[AZ-Observing] Re: LapTop

Hello Stan,

You recall we tried my DSI Pro with my Dell laptop. The DSI and DSI 
Pro will work with a USB 1.1 or 2 interface. While they will work 
with USB 1.1, it is very slow. USB 2 is several times faster. Most 
any laptop now days will work fine.

While you can run them off the internal battery, I suggest always 
using AC power if possible. Minimum requirement for the Pro are a 400 
MHZ computer and 98 MB of RAM. OS can be Win 98SE/ME/2000/XP. A 
higher speed processor and more RAM are nice if you want to do the 
processing of images on the laptop. My 750 MHz Dell Laptop works 
fine. I recommend getting the best price and using money to add RAM.

Jeff

At 11:43 -0700 8/21/05, Stan Gorodenski wrote:
>I am considering getting a laptop for my LXD75 to be able to use Meade's
>LPI that came with the telescope, as well as possibly the DSI if I
>decide to buy it at some time in the future. At one time I knew much
>more about computers than I do now, and I have not kept up with changes
>in technology. Can anyone recommend one that is relatively inexpensive?
>Cost will be a factor on whether I will even get one. I would be using
>Windows2000 as the OS. Some of the things I would like to know are
>1. Are there differences in how they are powered? I remember years ago
>laptops were pretty heavy because of the battery weights. Now they seem
>pretty light. Are there less desireable batter power sources?
>2. What is a reasonable minimum processor to get? I know getting the
>current most advanced technology processor is more on the safe side if I
>plan on using the laptop many years, but it probably would be much more
>expensive.
>3. Any manufacturers to stay away from because of hardware problems?
>4. What kinds of external ports should it have for a telescope?
>Stan

-- 
Jeff Hopkins
HPO SOFT
Hopkins Phoenix Observatory
http://www.hposoft.com/Astro/astro.html

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