Diagnostic Computer Upgrade

[MikeT]

I want to replace my netbook (for diagnostic use). It's still useful and will be my go-to-tool for most jobs but it has it's limitations, especially for expansion to other software.
I'll also be wanting to make it multi-boot to accomodate WinXP & Win7, at least.

Any suggestions or recommendations? Preference given to battery life and portability.

[EDC5]

Are you looking at a new machine? or something cheap that can be treated like a 'tool' like my lexia laptop

[GiveMeABreak]

The trouble with Diagbox and its associated software is it's a flipping ugly messy install, one of the reasons why I have a dedicated laptop just for this reason. If you really want it for other purposes Mike, then the usual applies - 4Gb RAM, dedicated graphics if possible, or it will eat into system RAM (which is sort of ok if you are using those 32 bit OSs as you'll only utilise 2.6 - 3.5Gb depending on graphics as it needs part of the 4 Gb or RAM for hardware addressing - namely graphics as an example.

As you'll be wanting to dual boot - a decent sized drive will be essential - many offering hybrid options now to improve boot speeds. Battery options are important - with some offering increased cell versions (I have an extended battery on my Lenovo and it really pays off).

[MikeT]

I may consider something new and cheap Ellis, but am more looking at something used and even cheaper.

Marc, you've just reminded me, I stashed an old gamer laptop somewhere. It didn't make the shortlist before due to it's extreme weight and other niggles. I'll dig it out and muse over again.

[EDC5]

Perhaps something like this then? A refurbished ex-corporate Thinkpad

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lenovo-Think ... _vMVuyMd9Q

I configured it with 4gig of ram, win 7 and a 128gb SSD for £169

It's got a powerful CPU and with a solid-state drive will load Diagbox.

There are plenty of other listings out there, that was just an example. I’d recommend a minimum of an i5 and a SSD if possible.

[MikeT]

Thanks Ellis, but you can get a new ultra laptop for not much more. Ok, doesn't come with windows but that's not a deal-breaker for me.

IF I can find my old Dell laptop, I'll check it's hardware. It'll need the battery pack refurbishing and has a serious problem with Win7 for some reason but should take XP ok.

[MikeT]

Well I take it back Ellis, having researched other offerings, Thinkpads could be the better choice after all.