Good luck Tom,
I know it isn't necessarily the suggestion you wanted but I did all right on
the older p2 266mhz Dell I got. It isn't perfect but all keys work plus the
modem, cd-rom and all of it works well. I just installed a pcmcia wireless
card and it is going to be great for portable, bang around usage and I can
keep my other one a little more protected. I also have heard from a friend
when trying to use a USB to serial adapter cable he wiped the EPROM on a
Kenwood commercial radio. That is another reason for staying with an older
lap top that comes with the serial port on it. No problems with interfaces.
Brian, k5in
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 2:17 PM
Subject: Re: resurrecting an old laptop computer
> Thanks, Brian.
>
> I just checked the batteries america web site, and it looks like a
> replacement battery for this laptop will run me around $150. So, it does
> become a real question of whether it's worth it.
>
> I also need to solve the problem of replacement keys, and getting
> earphones
> to work right.
>
> Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "K5IN" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 5:06 PM
> Subject: Re: resurrecting an old laptop computer
>
>
>> Hi Tom,
>>
>> I recently bought a Dell CPI-266 p2 lap top offof qth.com with cd-rom and
>> floppy drive. The costs of replacing batteries and all it sometimes is
> less
>> expensive in the long run to buy an older used lap top. I was looking
>> for
>> serial port access for programming radios, scanners and a couple of
> repeater
>> controllers. $250.00 and I got everything I needed plus some extras plus
>> everything works. I know money doesn't grow on tree's hi hi but
>> sometimes
>> in the long run you might be better off. Anyway, just a suggestion!
>>
>> Brian, k5in oh yes, check Mr. Nicad and/or Battery Tech for possible
>> replacement batteries but they probably will be in the $150.00 range.
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Tom Behler" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2004 8:38 AM
>> Subject: resurrecting an old laptop computer
>>
>>
>> > Hi, folks:
>> >
>> > I fully realize that this e-mail may be somewhat off topic for this
> list,
>> > so
>> > if someone wants to respond to me privately, please feel free to do so
> at
>> > my private e-mail:
>> >
>> > [log in to unmask]
>> >
>> > Anyway, here goes:
>> >
>> > I am in the process or resurrecting my son's old laptop computer--a
>> > Compact
>> > Presario 1215US. The computer has sufficient memory in it so that
> Windows
>> > XP and Jaws 5.0 seem to work fine. The problems with the computer lie
> in
>> > some
>> > nagging issues, which I could use some help with.
>> >
>> > 1. I am trying to get a pair of stereo headphones to work with the
>> > computer
>> > so I can use it in a meeting setting. When I use the headphones with
> the
>> > usual stereo plug, I only get sound out of the right-hand side--kind of
>> > anoying. If I use a stereo-to-mono adapter, I get soft and distorted
>> > audio
>> > with lots of background computer noise. Do I need to make some
>> > adjustments
>> > to the audio settings in Windows? If so, can someone give me some
>> > directions as to how to go about it?
>> >
>> > 2. The battery in the laptop is completely dead--won't accept any
> charge.
>> > The folks at Best Buys say a new battery costs between $150 and $200.
>> > Does
>> > anyone know of a cheaper source? A re-conditioned battery would be
> fine.
>> >
>> > 3. There are some missing keys to the computer (e.g. the right-hand
>> > control
>> > key, and some others. Does anyone know of a source for missing keys?
>> > Best
>> > Buys says a new key-board for the computer would be at least $150.
> Kinda
>> > pricy, if you ask me.
>> >
>> > Best 73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ, Big Rapids, MI
>>
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