[Elecraft] PC laptop for K3/KX3 digital modes

[Edward R Cole]

For desktop PC I have bought DELL for a decade using win200pro, XP 
and been very satisfied.  I currently run a five year old duo-core 
2.33 GHz, 3Mb memory, XP32 SP3 as my main computer for digital 
modes.  If support is eventually dropped for XP that will only affect 
safe connection to internet.  It will run independent of internet as 
long as you are happy with sw that is supported by XP.  Some digital 
modes require accurate computer time which is easy from 
internet.  But GPS time can be an alternative if internet connection 
is not safe.

I have two latops: one old IBM thinkpad with win95 that never 
connects to internet and mainly runs two applications (one 
DOS-based).  I have a  2009 Dell laptop that came with Vista (which I 
hated); I upgraded to win8pro and it took a month of help from a ms 
engineer to get it installed (original DVD would not accept its 
key-code for install and I had to transfer to a memory stick and ISO 
loader.  So it runs but will not take any upgrades (another bug in 
the sw).  Auto upgrades fail to install and win8 then auto removes 
the upgrade (takes over 30-minutes).  Then it gets another auto 
upgrade and repeats the whole deal again.  So mostly I run it with my 
SDR-IQ disconnected from internet.

At work I bought a 2009 Lenovo (who took over the IBM Thinkpad line) 
and was very happy with it.  The Thinkpad is the only laptop which 
was birdie free on VHF (they use a metal case).  Had to leave this 
computer when I retired.

My wife has a ipad-3 which she is happy with (plus has a twin to my 
Dell desktop) and a older IBM thinkpad (she has just resumed use for 
doing the budget - does not connect to internet).

If you can find a win7 computer I think I would go with that and wait 
out upgrading until the next generation of windows.  Seems every 
other upgrade from ms is OK.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
dubususa at gmail.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"