If you're technically inclined, you can purchase individual components and assemble them into a laptop for maybe $1000 less than buying a prepackaged laptop. The only thing you really miss out on is the great Indian-outsourced technical support.

To all, thanks for the input. Rich, I am leaning towards one of the Averatec machines. No frills, just able to do the job. Rick, my laptop died from old age, about 5 years old. The hinges on the LCD started failing and then the screen. I am not sure a Mac would have survived longer. Bob, the Toughbooks are bit more then I want to spend considering I have a decent desktop for 90% of my computing needs.

I've become so used to Kalypso touchscreen that I bought a Panasonic Toughbook. The processor is admittedly slow because of heat issues and packaging, but it's a shock mounted hard drive, nice carrying handle, spill resistant keyboard and touch screen. Also, has Verizon Broadband antenna built-in, as well as standard WiFi. I wish it had more USBs, a serial port, 3.5" drive, but all those you can usb add-on. -Bob

Hi Mike: Hope your doing well. Sorry to hear about your computer .... Get a Mac ...... then you won't have problems!!! :-) But seriously, I am a Mac user and I have no problems with the Keyspan USB to Serial Adapter. I have an IO Gear USB to serial but I had problems with it originally. But in all fairness, that was before I figured out how to enable the Virtual PC Comm ports to recognize the adapter. The Keyspan adapter is about 29 bucks from CompUSA. In fact, I bought mine in Rockville!!! Any questions just let me know or if you want my IO gear Adapter I'd be happy to part with it since my Keyspan is working perfectly. Best, Rick.

[quote="Mike Cumbo"]My laptop took a dirt nap recently and I am looking for a replacement. Of course Dell and Toshiba are often mentioned BUT I was wondering about another brand, it is called Averatec. Any one have personal experience with that brand? I am looking for small and light since I have a desktop at home and am looking for something to use in trucks and on the road the few trips I do make. Also, what brand USB to serial adapter is the best for connecting a computer that lacks a serial port to a Lance TDC-100?[/quote] Hey Mike, I've got the Averatec 3225, that I bought....uh...well....uh... OK, I bought it as a *throwaway* for the same reasons you seem to be looking at. (don't remember...about $800 at Sam's Club?). Works for me. Better than expected. I've probably had it for about a year now, with no problems. I'm guessing over three hours on battery...but, quite frankly, where I (we) use them...well...if we don't have electricity...do we really need our laptops? As for the USB/serial adapter...I just picked one up at CompUsa? or Best Buy? or someplace or other (I/O concepts? brand)...works great as well. (suggestion: if you go with a PC that requires the USB/serial adapter, carry the software for it with you...mine's on a USB 'thumb'drive.....more TD hero time when the client needs one :) ) Any other questions...don't hesitate. Rich