> > From: Ralph Mawyer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > My wife is a court reporter whose edit software only runs under >windows, NT preferred. We need a new laptop. ... I'm more >concerned about durability and longevity than performance. ... >Minimum requirements: Celeron 800MHz, 10-20GB HD, CD, floppy drive, >port replicator capability. ... Thoughts? > >Virtual PC on a Mac G3 or G4 500mHz or faster. >Have same problem in our household. I use a Mac (2300 or G3 laptop). >My wife's got to use a Windows machine. If I had known how much >trouble Windows support was going to be, I'd have bought her an >IBook 2 years ago, even a 300mHz unit. When her current machines >have to be replaced, I will probably buy her a Mac for home unless >her firm is giving us a free machine and support.
Tried that years ago, but most vendors in this small vertical market use a parallel port security dongle. I even tried it pluged into my old PowerPrint Serial-to-Parallel cable....no go. At this point it's easier to just get her in a 'stable' win software environment and then not mess with it. PC Mag "Torture Tests" are a good starting point. Dell Inspirons were well rated. Only reason we didn't buy one was that my wife didn't happen to like the machine. My brother gives his laptops a workout. He has been very happy over the years with the IBM ThinkPad series (560, 570) and continues to like them the best. Not sure how the current IBM ThinkPad numbering goes, but they continue to make a sleek, reasonably durable machine. (He's using a Dell now 'cause his firm is providing Dells. Says it's OK.) I used a 560 at work before we went to Dells. No problems. >We compromised on an IBM ThinkPad 560x. Actually have two machines, >'cause she's got to have ready to run backup. Both were purchased >used for <$1000. One has >required a new keyboard. One required a fix to the battery contacts. >Dock (port >repolicator) works fine. The 560x is a 233mHx 96m ram machine. >Cheep, but probably >not suitable for your wife. (Mine may get another 2 years out of >hers running Win98.) Kinda what I'm thinking, i.e., <$1000...two year throw away computers. :-) Thanks for the guidance. Ralph Mawyer, Jr. San Antonio, Texas Associate Editor mac2400 ... http://www.sineware.com/mac2400 Your PowerBook 2400 Reference Site ---------- Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net! A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables. FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml> Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Need help from a real person? Try. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ---------- Dr. Bott | 10/100 Ethernet for your 2400 is finally here! MPC-100 | <http://www.drbott.com/prod/mpc100.html> NineWire | If they are cool enough to host this list... Digital Solutions | ...you should check them out! http://www.NineWire.com/ Midwest Mac Parts ][ <http://www.midwestmac.com> After-market parts for Macs. ][ 888-356-1104 ][ MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! <http://www.macresq.com>
