Rob Edwards

I've done all my ST'ing with a big ol' Dell 9300, but I think an SSD-equipped netbook would be optimal. It has to have a big enough screen that you can see what the hell is going on while datalogging on what may be bright/sunny conditions in the car, and it needs a real keyboard, none of the tablet membrane-based stuff for me. I had to buy an Ipad2 for work, it's a $700 toy, at best.

I still want to duct tape a netbook with TightVNC running, an ST2, and a Samsung MiFi 4G mobile hotspot in Anderson's or Kibort's car, along with an AIM SOLO DL for track mapping. Then I'm gonna sit in the pits with my Dell XPS 17 and another MiFi, and serve up different fuel and timing maps for whatever part of the track they're on. In real time. Or perhaps that can be automated in-car, with the netbook and the SOLO.

EMan 928

Shameless plug, but I sell Panasonic Toughbooks. This one is great for in car use:

http://www.panasonic.com/business/to...ughbook-19.asp

Daylight readable screen, converts between a tablet and a normal notebook PC using the swivel screen. It can handle 6' drops on concrete and you can hold it under a running faucet. Also comes standard with a DB9 serial port.

I have a demo unit still under warranty if anyone is interested. PM me.

EspritS4s

Toughbooks are great, but I'm guessing they cost as much or more than the ST itself?

EMan 928

You're right, they are expensive. I wouldn't get one just for Shark tuning. But if you do other types of outdoor, field service work (or if you destroy normal PC's) they pay for themselves.

Manfred

I'm with Greg. The carputer is going to be the slickest solution.

JWise

Why yes, it is. And I'd park it in the living room, too, if I could.

We have a three car tandem garage and for some reason the PO put a ceiling fan over the single stall. I like it, as I always pop the hood when I pull in to help it cool off quicker. The fan certainly helps in that regard.

Rob Edwards

Agreed, IF one can find a good wireless compact keyboard with integrated trackpad that'll fit in the door pocket when not in use. And I'm not sure my increasingly presbyopic eyes will be able to see the data at arm's length on a 7 (8?) inch screen...

heinrich

For Dan (S4Ordie) about tablets ... looks like your problem is solved


"New Capacitive Touch Panel Can Be Operated by Gloved Hand
Oct 25, 2011 16:15

Shinya Saeki, Nikkei Electronics



SMK Corp announced a capacitive touch panel that can be operated by a gloved hand Oct 25, 2011.

It is targeted at in-vehicle devices such as car navigation systems. The company will start volume production at a rate of 100,000 units (in terms of 6.5-inch panel) per month.

SMK improved detection sensitivity by employing a chip that supports high-sensitivity detection and developing a sensor panel structure that has a high resistance to noise to prevent malfunctions caused by noise. As a result, it became possible to detect a gloved hand. When the panel is operated by a fingertip, it is possible to place 1.5mm-thick resin on the panel, the company said.

The screen size of the new panel can be up to 8 inches. The maximum transmittance and minimum reflectance of the panel are 93% and 3%, respectively. Its operating temperature range is from -30 to +85°C, and its storage temperature range is from -40 to +95°C.

SMK will exhibit the new panel at FPD International 2011, which will take place from Oct 26 to 28, 2011, in Yokohama, Japan.
"

S4ordie

Rob Edwards

JWise

The Acer fits nicely in the door pocket:

SeanR

I like that idea, might need to ask for a couple of them come Christmas time

RKD in OKC

I replaced the light in my garage with a ceiling fan that got replaced in a bedroom for decorator reasons when I first moved in.

If I wasn't so tight I would put a bunch of florescent tubes on the ceiling on either side to provide more light when detailing at night.