Any recommendations for notebook or tablet PC for Sharktuner 2 work?
10-26-2011, 12:03 AM
#31
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
UPDATE 10/25/2011
I've been so busy the past few months that Sharktuning has been a very slow work in process. Got the Innovate LC-1 WBO2 installed and I'm just about ready to get started. Revisited this thread and did some additional research. Wound up buying an Acer Aspire One D257-1648 from Amazon for $279.
It came in today and I've been getting it setup and configured to my liking, so far I'm very impressed and am actually using it to post this. It has a 10.1" LED backlit LCD screen and features an Intel Atom 1.66GHz processor, 1MB RAM, 250GB HDD, 2 hi speed USB ports, multi input card reader (I transferred the ST software and manuals using a Memory stick) and a 6 cell battery giving it 8 hours of battery life. In short, it seems to be a lot of netbook for $279. The fact it was available in a burgundy red that very nearly matches the car was icing on the cake. Next step - ACTUAL SHARKTUNING.
I've been so busy the past few months that Sharktuning has been a very slow work in process. Got the Innovate LC-1 WBO2 installed and I'm just about ready to get started. Revisited this thread and did some additional research. Wound up buying an Acer Aspire One D257-1648 from Amazon for $279.
It came in today and I've been getting it setup and configured to my liking, so far I'm very impressed and am actually using it to post this. It has a 10.1" LED backlit LCD screen and features an Intel Atom 1.66GHz processor, 1MB RAM, 250GB HDD, 2 hi speed USB ports, multi input card reader (I transferred the ST software and manuals using a Memory stick) and a 6 cell battery giving it 8 hours of battery life. In short, it seems to be a lot of netbook for $279. The fact it was available in a burgundy red that very nearly matches the car was icing on the cake. Next step - ACTUAL SHARKTUNING.
Last edited by JWise; 10-26-2011 at 09:26 AM.
10-26-2011, 12:12 AM
#33
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
10-26-2011, 12:44 AM
#34
928 Collector
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
A little late, but my advice is always, buy what you need. Make your own list of requirements. I don't mean CPU, memory, drive size etc .... I mean usability requirements, like:
ubiquity (is it a purpose-specific computer, or also used for other things?)
weight (is this important?)
battery life (is it important?)
screen size (bigger is better, except where space is an issue, like if you're building it into the console OR you want to lug it around in your briefcase)
crunch power (CPU, disk and memory) - does this need to be a powerhouse or a weakling? Power takes electricity, but too little is frustrating and also takes power. Flash drive or conventional?
ports (USB 2 or 3 necessary? if not, an oldie can be a very good and free purpose-specific PC)
networking (do you need built-in 802.11n or can you add a USB or PCMCIA adapter *careful of drivers*?)
I never buy netbooks - I have in the past, and I find them frustratingly slow and missing important pieces like DVD/CD and ports. If I want something low-power but ultra-portable, I buy an Android tablet or similar. If I want cheap but useful, I pull out an old (free to me) laptop running Windows, Linux or something else compatible with the application (like SharkTuner). If I want power, I buy something later technology, lots of memory, and make decisions weighing storage, CPU; etc vs. portability (I personally prefer power with very small screen, ultraportable). Depends on what you want.
And remember, the biggest question is, is it a purpose-specific computer, or something you want to use for other things as well. How often will you Sharktune?
ubiquity (is it a purpose-specific computer, or also used for other things?)
weight (is this important?)
battery life (is it important?)
screen size (bigger is better, except where space is an issue, like if you're building it into the console OR you want to lug it around in your briefcase)
crunch power (CPU, disk and memory) - does this need to be a powerhouse or a weakling? Power takes electricity, but too little is frustrating and also takes power. Flash drive or conventional?
ports (USB 2 or 3 necessary? if not, an oldie can be a very good and free purpose-specific PC)
networking (do you need built-in 802.11n or can you add a USB or PCMCIA adapter *careful of drivers*?)
I never buy netbooks - I have in the past, and I find them frustratingly slow and missing important pieces like DVD/CD and ports. If I want something low-power but ultra-portable, I buy an Android tablet or similar. If I want cheap but useful, I pull out an old (free to me) laptop running Windows, Linux or something else compatible with the application (like SharkTuner). If I want power, I buy something later technology, lots of memory, and make decisions weighing storage, CPU; etc vs. portability (I personally prefer power with very small screen, ultraportable). Depends on what you want.
And remember, the biggest question is, is it a purpose-specific computer, or something you want to use for other things as well. How often will you Sharktune?
10-26-2011, 02:08 AM
#35
Rennlist Member
Jarrod,
That is sweet, and for the price you can't beat it! It will do a great job for Sharktuning, I've used atom-powered netbooks for that and they work great.
Henrich's advice is certainly good, the wild-card is that low-end computers have gotten so cheap and so capable that getting another as a shop-computer is no big deal. Install Sharktuner and Sharkplotter, PET and a copy of the WSM, a wifi connection for ordering parts, and you are all set!
Jarrod, give me a call or send a PM or email when you are ready to dive into ST, I am happy to walk you through it.
That is sweet, and for the price you can't beat it! It will do a great job for Sharktuning, I've used atom-powered netbooks for that and they work great.
Henrich's advice is certainly good, the wild-card is that low-end computers have gotten so cheap and so capable that getting another as a shop-computer is no big deal. Install Sharktuner and Sharkplotter, PET and a copy of the WSM, a wifi connection for ordering parts, and you are all set!
Jarrod, give me a call or send a PM or email when you are ready to dive into ST, I am happy to walk you through it.
10-26-2011, 10:47 AM
#36
Not the sharpest tool in the shed
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I for one don't understand the fascination with tablets. They are toys for image conscious folk. I need a real keyboard with touch pad pointing. If I have to carry accessories around with me that sort of defeats the purpose of having a tablet doesn't it?
MIO (More Important Other) tried using a tablet in the operating room to poor results. Gloved fingers don't necessarily work all that well on the touch screen. Got an Asus netbook and her professional life is much better. Tablets are for people who want to play with apps, read books, browse facebook ...., not for meaningful productive work.
Don't jump on me with your silly examples of how you or your neighbor's sister's third cousin uses their iPad to run their entire business. Those examples are extremely rare. When I call a meeting of my international team and query who has/is using a tablet (iPad or Android) for most of their work, invariably the ones that do are the least productive people on the team. They happened to be that way before the advent of tablets too. There is a direct correlation in the high tech world between tablet users and less productivty output. I think it is partly the personality profile of the user and the higher requirements to do basic tasks on a tablet versus netbook/laptop/desktop.
Having said all of this, I think a netbook is the best possible computing device for our cars. They are not much larger than a tablet but carry so much more capability.
George, your car terrifies me. As much as I am thrilled by the idea of ORR I would not ride in your car at any speed above 50 mph. All that gear strapped down in the dash area becomes shrapnel in a high speed incident. Please consider ways to bolster, secure that stuff more securely. Not ridiculing, just concerned. Having been through two open ocean roll overs and a couple end over end car accidents, even little things can cause significant injury.
MIO (More Important Other) tried using a tablet in the operating room to poor results. Gloved fingers don't necessarily work all that well on the touch screen. Got an Asus netbook and her professional life is much better. Tablets are for people who want to play with apps, read books, browse facebook ...., not for meaningful productive work.
Don't jump on me with your silly examples of how you or your neighbor's sister's third cousin uses their iPad to run their entire business. Those examples are extremely rare. When I call a meeting of my international team and query who has/is using a tablet (iPad or Android) for most of their work, invariably the ones that do are the least productive people on the team. They happened to be that way before the advent of tablets too. There is a direct correlation in the high tech world between tablet users and less productivty output. I think it is partly the personality profile of the user and the higher requirements to do basic tasks on a tablet versus netbook/laptop/desktop.
Having said all of this, I think a netbook is the best possible computing device for our cars. They are not much larger than a tablet but carry so much more capability.
George, your car terrifies me. As much as I am thrilled by the idea of ORR I would not ride in your car at any speed above 50 mph. All that gear strapped down in the dash area becomes shrapnel in a high speed incident. Please consider ways to bolster, secure that stuff more securely. Not ridiculing, just concerned. Having been through two open ocean roll overs and a couple end over end car accidents, even little things can cause significant injury.
OK, I like how some of you have your tablet style mounted in-car, but still like the option of using a keyboard if necessary. With that in mind, what do you guys think about this one:
http://usa.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Slate_EP121/
It has:
As long as I could figure a way to mount and preferably power it from the car, looks like it would work well.
http://usa.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Slate_EP121/
It has:
- Intel Core i5
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Multiple data input options including Bluetooth keyboard
- Multiple I/O ports including 2 x USB 2.0 ports
- WLAN 802.11 b/g/n@2.4GHz
As long as I could figure a way to mount and preferably power it from the car, looks like it would work well.
10-26-2011, 11:00 AM
#37
Only thing I would add to this thread is to use a SSD (solid state ) hard drive... I have a 10.1 HP netbook with the intel atom processor and a 16GB SSD hard drive. Use it to tune my megasquirted track car... and since it would be strapped down in my car at the track...and subject to the "rough" ride..I figured a regular hard drive would be toast getting all bounced around...
10-26-2011, 11:08 AM
#38
Rennlist Member
The question above was with respect to the Asus EP121 Slate, which is a Win-7-based tablet-style computer. As noted, it is a real computer that will run real software-- we use ours for photo editing with Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom, and in the car for navigation (Garmin mobile-PC) and Sharktuning. It was $1100 with 4GB ram and a 64 GB SSD drive, and comes with a pretty decent wireless keyboard. It is quite a bit larger than an iPad-- 12" screens will do that-- but for our needs that is not an issue.
It is certainly not justified for just a car computer, but we've been using it a lot. Which goes back to what Heinrich said-- figure out what your wants and needs are, and go from there.
10-26-2011, 11:10 AM
#39
928 Collector
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Gee Dan thanks for outlining what I and millions of others use our tablets for. You're wrong of course, but that doesn't stop people from deciding what others do and why. Gloved fingers don't work on many input devices, not even those with buttons or keys such as blackberries. As for tablets, I use mine very fruitfully on aeroplanes, trips, in the living room, by the pool. It's like a thin hardback. But I read mail and browse on it, and it's great for movies on the plane.
I for one don't understand the fascination with tablets. They are toys for image conscious folk. I need a real keyboard with touch pad pointing. If I have to carry accessories around with me that sort of defeats the purpose of having a tablet doesn't it?
MIO (More Important Other) tried using a tablet in the operating room to poor results. Gloved fingers don't necessarily work all that well on the touch screen. Got an Asus netbook and her professional life is much better. Tablets are for people who want to play with apps, read books, browse facebook ...., not for meaningful productive work.
Don't jump on me with your silly examples of how you or your neighbor's sister's third cousin uses their iPad to run their entire business. Those examples are extremely rare. When I call a meeting of my international team and query who has/is using a tablet (iPad or Android) for most of their work, invariably the ones that do are the least productive people on the team. They happened to be that way before the advent of tablets too. There is a direct correlation in the high tech world between tablet users and less productivty output. I think it is partly the personality profile of the user and the higher requirements to do basic tasks on a tablet versus netbook/laptop/desktop.
Having said all of this, I think a netbook is the best possible computing device for our cars. They are not much larger than a tablet but carry so much more capability.
George, your car terrifies me. As much as I am thrilled by the idea of ORR I would not ride in your car at any speed above 50 mph. All that gear strapped down in the dash area becomes shrapnel in a high speed incident. Please consider ways to bolster, secure that stuff more securely. Not ridiculing, just concerned. Having been through two open ocean roll overs and a couple end over end car accidents, even little things can cause significant injury.
MIO (More Important Other) tried using a tablet in the operating room to poor results. Gloved fingers don't necessarily work all that well on the touch screen. Got an Asus netbook and her professional life is much better. Tablets are for people who want to play with apps, read books, browse facebook ...., not for meaningful productive work.
Don't jump on me with your silly examples of how you or your neighbor's sister's third cousin uses their iPad to run their entire business. Those examples are extremely rare. When I call a meeting of my international team and query who has/is using a tablet (iPad or Android) for most of their work, invariably the ones that do are the least productive people on the team. They happened to be that way before the advent of tablets too. There is a direct correlation in the high tech world between tablet users and less productivty output. I think it is partly the personality profile of the user and the higher requirements to do basic tasks on a tablet versus netbook/laptop/desktop.
Having said all of this, I think a netbook is the best possible computing device for our cars. They are not much larger than a tablet but carry so much more capability.
George, your car terrifies me. As much as I am thrilled by the idea of ORR I would not ride in your car at any speed above 50 mph. All that gear strapped down in the dash area becomes shrapnel in a high speed incident. Please consider ways to bolster, secure that stuff more securely. Not ridiculing, just concerned. Having been through two open ocean roll overs and a couple end over end car accidents, even little things can cause significant injury.
10-26-2011, 11:11 AM
#40
Rennlist Member
+ 1
Dan are you going to be at 3rd Coast next week?
Look forward to see you.
Best H
Dan are you going to be at 3rd Coast next week?
Look forward to see you.
Best H
I for one don't understand the fascination with tablets. They are toys for image conscious folk. I need a real keyboard with touch pad pointing. If I have to carry accessories around with me that sort of defeats the purpose of having a tablet doesn't it?
MIO (More Important Other) tried using a tablet in the operating room to poor results. Gloved fingers don't necessarily work all that well on the touch screen. Got an Asus netbook and her professional life is much better. Tablets are for people who want to play with apps, read books, browse facebook ...., not for meaningful productive work.
Don't jump on me with your silly examples of how you or your neighbor's sister's third cousin uses their iPad to run their entire business. Those examples are extremely rare. When I call a meeting of my international team and query who has/is using a tablet (iPad or Android) for most of their work, invariably the ones that do are the least productive people on the team. They happened to be that way before the advent of tablets too. There is a direct correlation in the high tech world between tablet users and less productivty output. I think it is partly the personality profile of the user and the higher requirements to do basic tasks on a tablet versus netbook/laptop/desktop.
Having said all of this, I think a netbook is the best possible computing device for our cars. They are not much larger than a tablet but carry so much more capability.
George, your car terrifies me. As much as I am thrilled by the idea of ORR I would not ride in your car at any speed above 50 mph. All that gear strapped down in the dash area becomes shrapnel in a high speed incident. Please consider ways to bolster, secure that stuff more securely. Not ridiculing, just concerned. Having been through two open ocean roll overs and a couple end over end car accidents, even little things can cause significant injury.
MIO (More Important Other) tried using a tablet in the operating room to poor results. Gloved fingers don't necessarily work all that well on the touch screen. Got an Asus netbook and her professional life is much better. Tablets are for people who want to play with apps, read books, browse facebook ...., not for meaningful productive work.
Don't jump on me with your silly examples of how you or your neighbor's sister's third cousin uses their iPad to run their entire business. Those examples are extremely rare. When I call a meeting of my international team and query who has/is using a tablet (iPad or Android) for most of their work, invariably the ones that do are the least productive people on the team. They happened to be that way before the advent of tablets too. There is a direct correlation in the high tech world between tablet users and less productivty output. I think it is partly the personality profile of the user and the higher requirements to do basic tasks on a tablet versus netbook/laptop/desktop.
Having said all of this, I think a netbook is the best possible computing device for our cars. They are not much larger than a tablet but carry so much more capability.
George, your car terrifies me. As much as I am thrilled by the idea of ORR I would not ride in your car at any speed above 50 mph. All that gear strapped down in the dash area becomes shrapnel in a high speed incident. Please consider ways to bolster, secure that stuff more securely. Not ridiculing, just concerned. Having been through two open ocean roll overs and a couple end over end car accidents, even little things can cause significant injury.
10-26-2011, 11:27 AM
#41
Jarrod, is that really a 4 bulb ceiling fan with nice wood trim in the garage? Or did the wife let you park the GT in the living room now?
10-26-2011, 11:44 AM
#42
Rennlist Member
You could probably run ST2 on a 386! I use an Asus eePC 1005 for all my needs. Graphics might struggle but I do not play games on it or do anything graphics intensive.
Good colour match- good choice! Follow the instructions carefully- read the manual several times and prepare a simple step by step check list. The engine should fire up as normal- if it does not- stop cranking and look for signs of flooding.
Hope you enjoy membership of the ST2 club- it adds an extra dimension to 928 ownership.
Good luck
Fred
Good colour match- good choice! Follow the instructions carefully- read the manual several times and prepare a simple step by step check list. The engine should fire up as normal- if it does not- stop cranking and look for signs of flooding.
Hope you enjoy membership of the ST2 club- it adds an extra dimension to 928 ownership.
Good luck
Fred
10-26-2011, 12:02 PM
#43
Race Car
Well, I can tell you that I have been using my tablet easily with the SharkTuner for years now to great effect. Fiddling with a clamshell netbook while in the driver's seat or in your lap is not optimal for this purpose. Tuning usually means selecting one or more cells, then pressing the '+' or '-' button. You would rather do this with a mouse or touch pad than a touchscreen, seriously? It's pretty much the same thing as GPS. That has a touch screen and attaches to the windshield, allows easy inputs and displays information efficiently to the driver.
Dan
'91 928GT S/C
475hp/460lb.ft
Dan
'91 928GT S/C
475hp/460lb.ft
10-26-2011, 03:49 PM
#44
Not the sharpest tool in the shed
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Gee Dan thanks for outlining what I and millions of others use our tablets for. You're wrong of course, but that doesn't stop people from deciding what others do and why. Gloved fingers don't work on many input devices, not even those with buttons or keys such as blackberries. As for tablets, I use mine very fruitfully on aeroplanes, trips, in the living room, by the pool. It's like a thin hardback. But I read mail and browse on it, and it's great for movies on the plane.
Tablets are not used for significant meaningful work. If you need to do lots of editing, interaction with onscreen data in any precise way, you are better off using a netbook. If your primary uses are reading email, browsing the web or using it to watch movies on a plane, then I suppose it has some use to it, not better than a netbook though. As a tablet is about as big if not bigger than a netbook it won't fit into your shirt pocket and thereby requires the same amount of hands (more if you have to carry an external drive, keyboard, etc.) as it does to carry a netbook.
Jim, my comments were more specifically related to iPad and Android based tablets. They are computing accessories not tools. Your Window based tablet is a bit different. Regardless, you still have to carry a separate keyboard to do any meaningful input.
I don't hate tablets, they are cool, but for real work they are only an accessory or impediment to productive work.
Herman,
Can't make 3rd Coast this year. Had to choose between that and OCIC later next Summer.
10-26-2011, 04:08 PM
#45
Rennlist Member
I'm not sure that much of this debate is really relevant for someone looking to run the ST software. For me, these types of applications (sharktuning, electronic manuals, garage Rennlist access) are perfect for old laptops. I have multple laptops and desktops in my garage and shop in use that would otherwise have been scrapped or collecting dust.