Low power-draw (1.5a) laptop

[demonboy]

Hello again!

Looking for a cheap laptop that is low on power, say 1.5a. Been trying to find one with serial port but looks like I'll have to get a converter (see my previous thread). Not bothered by performance but power-hungriness and cost are the major factors. These laptop websites never give the power performance tech spec, which is kinda annoying. As per previous thread it's to run maxsea/cmap with my GPS.

Anyone aware of some post-Christmas bargains out there? £350 tops. Acer's normally a good bet but I can't find a decent spec for any of their models.

Thanks!

 

[fdmarsden]

I have an IBM 570e, about £150-200 on ebay, draws about 1.2a @12v rising to about 2.5a when disc activity takes place. using XP.

 

[westhinder]

Does that mean it can be plugged direct into the boat's 12V supply? I'm looking for a laptop that can do just that, so I won't need a converter.

 

[Billjratt]

If low power is the only consideration. try to find an old monochrome, and take the internal battery out (it'll probably be knackered anyway.) some of the old IBM models worked on raw battery power. The new processors and video packs are greedy, avoid them.

 

[fdmarsden]

No, it has an IBM 'Car Adapter' part number 66G9984 12v input, output 20-10V 2.00-2.20A

(It also has p/n 66G9987 on it)

 

[alan]

I bought a secondhand Thinkpad from these guys:
http://www.sterlingxs.co.uk/

Delivered next day; not new but as described.
Satisfied customer e.t.c.
Alan.

 

[ctelfer38]

Try these guys http://www.laptop-garage.co.uk/ /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[davidbains]

Have you tried http://www.pcagain.biz/productslist.aspx?CategoryID=4256&selection=11
They do have some bargains inc Macs.

 

[demonboy]

OK, made a decision. Bit the bullet and bought a new Dell. Took advantage of a £50 off offer which ran out today. Draws 1.5a max and paid a bit extra for a 9-cell li battery that boasts up to 5 hours life per charge.

Base
Intel® Celeron® Processor 520 (1.60 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 1 MB L2-cache)
Memory
1024MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x512]
Video Card
Intel® Media Accelerator 950 Graphics Up to 256MB shared graphics memory
Hard Drive
160GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive

All for £379! After looking at refurbs and comparing the cheap Acers and Accents and being happy with my current Dell I thought this Inspiron 9400 for this spec and price weren't half bad. No serial port, mind, but it appears no new cheapie computer has serial so I'm damn well hoping the serial to USB cable I end up purchasing works!

Hope info is of some help.