AV!  The new one I opted not to have big brother watching my every move!!

Wiki

[Hernz Av]

I have been using my Toshiba Satellite 190-S301. I got this laptop around Dec. 02. I paid about $1200. after rebates.

Very usable with DVD.

[Reidan]

I have the Toshiba 1415-S173.  Has similar specs to GMcNairs with DVD&CD-RW Combo and a 3.5" Floppy.  Mine is 1.8 Ghz.  Nice unit, but way to big to put into the center console.  Best thing about mine is it was a Best Buy special deal at Christmas and after all the rebates it was only $699.00.  Saved about $600 with all the rebates.

I opted for the GPS sleeve for my iPaq with a windshield suction cup mount.  I just got it less than 2 weeks ago.  Have been considering returning it for a Compact Flash version that I can use in the PDA, a laptop or a PC built into the AV.

Eventually I plan to mount a Mini-PCI Computer in the console or under the back seat for MP3's and a permanent GPS system.  Will use wireless keyboard, mouse and NIC.  Will feed video into a dash mounted HU with a slide out screen.  May even opt for the headrest video for backseat entertainment.  Many different threads on this subject here on CAFCNA, but here are a few links if you want to consider this option instead of a laptop.

http://www.mini-itx.com/

http://www.mini-box.com/

Reidan

[paulb]

Wiki,

Your VIAO should have at least 1 USB port. I think you can get USB to serial converters for about $15.00 at Comp USA.  Why don't you try that?

[2-me]

Just bought a Averatec, Office Depot, smaller than a notebook - bigger than a tablet, right price with all the thing-ies.

The big question is how to mount for a GPS.  Need visibilty, yet needs to be out-of-way when not in use.

Has anyone installed a mount device for a laptop?