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[amigov6]

As some of you know i spend some nights out in my truck. I've not had this pc a year so know little about computing but would like a laptop for my truck.
     I do'nt need it to do much, log on here (obviously) check my ebay, watch daft stuff on you tube & store any bits & bobs i already have in my hard drive at home. I know i need to be parked up near a wi fi thingy to go online but what are any other advantages to having one?
        I've got 12/24volt sockets in the cab & a dropper for my tv/kettle etc but does that charge the laptop like a phone? Sorry to sound remedial but i really do'nt know any better!!!
       I do'nt need a huge memory or anything 'cos i only use it as a toy really but do'nt wanna get ripped off by  P.C..... as im tight on finances till i pay off my nearly finished loan!
    Any help please?

[Taxi_Driver]

Im sure you can get a 12 or 24V adaptor for most laptops.....so shouldnt be a problem  

One thing to look into tho.....i used to a couple of years ago have internet connection via mobile phone....i lived in Bristol then for 6 months and couldnt be bothered to sort anything else out.
 
I carnt remember the isp.....but basicaly they gave you an 0800 number to connect to......now Orange dont charge for 0800 numbers......or didnt then.....so i had an orange mobile.....connected to laptop.....so free isp callls.....but isp did charge you 1p a min iirc.....tho wasnt bad, an hour online for 60p  

Wasnt lightening fast but ok......think it used to connect at 9600 baud

There maybe better about now....... :-/

[Baron Von Spongebob]

If your not fussed about speed a basic laptop will do you for surfing and yes, it will charge plugged in to your dropper in the truck..Im sure someone will come along and give advice on what laptop but to me just for the truck any will do..

[Taxi_Driver]

Whats a dropper? Is it an invertor?  :-/

[Baron Von Spongebob]

24v to 12v..

[Taxi_Driver]

24v to 12v..

Ah rite....cheers  

[Admin]

Aside of the laptop, you can now get a 3G PC card which will slot into the side and give you internet access anywhere.

I have a Vodafone one with my works laptop and it is quite impressive. It works by connecting through the mobile network.

Only recommendations I would give on a laptop are, Toshiba are very good, HP are quite useful too.
Don't buy one with Vista on it! Oh and make sure it has 1gb of RAM (or budget to increase to at least this).

[TheBoy]

Tosh and Dell are my favourite makes of laptop. Core2 Duo are the best processors, but carry a premium, so if on tight budget consider other chips - all are suitable for simple surfing. Get at least 1Gb RAM (512Mb absolute minimum if XP, 1Gb for Vista).  Be careful about RSI if using laptop for long periods.

Most will need an invertor, but be aware, these can flatten battery very quickly - even on a truck!

As for connectivity, 3G/GPRS/WiFi can work out expensive for data transfer if you do more than web browsing.  3G and GPRS have the advantage that you have better coverage (3G can be patchy - I'm sure Markie can advise more).

[CaptainZok]

Might be worth looking at an all unlimited data plan, like web and walk from TMobile, would allow you to browse using the phone as a modem if you can't find any convenient wifi without costing an arm and a leg in data charges.