Laptop for MTH DCS Updates

The last time I did a software upgrade on a TIU, it was a creaky Pentium III running Windows XP on only 256mb of RAM--the maximum that particular model could run. It did so much disk swapping (owing to the above lack of RAM) that it took several hours just to install/upgrade the .NET addon that allows the DCS software to function.

Why use such an antiquated system? It was the newest laptop I had on hand with an actual serial port, and I had tired of fiddling with the USB-serial converter I had bought for my netbook (later I found there was a driver CD in the package that needed to be installed before the cable would function) But once that was all said and done, the actual upgrade proceeded painlessly (once I properly seated the serial cable in the TIU--the cable came with a pair of bolts in the plug that had to be removed before it could make actual electrical contact.)

So the standards are pretty low. Low enough that you could probably use a laptop that is too slow to be usable for typical applications.

---PCJ

I guess I'm looking for a recommendation, since I'm not in the market for a new computer, since I already have 2 Macs and a PC in our home.

Joe

You could get a cheap new laptop at Costco or equivalent for under $300.  If the Macs are laptops, they are usable, I understand.

When I do upgrades at York, I have used my wife's now-otherwise-unused netbook, which is the slowest computer I have ever used, running Windows 7 Starter.  Worked just as fast as my top-of-the-line Dell.  The USB to serial converter cable I got at Radio Shack has given me no problems, so I wouldn't limit my self to antiques with serial ports.

I use my MacBook pro without issue.

I use VMWare Fusion to run Windows 7.

... which certainly works, but might not fulfill the Joe's search for simple low-cost bare bones laptop capable of running Windows. On top of buying the Mac laptop, he would need to buy and install VMWare Fusion ($70) and install a copy of Windows (free if he has an unused unlicensed copy lying around, otherwise extra $).

Thanks guys for the replies. I didn't realize you could utilize a Mac. My daughter does have a MacBook, which I believe is 7-8 years old, see attached image of what I believe are the specs. It's in great shape but a bit overloaded with personal photos and videos. Not to mention, unless she gets a new computer, this is not an option, although a possible candidate?