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Old 04-08-2008, 10:16 AM   #1
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Computer, monitor, keyboard: Where? How? Etc....

Being a computer geek, I've been wondering where I could set up my computer, and how I'd go about it. I need (yes, that's right: need) my computer for both work (side business) and play (games, surfing the Net, etc) purposes. It coluld also double as a DVD player I guess, if needs be. And even a GPS eventually....

I've been DYO online (and cut-outs on paper) and have yet to figure out where my tower computer and flatscreen monitor and keyboard would go. Never mind the whole internet access setup, enough electrical power (batteries, inverter, etc) to run the stuff, etc. I could put in some sort of small desk/table dedicated to a computer, but then I lose other precious storage space....

Sure, I know a laptop would probably be better in an RV, but I'd rather not go out and buy a new(er) laptop computer when I already have a good one, plus mine is already set up to handle CAD/GIS that I do daily for work.

And sure, I know the SMB is an RV, but I'd like to consider mine (when I get one anyway) to be a mobile office, too. That way I can run my business from anywhere I'd like. That would be cool.

What do you tech guys/gals use? What's your setup like? Where do you do your computing in your SMB, and what sort of computer (size) do you use?

Thanks for any insight. This has been stumping me for a little while now.

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Old 04-08-2008, 10:31 AM   #2
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I noticed in somebodys new van that SMB installed a cabinet behind the drivers seat. I don't recall anyone wanting a tower installed, but maybe it would fit there. You just better hope it can take the washboard and stuff that these vans run through.
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Old 04-08-2008, 04:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
I noticed in somebodys new van that SMB installed a cabinet behind the drivers seat. I don't recall anyone wanting a tower installed, but maybe it would fit there. You just better hope it can take the washboard and stuff that these vans run through.
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I had the small cabinet installed (6.75" wide) behind the drivers seat. See diagram below for the layout. Your tower might fit in its place. I was able to do it because I had an Isotherm 4cf refrigerator installed rather than the Norcold 3.7. (More cf but smaller footprint) The cabinet is 24" deep.
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Old 04-08-2008, 09:00 PM   #4
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Unless you're doing serious computer time in the van I'd just buy a cheapo laptop that has wireless built in. If you're doing serious computer time I'd buy an expensive laptop.

I wouldn't put a tower in the van except as an experiment in how to ruin a computer, or as a test scenerio for some project where an old tower (¢¢¢) would be replaced by a builtin laptop ($$$) after the proof of concept phase.
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Old 04-17-2008, 11:24 PM   #5
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Here's what I did:


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Old 04-30-2008, 12:08 AM   #6
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Id go with a laptop but..

Seeing as you're doing CAD / GIS (probably autocad / arcgis) you'll have to stick to something with more memory which kinda throws out what I was going to suggest. In a previous vehicle, we used a mac mini and loaded it with WINXP using bootcamp and it worked great. If you've never seen tehm, they are about 1.5" high and 6 x6" maybe. You'll still need a K/M/M though. if you run autocad on it through bootcamp you'll definately want at least 2GB and switch the HD from 4500RPM to something faster. but if you didnt care about that...

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Old 05-26-2008, 06:37 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE
Here's what I did:


steve
steve, what did you do for your laptop? i cant tell from the pic. is it an actual armature?

looks stable enough.
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Old 05-27-2008, 11:59 AM   #8
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Re: Computer, monitor, keyboard: Where? How? Etc....

If you spend $60k on a SMB, why not buy the right computer?

My suggestion if you really want ot keep your general setup is to sell your tower and buy a small form factor PC...like a Dell XPS 210. Don't forget to get a UPS for backup in case you run out of power.

If it were me, I'd look into a tablet computer. Touchscreen, wall mountable, battery backup, low power consumption and built in keyboard (or wireless )


Quote:
Originally Posted by dave_in_delaware
Being a computer geek, I've been wondering where I could set up my computer, and how I'd go about it. I need (yes, that's right: need) my computer for both work (side business) and play (games, surfing the Net, etc) purposes. It coluld also double as a DVD player I guess, if needs be. And even a GPS eventually....

I've been DYO online (and cut-outs on paper) and have yet to figure out where my tower computer and flatscreen monitor and keyboard would go. Never mind the whole internet access setup, enough electrical power (batteries, inverter, etc) to run the stuff, etc. I could put in some sort of small desk/table dedicated to a computer, but then I lose other precious storage space....

Sure, I know a laptop would probably be better in an RV, but I'd rather not go out and buy a new(er) laptop computer when I already have a good one, plus mine is already set up to handle CAD/GIS that I do daily for work.

And sure, I know the SMB is an RV, but I'd like to consider mine (when I get one anyway) to be a mobile office, too. That way I can run my business from anywhere I'd like. That would be cool.

What do you tech guys/gals use? What's your setup like? Where do you do your computing in your SMB, and what sort of computer (size) do you use?

Thanks for any insight. This has been stumping me for a little while now.
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Old 05-27-2008, 12:34 PM   #9
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Re: Computer, monitor, keyboard: Where? How? Etc....

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmocken
If you spend $60k on a SMB, why not buy the right computer?
For me, $60K+++ means getting away from my computer(s), Blackberry, cell phones,....

FWIW, I did like that Steve had the SMB Forum website up on his computer when he took the picture. Kind of a suck-up maneuver, but with a certain amount of style.


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Old 05-28-2008, 03:15 PM   #10
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Lobo you can look in my gallery for several more photos on the computer table. here is one:
I made it out of wood and then just primed and painted it to match my interior. It is very sturdy and good to put maps etc. on it. When I am parked I use it for food/drinks.

BroncoHauler
Good catch!


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'04 Jeep Grand Cherokee- wife won't let me modify it. :-(
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