Computer in the shop ?

[Whitworth]

Shop computers, do you have one ? Or more than one ? If so, what uses do you find for it, and what kind do you recommend.

I was investigating various PC setups, and find no major advantage to an iphone with G3. Which is not to say I would dismiss a shop PC as a useful addition to the shop.

Cons:

Would take up precious bench space.
Would just get dirty.
Would be exposed to temperature extremes.
I already spend enough time browsing the internet.

Pros:

Real keyboard.
Large screen (larger than an iphone)
Greater selection of applications, (ms office, adobe products)
More versatile, (storage, USB ports, etc)

Laptops have come down significantly in price over the past few years, so cost is a minor issue.

Since the shop is not a sit down type of place, I don't relish the idea of hunching over a keyboard just to check email.

Bottom line- will I use it that much ?

Thank you for you thoughts,

Gary

 

[CKS1955]

I use an iPad Air with a Zagg keyboard in the shop. Does not take up any space, uses Verizon LTE or wifi. Great for referring to online manuals, viewing youtube videos when doing a repair.

Jay

 

[bcos]

I upgraded our computer in the house and moved the "old" computer into the shop. I sewed a cover from felt and clear vinyl to help protect it from the shop environment. Setup WiFi and have used it a great many times.
It does take bench space... time to build a new bench.

 

[Aura]

I built a slot under the workbench for an older desktop. Mounted a flat screen monitor to the wall. Just use it to keep track of oil change info, filter #s auto & truck service records & a little internet. Look up firing order or G J Pinups. So no need for the latest & greatest, Heck any old laptop would do, hook it up to a monitor and take the laptop with you or put it in a drawer when you are done. Edit: If you want a real keyboard, you can go wireless on a laptop.

 

[Elginz]

I use it mostly for the CNC router. WIFI used for instructions and stuff like that

 

[Beemer533]

I have a cheapo dell inspiron mini tower... Nothing special but it works fine. I will also be using it to run my CNC once I get it..

I used to use my Samsung tablet, but after nearly dropping it or dropping stuff on it couple times, I decided it wasn't the best use of a $500 electronic..

 

[Ilikeike]

Since I completely tore apart my camaro and now Re-assembling it,I use a tablet a lot looking for a part, a how to, or an idea, I'm also assembling,cleaning and modifying firearms, it comes in handy for that also.
And don't forget hooking Internet radio up to the shop stereo system.

 

[E.Marquez]

Old lap top, only 3 years old so not latest Gen, but not outdated.... WIFI extends to the garage and i have a file sharing/ wireless printer set up, so if i am inside and find a document I need in the shop, ZAp it's there.. I keep all of my catalogs and manuals on three drives, inside lap top, garage lap top and a network drive.

 

[Steevo]

I had an old desktop PC with a very small CPU that I decided to take out to the shop when we got my wife a new all-in-on for her home office.
I had it running in there, with the CPU in a cabinet and the monitor hung below the cabinet, above the workbench.
It was handy, and allowed me to monitor bids, search for items online, look up specs, etc.
But, it was a PC, and therefore a virus magnet. Within 6 months it was so infected that you couldn't do anything with it, so I shut it off.

I went without a PC in the shop for six or 8 months, and managed ok. When I knew I would want one there, I just took my laptop (Mac) out with me, and used it.

Then, my wife and I got new iPhone 6's, and I don't have any need for a computer in the shop any more. I can check bids in various auctions, look stuff up, order online, and do just about anything else with my phone.

 

[02camaro86]

I had an old desktop PC with a very small CPU that I decided to take out to the shop when we got my wife a new all-in-on for her home office.
I had it running in there, with the CPU in a cabinet and the monitor hung below the cabinet, above the workbench.
It was handy, and allowed me to monitor bids, search for items online, look up specs, etc.
But, it was a PC, and therefore a virus magnet. Within 6 months it was so infected that you couldn't do anything with it, so I shut it off.

I went without a PC in the shop for six or 8 months, and managed ok. When I knew I would want one there, I just took my laptop (Mac) out with me, and used it.

Then, my wife and I got new iPhone 6's, and I don't have any need for a computer in the shop any more. I can check bids in various auctions, look stuff up, order online, and do just about anything else with my phone.

blame the viruses on the PC, as if downloaded them itself.. not gonna start the mac vs pc fanboy arguement, but have you ever considered browsing habits the reason for contracting viruses?

anyways i have my laptop in the garage every time im out there. often ill hook it via hdmi cable to the tv and stream top gear or just pandora. works good for all-data and things like that. surely not a necessity with smart phones but its damn convenient

 

[Kevin C]

My shop computer is a left over HTPC that I transplanted to the shop. Why do I like it? It was a left over , basicly free. I added a SSD drive so it boots in under 30 seconds. It will run two monitors, streams music while I look things up, has a full sized keyboard so its not a pain to use. It also saves me from bringing my Ipad or expensive cell phone out to the shop.

Back in 2008 it was pretty high end and is more than enough for a shop PC. No viruses since I'm running a free copy of NAV from Comcast.

I use large monitors all day at work, I have no desire to work on a tiny screen. For the shop I have a old 19" for surfing and a 43' to pull up manuals that I can reference while I work.

 

[olytdi]

I bought an HP laptop because the reviews were good and it was cheap. Hate it. Went back to my old netbook for my "lap" laptop. Put the HP in the shop where it's relegated to streaming music (a really good use for a computer in the shop, especially if you've got fluorescent ballast interference) and for viewing youtube and research when needed for projects.

 

[Bigbandguy]

In larger cities in particular you can pickup a surplus workstation box dirt cheap. Most of these have a current operatiing system... usually windows 7 or later and cost about 100 or even less. Thrift stores seem to be a good source of flat screen monitors. I have found those for less than 20. With system cost in that range a desktop box or mini tower with flat screen monitor is the way to go. Most have an Ethernet connection built in if you have CAT5 cable or if not a wireless to your wi-fi is easy to add. (mine is easily in range) As soon as weather warms up around here I will be installing a setup like this. I like the idea of internet everywhere and access to the net is very useful to me, especially ideas from you guys!

 

[meier motor sports]

heck yeah have a pc. all repair manuals are now online editions, you can reference you tube and other useful web sites for tips and tricks. you can track down parts and oem part number cross reference. you can get diagnostic software that is pc based. etc etc.. and for what to use, go with the 'old' home pc or lap top

 

[ClintonS]

I put in an Apple TV and cheap 32" flat screen with a wall mount to have a larger screen for my iPhone. Great for many uses


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Hesketh]

I have got a laptop which some one bust the screen on shoved under the bench with a 24" screen stuck to the wall so only the keyboard and mouse taking up any space at all. There is a 1TB external HD plugged in with tunes on it

I have also got a Bluetooth code reader working on it and as many have said really handy for looking things up on the web, and there has been one or two occasions when a youtube vid has saved a bit of time too.

Just got dirt cheep keyboard and mouse so not a issue to use these with dirty hands and once they get screwed I just replace them, welding splatter can melt holds in the keys.

 

[Git]

Asus Chromebox
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NNQDXUW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It Is so small, it can be attached to the back of your monitor. The one I linked to comes with a wirelesss keyboard and mouse. It also has wifi - although I prefer to hardwire mine

Hardly uses any electricity and the only thing else you need is a hdmi cable and speakers if your monitor does not have them built it

If your not familiar with a Chromebox - it runs the Chrome operating system (think Chrome web browser) It is great for researching on the internet - looking at photos from dropbox of the item you just took apart and now your trying to put it back together again, etc

 

[Bigbandguy]

One additional argument in favor of using an old desktop rather than a laptop... is of course the small screen on the laptop can be a bother and also laptops tend to be fragile. The keyboard can get crud in it too. As was pointed out, PC keyboards and mice are cheap. A standard IBM type keyboard is easily fitted with a high traffic plastic "skin" frequently found in industry for high traffic locations.

 

[racerex]

I have an inexpensive laptop that I use in my shop. Before I built the garage at my house, I worked out of a garage at my sister in-laws house. I had Wifi over there. In my new garage, I ran CAT5.

Having a computer comes in real handy if you do any long-term restoration projects. In my case, I restored a Camaro and I'm now restoring a Corvette. I take before and in progress pictures of every part that is being removed. Having original pictures that I can refer to when it comes to reassembly has helped me greatly (ie. routing wiring, vacuum lines, confirming original paint finish on parts, etc.). Plus, I catalog all parts removed in a simple Excel spreadsheet and I assign a number to the ziploc freezer storage bag (small parts) or string tag that I attach to the part (larger parts). I also have the factory assembly manual and the OE parts catalog on disk.....I also printed a paper copy of each at work. No more scratching my head when I'm reinstalling parts months after I removed them. It also allows me to keep a list of the parts that will need to be replaced.....plus track $'s spent, which is not necessarily a good thing.

 

[happy2rv]

I keep an older laptop and an older digital camera in the shop. It all depends on what you do in your shop. If you do heavy wood working or painting/sanding without good dust control, you might need to take precautions to protect it from the environment. Otherwise, I find it invaluable to have a relatively full size screen to view reference material and the photos I take as I tear something down.

So far I've been using wifi from the house. I'm close enough that it works well most of the time, but I have run cat-5 out there for future use.

 

[jgorm]

Laptop and desktop for my garage. The laptop can be hooked to equipment for automotive stuff. The desktop runs my music etc.

 

[rsanter]

I use my iPad for looking up engine codes, machine specs, how to tips, etc. It is very helpful to have around.
In the past I have used an older laptop for the same thing as it is easy to put away when not needed or if I'm doing stuff that makes a lot of dust

Bob

 

[artieb]

Wow Kevin C, I don't have room for a 43 foot (') screen in my shop! Ha ha
What I do want is laptop, or preferably a large tablet in my shop. Something that can withstand cold temps. And a large screen cause I'm getting old. And a real usb / bluetooth keyboard that can be used as needed. And oh yeah, free or at least cheap?
I'm using a small android phone now, for Pandora.

 

[Falcon67]

Nexus 7 Android tablet is all I use. If I run Pandora, I run that on my S4 phone through the Realistic amp. Hows that for old school->new school. I have an old XP laptop that I use for data collection from an Innovate LC-1 wide band, when I'm tuning carbs. I have a 42" LCD mounted high on the wall but it would not be much good as a monitor IMHO. However, I'd thinking about a small Roku or Chromecast to throw the Asus screen up on the LCD.

We have Dish and I have that cabled into the shop, so I can get all my DVR car shows and Netflicks. Problem with Netflicks is that I'm trying mightly not to get sucked into binge watching House of Cards.

 

[Beemer533]

If anyone is looking for a basic shop PC, Newegg has a refurbished HP slim desktop for $159 ($129 with rebate).

Even comes with a mouse and keyboard... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...hewlett_packard_400214-_-83-281-395-_-Product

 

[E.Marquez]

If anyone is looking for a basic shop PC, Newegg has a refurbished HP slim desktop for $159 ($129 with rebate).

Even comes with a mouse and keyboard... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...hewlett_packard_400214-_-83-281-395-_-Product

Nice that and it has dual monitor output. So a small 19-21 on the bench and a large format on the wall.

 

[LEVE]

I finally removed the desktop computer from the garage. It was taking up too much space. I replaced it with a retired 7" Samsung android tablet hooked up to external powered speakers. I'm finding it does everything I want it to do.

On the tablet I've installed all my:

• reference material in PDF format
• shop manuals in PDF format
• Ebooks
• music
• Netflix
• Pandora
• picts and videos.

I like listening to Pandora and my tunes. It doesn't take much room and it's out of the way until I want to use it for internet searches.

I do still have an old laptop devoted to run an OBDII scanner and Toyota Tech Stream. It's rarely used.

 

[sprchrgd1]

View media item 48747
This is what I use. Older Dell PC hooked to a 27" Led. I use it on a daily basis. Ebay, manuals, Pandora, whatever. Saves me from running inside. I have it hooked up via ethernet. No problems with dust I just blow it out once a week with the compressor.