Dumb computer question...

[cleveland797]

I have been a mac user for 10+ years. I need a laptop that I can run the Bavtech program and use with my Jb4 for data loging.
What is a cheap laptop or min operating system I need that will be used ONLY for this purpose and kept in the car?
What about Paralles for my mac book pro?
Im thinking of picking up something cheap off craigslist...
Ideas from the computer literate?

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by cleveland797

I have been a mac user for 10+ years. I need a laptop that I can run the Bavtech program and use with my Jb4 for data loging.
What is a cheap laptop or min operating system I need that will be used ONLY for this purpose and kept in the car?
What about Paralles for my mac book pro?
Im thinking of picking up something cheap off craigslist...
Ideas from the computer literate?

use bootcamp, which is built in on macs, to run windows.

[BostonBeemah]

Bootcamp, Parallels, and running a VM (virtual machine) are all options. I chose VMware or VMbox because they can run simultaneously on the Mac without having to shut down and restart...

[cleveland797]

Originally Posted by BostonBeemah

Bootcamp, Parallels, and running a VM (virtual machine) are all options. I chose VMware or VMbox because they can run simultaneously on the Mac without having to shut down and restart...

Thanks. Does anyone have DIY link or something, Im worthless with this stuff...

[Sylon]

Originally Posted by cleveland797

Thanks. Does anyone have DIY link or something, Im worthless with this stuff...

Regardless what method you use, you will need a complete copy of Windows 7 to install, which can be pricey. My biggest advice to you, and most important, prior to performing any install, is to back up your Mac.


For bootcamp, check out Apple's video tutorial page on their website: http://support.apple.com/videos/ or search for "How to's" on YouTube, there are some great videos out there that will help you. The process is pretty straight forward, and the screens on your Mac will guide you thru it. Your Mac will need to download and install additional files first, then you will insert the install disc and let it run.

As for Parallels (which I also have), their install screens will also guide you thru it. Its a really simple process, it just takes some time. I've never used VM Ware, but I would guess the process is similar.




Bootcamp is included with your Mac if its not that old. Parallels and VM Ware cost money. Bootcamp requires you to restart your Mac in order to access Windows. Parallels/VM Ware allows you to use Windows inside OS X, meaning you can use both operating systems at the same time. However, that means they will be using your computer's processing resources a lot, which could slow your computer a little bit. Bootcamp is less stressful for your computer, so its better if you'd like to run games on Windows. For simple tasks on Windows, Parallels/VM Ware would work great.



If the program you want to run works with Windows 8, and you know this for sure, then you can install Windows 8 Consumer Preview for free using Bootcamp and save a lot of money. Only small issue with that, the Consumer Preview (which is available on Mircosoft's website) will only work until January 2013.

[Neon01]

I use Bootcamp for this very purpose (among others). Works perfectly. 64bit Win7 Pro version.

VM (parallels, etc) would probably work too, but I prefer running OS natively - avoids the inevitable peripheral issues that come part and parcel with operating VMs.

[JimD]

I don't know if you still want a reply to your original question but the Bavarian Tech website says their software will run on Windows XP which is as old an operating system as you can easily find these days. Old tends to mean cheap. Here's a link to an under $200 laptop that appears to meet that spec:

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-D620-Lapt.../dp/B001U5617K

The series of operating systems was XP, Vista (usually avoided but I have an old desktop that runs fine with it), and Windows 7. This isn't everything but is what you will typically find.

Another advantage of XP (beyond price) is it runs NCSExpert. That software will do more in some ways than your BavTech software and it is "free". You can go to b m w c o d i n g.com (omit the spaces) to learn more. The key disadvantage of XP is some newer software will not run under it. Switching to a newer operating system is possible but usually costs about as much as a low end laptop.

I like lenovo laptops but dell's are OK as are Toshibas. I would probably put them in about that order. Any should work fine for occasional use like you seem to describe. Beyond operating system the other key thing to look for in the requirements is memory. But the BavTech software doesn't require much. It would seem much harder to find something that won't work than something that will.

Jim

[roundel335]

Go to Dell's outlet store website and pick up one of their refurb Mini-10 netbooks for a couple hundred bucks - it will come with Win7 Starter edition 32-bit, which is all you need to run datalogging stuff. I have one that I use for INPA and Bimmersoft's program that uses the OBDII port, and it's perfect for what you want to do. Small and lightweight, and easy to transfer data back to your other PC or Mac.

[cleveland797]

Originally Posted by roundel335

Go to Dell's outlet store website and pick up one of their refurb Mini-10 netbooks for a couple hundred bucks - it will come with Win7 Starter edition 32-bit, which is all you need to run datalogging stuff. I have one that I use for INPA and Bimmersoft's program that uses the OBDII port, and it's perfect for what you want to do. Small and lightweight, and easy to transfer data back to your other PC or Mac.

So this will allow me to scan with Bavtech and datalog with JB4 for Terry to look over?

[roundel335]

Originally Posted by cleveland797

So this will allow me to scan with Bavtech and datalog with JB4 for Terry to look over?

It's fully-functional Win7 32-bit OS, which would be compatible with any WinXP application. It has USB ports to connect up with whatever you're using to grab your datalogs.

[Arben72]

I use vm ware and windows xp on my MacBook Pro to code my bimmer.

[x5mad]

I use a Samsung slate with my bav technic software. Also installed win XP on it which was free to use ncs expert. Not the cheapest solution but it is so handy, versatile and quick.