Best laptop computer for pilots?

[Nancy Pryor]

Thinking about buying a laptop computer to take on trips. It sure seems like the price goes up fast as the computer gets smaller and easier to carry. There's a nice Sony Vaio that's really small and light and has a DVD burner/player but it costs over $2000 even at a discount place! Way outside my budget.

What's the best tradeoff these days between laptop computer price, size and weight? What is everyone using? Which ones are most robust and likely to survive life on the line? Which ones should be avoided? Why? Is a used one from eBay worth the risk?

I'd want to keep it in my flight case and not my rollaboard so it can't take up too much space or be too heavy. Battery life isn't all that important I guess because it can be plugged into the wall in the hotel or crew room. Must have WiFi and a DVD drive.

I'm hoping to start a useful discussion here that many can benefit from.

 

[grog_sit_reserv]

I use an ho ipaq (pocket pc) Does nearly everything my laptop did including plays dvds (of course you need a $30 separate program) and you don't have to take it out of the bag going thru security.

Downside: Getting used to the small screen while internet browsing.

 

[DoinTime]

Apple Ibook 12" - $999

or if you want a little higher end

Apple PowerBook 12" - $1499

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/

 

[MarineGrunt]

I think the only way to go is to build your own. You get much most bang for the buck.

 

[CA1900]

Second the iBook. And I'd recommend the 12" model; it's VERY compact and light, which is a big help on the overnights. It's fast, reliable, and comes with a ton of killer software. No viruses or spyware exist for it. Surf porn with reckless abandon. Includes WiFi and DVD drive, 10/100 ethernet, and much more.

Take a look: http://www.apple.com/ibook/

 

[ReverseSensing]

Surf porn with reckless abandon.

Finally, some useful advice on the Regionals forum.

 

[TSA145]

Sony VAIO VGN-TX-650PB. 11' and 2.8 lbs

 

[wmuflyguy]

Vaio fs740/w...was 1150.00 at best buy

 

[dojetdriver]

Second the Apple. I bought a refurbed 12" G4, paid $1050. It does everything I need on the road. Wireless, movies, music, internet, e-mail, AND porn. Also got Limewire to run on it.

Don't be afraid of learning the OS. Takes about a day or two.

If you are hell bent on a windows machine that is small, lightweight, compact, and most impotantly cheap for what you are getting, look into the Avaratec line of machines. They make a 10" model that looks pretty good.

 

[BoDEAN]

Try a "" Search "" , this has been brought up numerous times.