thoughts on garage computer?

[bimmerZ5]

i currently have an older "all in one" Sony VAIO computer sitting on my workbench. it's old, but serves it's purpose fine. however, lately, i've been thinking of reclaiming the lost workbench space by getting a newer "all in one" computer with a touchscreen that I can mount on a arm that I mount to the wall. I've ordered the arm already, got this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028407WW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

which can old up to 30lbs. now, i just need to figure out what computer to get and so I thought I'd ask to see what folks here do and if they had an opinion about certain features.

1. touch screen - if you currently have a touch screen computer in your garage, how do you like it? i can see it both being easy to use when i'm browsing the internet for information on a project, but then also it might not be a good idea if my hands are covered in grease/grime. just not sure if i'm going to like the touchscreen more than hating to clean it. any experience with this and/or regrets if you've done it?

2. not all "all-in-one" computers are mountable. The arm I got requires a standard VESA mounting holes on the monitor/computer side. i've only found 1 samsung model and an ASUS model AIO computer that has the mounting holes. anyone pursue something similar and have some suggestions?

the idea is that I can mount the computer and have it off my workbench. i'll have a keyboard/mouse stored on the side or something and I can pull that out if I need to, but otherwise I'm hoping to mainly use the touchscreen and keep my workbench for working on stuff instead. The workbench is 72" x 18", and about 24"x18" of that is taken up by the current computer/keyboard/mouse.

 

[elav]

I guess it depends on what you intend to use the computer for. I mainly like to look at web pages or YouTube videos documenting something I'm about to do in the garage. I purchased a cheap, small android tablet that was so inexpensive I don't care if I get grease/dirt on it. I can also take this to where I am working and watch/read it there. I keep in in a draw plugged into a charger when not in use. It has worked out pretty well so far.

 

[Vinci]

I agree with the tablet idea. Much easier to clean than a keyboard and you can replace it for a lot less.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I guess it depends on what you intend to use the computer for. I mainly like to look at web pages or YouTube videos documenting something I'm about to do in the garage. I purchased a cheap, small android tablet that was so inexpensive I don't care if I get grease/dirt on it. I can also take this to where I am working and watch/read it there. I keep in in a draw plugged into a charger when not in use. It has worked out pretty well so far.

yeah, i have a tablet too that i bring out to the garage at times. but some websites are just difficult to browse on the tablet. i too use a computer mainly for viewing and researching projects i'm working on.

 

[NUTTSGT]

What about just putting the monitor on a mount similar to have you have, the tower under the bench (in a "clean" cabinet) and small shelf or pull out drawer for the keyboard to live on when not in use ?

 

[Flange]

I agree with the tablet idea. Much easier to clean than a keyboard and you can replace it for a lot less.

Can you tell me what tablet is cheaper to replace than a keyboard? Surely even if you replace a keyboard 4 times a year it would be cheaper than replacing 1 tablet?

 

[Kevin54]

I agree with the tablet idea. Much easier to clean than a keyboard and you can replace it for a lot less.

Good Lord, you can get keyboards for almost nothing. Hit a ReStore and they'll almost give keyboards away. If not, one may cost you $2-$3.

 

[kf4zht]

Depending on how much power you need a windows based thin client may work. They can install basic programs, surf the internet, etc. No fans to **** dust into and most have wall mount kits.

Also there is a company called motion computing that makes ruggadized windows tablets for healthcare and service industries. You can pick up used units on ebay for a few hundred. There are a few models with a wall mount docking station. Gives you the best of both worlds.

 

[snorky18]

I went through a similiar path and considered wall mounting, but I ended up with a $350 Vaio Laptop that goes everywhere I work. (Under the trunk, under the hood, etc.). I've been happy so far - no more printing off stuff unless it's going to get really dirty

 

[JimVonBaden]

I use a netbook, Acis One 7". Costs about $200 from www.tigerdirect.com. It has a small screen, but is small enough that it can be stored away easily, and is durable. I use an external mouse. When I am working on something I can use the comp to look at directions and look up parts. Then I can hook up my diagnostic tool and take the comp to the bike and hook it up.

I have seen some use a wall bracket to get it up off the desk/workbench too!

Jim :brow

 

[slowtwitch]

I just used an old laptop and hooked up a monitor to it.

 

[Ben7203]

There are vinyl keyboard and screen covers you can buy to help protect your computer/tablets. You can find them online or Office Depot. I've seen people use saran wrap in a pinch too

 

[elav]

I wasn't the one that stated a tablet is less than a keyboard (although I believe they meant than replacing the computer) but did pickup a brand new 7" android tablet for $59.

 

[JC23]

iPad and WiFi - FTW!

 

[JimVonBaden]

iPad and WiFi - FTW!

The only problem is that a lot of workshop manuals, like the BMW Motorcycle one, will not work on an Apple without a secondary program, FTL!

Jim

 

[turbodave]

I have an old computer with a 15" flat touchscreen monitor in the garage. The tower resides under the workbench next to my little fridge and the keyboard and trackball can be easily tucked in on top of them to free up workbench space. The monitor is on an aluminum arm that is bolted to the wall allowing it to pivot and swing out of the way. I never got around to connecting the touchscreen feature on the monitor. Lately since I got a tablet I rarely use the computer out there, only when I need to pull up something in the Mitchell data that is installed on it.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I work in an airline maintenance hangar, a very dirty place. We have regular desktop computers all over the place, on long counters with stools at them for the mechanics to use, with one printer. All of the computers in a group of 4 to 8 print to the one printer, all are connected to the network. We can access anything in the company system and one in each ground can connect to the internet (sometimes you need manufacturers instructions for mixing an adhesive or sealer that you cannot find elsewhere). They run in a hugely dirty, pollen, dirt, dust, grinding dust, metal shavings and drill shavings, everything imaginable, and rarely does a keyboard fail, until someone gets the idea to clean the keys. If you are going to clean a keyboard, by all means, pull the keys off, and gently blow out the dirt and clean the keys and put them back. Don't try to spray them with some kind of cleaner and expect it to work.

You also can get clear plastic films that are molded to fit the keyboards to keep dirt out of them.

Charles

 

[pepi]

FWIW, standard PC keyboards can be run through a dish washer set outside upside down for the afternoon and be just fine. Very clean they a refurbished exactly that way. For the most part removing key caps is a huge waste of time the chance of breakage is common, think about it. You could loose your period then what?


I pads and tablets are toys not impressed, plus you have to hold the damn thing or buy some mounting fixture. Keep it charged, so it is tied to a wire, and you will always be looking for the last place you put it down, like your cell phone. Nope not a good idea for a shop tool.

 

[JimVonBaden]

FWIW, standard PC keyboards can be run through a dish washer set outside upside down for the afternoon and be just fine. Very clean they a refurbished exactly that way. For the most part removing key caps is a huge waste of time the chance of breakage is common, think about it. You could loose your period then what?

Use exclaimation points!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I pads and tablets are toys not impressed, plus you have to hold the damn thing or buy some mounting fixture. Keep it charged, so it is tied to a wire, and you will always be looking for the last place you put it down, like your cell phone. Nope not a good idea for a shop tool.

My Net Book is most definitely not a toy. It is equal to a 3 year old regular laptop, more portable my far, fits in my tank bag, and has 8 hour batteries, so not tethered. It has a great keyboard and a solid state 160GB hard drive.

Like most things, there is not a one size fit's all for this kind of thing.

Jim

 

[jabin]

As you can see you have really two roads:

1. desktop/laptop connected to a monitor/TV - This is a sound solution with a dual purpose for a TV and a monitor needs VGA inputs. A long VGA and sound cable with a remote mount the display. Cabinet the computer and draw the wireless keyboard and mouse, when not in use. Lg makes some good affordable models.

2. Ipad or Tablet platform, ViewSonic makes a 22" touchscreen Android tablet for around $450. fastest expanding market

3. mixture of 1&2: AOpen Warmtouch is a 22" widescreen touch screen that is an All-in-One Windows computer. All the features of Windows with a nice touch screen. $1,800 retail

If you really want a touch screen for a dirty environment look at Elo. Their touch screens are bezel-less doctors office cleanable so it's glass from edge to edge.

Research touch screen, for some require a "human" -grounded- touch (IPads) while others are work with just tapping the screen non-grounded-- which would included non "human" objects such as pens, credit cards tools etc (you can see them at restaurants a lot) this would work better in a shop environment.

There are touch screens that work with plain old desktop, (IE; Elo) but these screens are not as cheap as a nice 42" TV/monitor. So touch must really be important to go down this road.

IMHO
PS: really you have a ton of options.

 

[PhantomEB]

Myself I see no real purpose for a computer to be in the garage. If I do need so, I just haul the lap top out there, after all I brought it more for the reason its usuable anywhere. Besides when I get the gf an Apple computer, she wont ***** one bit where I put my HP.

 

[LEVE]

I own a few desktops, and a few iOS and android tablets.

For the garage I like a desktop, the one I use is my oldest Dell (about 7 years old). It's got a 17" Old style monitor and sits atop my bolts and nuts container. In the four years I've had it out there it's not failed me once; it just sits there awaiting me to consult it.

As for use,

• I keep all my vehicles documents on it. I can pull up the vehicles on NAPA
• and AutoZone website for repair books/tear down and
• R&R instructions as well as giving me an immediate idea of parts priceds.
  • I can look at the local Picn'N Pull website for parts I may need before
  • I travel 30 miles into town only
  • to find the yard doesn't have the part I need.

On the computer I keep

• repair records,
• repair photos,
• downloaded YouTube vids for the vehicles that I own that I figure may be of use and
• a Factory Service Manual for each vehicle.

I like being able to go to the computer, pull up the history or consult a page in the FSM. I'll print it out (via the network in the house) if I need to have a paper copy.

I also keep owners and repair/parts manuals for each piece of equipment in the garage. These documents have saved me more than once. I've learned the go out on the Internet and download a copy for each tool that has a manual on-line, or scan the hard copy and archive it.

The one change I would make is dump the monitor and replace it with a LCD monitor. But, it's not that important and will be replaced with the Dell monitor dies.

All in all, it's been very helpful.

 

[ezzzzzzz]

I haven't located one of my PC's into the garage yet but it's coming. I'll use it for quick reference when working on a variety of things. For me it will be either large (42" or bigger) flat screen or a ceiling hung projector displaying on a large drymarker board. For following wiring schematics and making notes, marking tracings, etc. this would be ideal.

 

[Micscience]

I personally like desktops for the work shop however a tablet is convenient for portability. As far as touch screen I don't like it. Touching the screen is to much effort, you can fat finger a lot of stuff you want to select and then you have to clean it. I used to be a PC gamer so using the mouse quickly is like natural to me. Once you play Counter Strike for years your mouse skills get better.

 

[AirJunky]

I like desktops for the garage too. I can hide the machine somewhere out of sight. I can use the TV has a display. And I can use any keyboard or mouse device I want. Plus many standard PC keyboards have skins available for them.

 

[dsimatt]

I would look for a cheap laptop because its smaller and mobile. I have a tablet and you constantly have to expand the screen to see stuff and it changes some websites layouts, and the screen would get nasty fast.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I would look for a cheap laptop because its smaller and mobile. I have a tablet and you constantly have to expand the screen to see stuff and it changes some websites layouts, and the screen would get nasty fast.

i've considered laptops, and have had one in the past in the garage... but that usually involves putting the laptop down on a flat surface... i'm trying to get rid of stuff on the workbench... and hence, short of full desktop computer, i thought an All-In-One would work great... sort of a laptop, but not and i can wall mount it on the arm i have.

 

[Kevin C]

I like having a large screen to consult. Mine is wall mounted above the keyboard, a flex mount would be nice. I also have a wireless keyboard, so its easy to store. The computer is and older mini PC that's hidden under my bench.

It also doubles as the garage's sound system.

I do have a laptop, but I prefer to use the faster desktop computer. I'm not a big fan of all in one systems (laptops included). Standard PC's are easy to service and upgrade and seem to last a lot longer. Also, I will take a keyboard and mouse over a touch screen. Especially in a a shop with the potential for dirty hands.

Do you have any room to mount a keyboard tray under your bench?

 

[WILD-BILL]

My garage PC is an old tower that I had laying around. I put it up on a shelf next to my mini fridge and it out of the way.

I've been thinking about a wall mount for the monitor as it's on the same shelf and kinda a pain to look up at.

The best thing I did was get a wireless mouse/keyboard combo. I can tuck them anywhere or pull it out and use it anywhere.

 

[zkling]

I got two desktop boxes in the garage. Both I found in the trash. One is a Pentium 4 running a very stripped down linux for a CNC machine. Other is a dual core that I use for general googling, dual boot of Ubuntu and XP. If you are on a budget, find an old machine, strip it down, throw on linux or XP and go to town. A working shop can be a very hard environment for a computer, grinding dust and all.

I wouldn't even begin to consider a touch screen for the shop. One stray chip and there goes the touch screen. I have an adapter that converts a standard keyboard to wireless. When it gets too grimy I either turn it upside down and shake the chips out, or go pick up another one for a few bucks and put on my wireless adapter. YMMV

 

[jabin]

If anyone is interested, I have 6 of these from a stalled project.

Peerless TV tilt wall mount 13"-37"
The ST635P features open wall plate architecture that offers enhanced access to electrical and cable management. Combine with its easy tilt angle adjustment screen adapters to achieve the ideal viewing angle and you have one quick and simple installation.
Factory web site link:
http://www.peerlessmounts.com/dyn/Products/BrowseProduct.aspx/tn/17/u/t/categoryID/195

New never opened, factory boxed.
$25 plus shippping from 45236

 

[hell_fish_65]

No one suggested a convertible notebook? I use a Dell Latitude XT. Ebay has some for under $200. They will run Windows 8 just fine. Asus has some convertibles as well and of coarse Win 8 tablets. Smaller and cheaper than a all in one.

You can also get the Dell XT or XT2 in rugged. They were made for the army to use in the sand. A just option for the shop

 

[E.Marquez]

It's all about use and space available.. so to each his own.

I decided on a lap top,,,, well i decided on buying a new one, and the old one ( 2 year old, dual core Intel I5, blah, blah, blah) It has a Digital output to plug in to the plasma TV already in the garage,,, so I can displace the lop top screen for manuals, videos I download, web page surfing, ect.

The Tv has a built in DVD player, so really the lap top is just a web surfer deal, and I write work orders and estimates for jobs from this one.. as well.

Wireless N standard reaches the garage no problem, and I use wireless printing to the printer in my office.

I prefer a lap top, for it's portability over a desk top. I often will take the lap top out to a vehicle, motorcycle , trailer Im working on to read a manual, make parts lists.. Though lately I have just been uploading that all to a cloud, and then taking my Ipad to the job.

I have a very cheap bluetooth keyboard (bought 4 of them at $9.00 each) that I cover in plastic wrap.... so if hands are dirty I do not worry about greasing up the lap top.

 

[Icky1911]

My router signal reaches out to my garage. I've got a laptop out in the garage that works perfect. I've got my motorcycle repair manuals in PDF on my computer and love being able to pull up a page and look at it. Also, being able to view YouTube when I'm stuck on something is great.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I use my iPad in the shop. Actually I use it everywhere. I love being able to take crisp clear photos and videos of stuff before I take it apart. I also like that I can bring it in the engine compartment or under the hood when looking at those photos and videos.

I ran wifi into my shop and access the web on my iPad and use my old iPhone to stream music using AOL Radio.