I know that this subject has been on the forum a couple of times but it has been a few years since it was discussed.

We have decided that the laptops we are using in our ski academy are getting kind of tired and should be replaced.

So the questions are:
what brand/model of laptops have you had success in operating your timing systems?

In the past, the mantra was to have laptops with serial ports - don't use USB adapters. Is that still true?

What operating system? XP?

We use Alge S-4's and run Split Second "Club" software.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I would check with Dell and see if you can still get the D series Latitude PCs with XP pro and built in serial ports.

You can buy refurbished ones at decent prices.

http://www.bobjohnson.com/_sto...asp?prodID=DELL-D620

The D420 units that have the docking station have a serial port as well.

I only use Thinkpads (table X41, now T61)(I Have Four) for timing.
I like his red button mouse.
Windows XP Professional
With a card for Seria to USB interface

There still is a few laptops with serial ports which of course is great. Otherwise I would recommend a PC Card with serial ports instead of USB adapters. I've been using a PC Card with 2 ports and it has never been any trouble to have the timer on one and the display on another one. I also use Tag Heuer CP540 and connect with ethernet if I want to.

Docking stations are a good idea as well. You can pick up matching docking stations for rebuilt IBM/Lenovo notebooks for less than $50.00. That puts the total R60 or T40 notebook at around $300.00 and gives you 1 solid serial port.

Yes that's right. The docking station to my Thinkpad T40 saved my day when the USB adapter didn't work 7 years ago. That's when I stopped using USB.