Need New Windows Based Computer
I need a new Windows based computer because my CAD program only runs on Windows. I have to start somewhere. I haven’t looked anywhere yet. I don’t even know what to look for or ask about. Here i...
Forum Discussion
If you gots the room and want a good setup for business and pleasure you might want to consider what I have done.
I use the Dell Precision M90 workstation LAPTOP with a docking station that has external Monitors, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc connected. I actually have one 24-inch and one 22-inch dual monitors connected to docking station. These monitors are also secured to the desktop and survive the RV Trailer environment very well. My 120VAC power source is run from my Inverter when camping off the power grid. I just snap my M90 laptop into the docking station and everything jumps to life. never open my up my Dell M90. I also can use my el cheapo HP Deskjet printer from WALMART/Best Buy less than $100...
I use the VERIZON MIFI 2200 device to connect to the Internet which works all over the country anywhere you pick up VERIZON CELL PHONE service. This is a WIFI hot Spot device which will also allow you to use up to five devices at the same time. My 2200 unit normally resides in a Wilson Sleek holder that has external antenna but can be removed and carried around in my shirt pocket if we are hiking aorund with our tablets etc...
Everything associated with the docking is VELCROED inplace and survives being transported in the trailer when in tow.
I have been doing this idea of being portable for several years and my M90 is still running Windows XP-PRO hehe... Never had a need to upgrade to anything else. It runs all the software you mentions with ease and I was running AUTOCAD LI until I had to give my program back to work when I retired. Never could afford to get my own subscription. I now use a free version of LibreOffice 3.4 along wit Adobe Acrobat Pro ver 9.0 which does a bang-up job of drawings etc... I work and save everything in PDF format so that I can exchange with almost everyone...
The DELL M90 is outdated of course and its replacement now is the M6000 series precision computers. I purchased my M90 from Internet ebay sales which were re-certified off-lease computers and cost around $500-$600 back then. Mine even had Dell Warranty left on it. has never give me any problems whatsoever. These were the same office work-station computers we used at work. Very heavy duty... Do a look on eBay for the M6400-M6500 series precision laptop computers and you will the price for these are around the same $600 for off-lease re-certified computers. I'm not sure what the latest version M6000 series is now. I'm thinking M6700 maybe...
Although the work stations laptops are loaded with features i also carry several USB type Portable multi GB Hard drives. I usually have one for my photo taking excursions and additional portable hard drive for my work projects... These cost around $150 bucks for the Western Digital version I like to use.
I also use my computers for my RADIO Operations with Ham radio, Races, SkyWarn and NAVY MARS radio ops... Everything is computer/internet based these days...
I do all of this in my OFF-ROAD POPUP but had plans at one time to upgrade to some hard walls with a JAYCO 213X and was going to mod out the bunk room area for a OFFICE/COMPUTER/RADIO ROOM arrangement that would look like this floor plane.
All of my computer items is mounted to the top of cabinet close to the wrap around seating in the POPUP...
My off-road POPUP floorplan is configured as shown here...
Just passing on for-info-only on what we do with our on-the-road Computer requirements.. Might not work for your requirements at all...
Roy Ken
I use the Dell Precision M90 workstation LAPTOP with a docking station that has external Monitors, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc connected. I actually have one 24-inch and one 22-inch dual monitors connected to docking station. These monitors are also secured to the desktop and survive the RV Trailer environment very well. My 120VAC power source is run from my Inverter when camping off the power grid. I just snap my M90 laptop into the docking station and everything jumps to life. never open my up my Dell M90. I also can use my el cheapo HP Deskjet printer from WALMART/Best Buy less than $100...
I use the VERIZON MIFI 2200 device to connect to the Internet which works all over the country anywhere you pick up VERIZON CELL PHONE service. This is a WIFI hot Spot device which will also allow you to use up to five devices at the same time. My 2200 unit normally resides in a Wilson Sleek holder that has external antenna but can be removed and carried around in my shirt pocket if we are hiking aorund with our tablets etc...
Everything associated with the docking is VELCROED inplace and survives being transported in the trailer when in tow.
I have been doing this idea of being portable for several years and my M90 is still running Windows XP-PRO hehe... Never had a need to upgrade to anything else. It runs all the software you mentions with ease and I was running AUTOCAD LI until I had to give my program back to work when I retired. Never could afford to get my own subscription. I now use a free version of LibreOffice 3.4 along wit Adobe Acrobat Pro ver 9.0 which does a bang-up job of drawings etc... I work and save everything in PDF format so that I can exchange with almost everyone...
The DELL M90 is outdated of course and its replacement now is the M6000 series precision computers. I purchased my M90 from Internet ebay sales which were re-certified off-lease computers and cost around $500-$600 back then. Mine even had Dell Warranty left on it. has never give me any problems whatsoever. These were the same office work-station computers we used at work. Very heavy duty... Do a look on eBay for the M6400-M6500 series precision laptop computers and you will the price for these are around the same $600 for off-lease re-certified computers. I'm not sure what the latest version M6000 series is now. I'm thinking M6700 maybe...
Although the work stations laptops are loaded with features i also carry several USB type Portable multi GB Hard drives. I usually have one for my photo taking excursions and additional portable hard drive for my work projects... These cost around $150 bucks for the Western Digital version I like to use.
I also use my computers for my RADIO Operations with Ham radio, Races, SkyWarn and NAVY MARS radio ops... Everything is computer/internet based these days...
I do all of this in my OFF-ROAD POPUP but had plans at one time to upgrade to some hard walls with a JAYCO 213X and was going to mod out the bunk room area for a OFFICE/COMPUTER/RADIO ROOM arrangement that would look like this floor plane.
All of my computer items is mounted to the top of cabinet close to the wrap around seating in the POPUP...
My off-road POPUP floorplan is configured as shown here...
Just passing on for-info-only on what we do with our on-the-road Computer requirements.. Might not work for your requirements at all...
Roy Ken
