Cheap laptop for MSpnP
 

Like the title says. Just for tuning a megasquirt, so nothing fancy. MUST be cheap!

PM with specs or model number and asking price.

PM sent.. in like 2 min

why not just get a netbook?

Dude, I just looked through the Rochester Craigslist and there are about 100 laptops in there for around $200.

I like this one for $135: > IBM iSeries 2611 Laptop <

He says the battery is dead, and a new one is probably $75, so you're set for $200 total. Of course, there are plenty of laptops on CL with good batteries and much newer for $200. Be sure it has a parallel port whatever you buy.

Looks good: Laptop, IBM Thinkpad T43, Windows XP Pro, WiFi

For a power backup, I always carry one of these... take your pick:
Walmart.com: Electronics: Auto Electronics: Power Inverters

Get a solid state netbook!

Harddrives and cars (especially ones that normally go sideways through a turn) do not mix, plus netbooks are reasonably cheap!

Get one of those 300 dollar laptops. Set it up with a stripped down version of XP so it doesnt bog to much and you are good to go.

+1 I tune my MS on a Eee PC. I got the spendy one for just over $300 with a bigger battery and 160 GB HDD. I run the full version of XP with no issues.

Incidentally I PM'ed him about selling him my Eee 1000 for $200. It is the 10" one. Has the 8GB and 32GB internal SSD, so quite a bit more reliable when it comes to bumps/dust etc.. $25 more for my external USB powered CD/DVD Drive.

Would be perfect for use with a MSpnp. Stripped XP already on it (~500mb install on the 8GB drive).

$200 shipped?

That is a great deal. Some one should really take him up on that. I have that exact same netbook and I can't express how much I love it. Built in bluetooth, webcam, etc. Perfect for tuning, but real men use linux IMHO.

I would, but he says he can't sell until June, and I need one now. There have been a couple on CL, but they sell fast.

computers are soo cheep now better to buy 1 that u can use for everythign .

Heheh, nice Linux comment, funny you say that, as my plan was to run linux on this. Back in the states I only have linux on all 6 of my desktops. I bought this for my deployment because it is so small, and I bought a pelican case for it so I can just put it in that, and throw it in a duffel bag.

Get yourself a decent condition 2-3yr old Dell or other on Craigslist with wifi, a parallel port, and a couple of USB ports.

Your "tuning" laptop should also double as your "garage" laptop. It sits on the workbench so you can browse shit with your dirty fingers and not have to go back inside and clean up just so you can find that page on the m.net garage section about what torque setting is proper for PPF bolts (or some other shit you thought you'd remember).

Get yourself a clip-on webcam with a 10ft usb extension cable so you can Skype with a buddy helping you with an install from across the country. You can clip it to the hood and work while somebody talks you through setting your timing or changing clicks on your MAF spring.

And nothing sucks worse than trying to run any app on a 10" screen, while driving, with the sun shining on it. Get a full-size used laptop and be happy. Why compromise?

The res on the 10" is actually really good, 1024 by 600, which is about what an older laptop will probably have. So unless you have bad vision up close then there is no problem. The display is bright and have never had an issue using it outdoors, which happens quite often. 3 USB ports allow for use of an external webcam if you so choose. This laptop I guarantee will last a million times longer in a garage then an old dell. Solid State Hard drives = win in a dirty environment. Plus the SSD work is very shock resistant. Can't beat 6-8 hour battery life, you don't need to have this always plugged in, and don't need 2 batteries just to take your car out for a spin.

Edit: Not to mention this has Bluetooth, Wifi, VGA out, NIC, SD card reader.

I'm in the market for an MS computer as well. You can get a brand new netbook for around $240 so I can't justify buying used myself. I'm currently borrowing a buddies OLD Windows 98 Toshiba and it's very slow. It also won't run the latest version of MLV. I'd say go ahead and buy something new and proven. Keep an eye out here for deals:
Netbook deals - Find deals on Netbook computers from Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, Samsung and MSI