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Question for you oldtimers out there that are computer freaks. I am a computer freak but I was wondering if there is anyway to hook up a regular harddrive in your truck without having to go to a laptop?? Let me know for future use. Thanks... Cubby

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NoIt's apparent this place is never going to change....then again; why should it? It gets the clientel it deserves.
Bette Midler

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Thanks Dog.... any other ideas besides the laptop??

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How freaky geaky do you want to get. You can hook up any tower in your truck, ive done it. Just use an inverter. As far as hooking to the internet just think about it their is several ways to doit. If your a truck driver then I know youve got some brains, just flip out get creative and have at it. Helps to have a little cash though.

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Hey Ram thanks for the info.. will check on it but might still go to option B and get a laptop. Have Sprint for my cell use so can hook up to them if I have to. Thanks buddy Cub

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In a word, “Yes.” I stuffed my server into the truck, not recommended. My old employer installed (my) 1000 watt inverter. My current employer doesn’t allow hardwired inverters. They have not said “no” to the ones that plug into a cigarette lighter, tough. Currently I run a Sony laptop and an HP all in one printer/scanner combo. I purchased extended warranties for both.
You might try a google search for “small form factor” or “mini pc”. Also www.tomshardware.com returned some good results for both terms. Of course you would need to get a display, I think a 12 to 14” tube monitor is about all you will have space for. It would probably work better with a flat screen of some type.
Also keep in mind that whatever you put in the truck is going to bounce around a lot. I had to reseat all the connections in my server about every two months. Something would quit, and I just reseated everything I could get my hands on.
I think a laptop is better designed for a truck.
I know a lot of “gaming” types carry their shuttles (mini PC) to various game meets. I think by the time you price something out you would be close to what you get a decent laptop for. I am not sure how they hold up in trucks.
The shuttle would be a little easier to upgrade then a laptop, but not by too far.
If money is no object, you can look at alienware laptops.
-J

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Hey driver J: great info and will surely use it when I get my own truck. Want to thank you for the input. Its apprecitated because I definitely need something to do when detention time is mounting up or truck stop time is boring me.. (lol) Take care... Cub

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cubby, I had a mid-tower in my truck , along with printer, scanner, 5.1 and a 19" monitor, not to mention 1 13" TV, VCR, CD player, microwave, etc. If you build a shelf at the foot of the bed and elevate it about 3" above the matress you can install most of the components there, (it is, after all, "unused space"). At the time, I had a F/L Century, so, storage wasn't a big problem. The tower was placed in the cabinet on the passenger's side, which made it very accessible. the 19" monitor was placed on the floor when the truck was rollin" and mounted on the cooler between the seats when I was stopped. My keyboard & mouse were wireless, so, I had no exposed wires to trip over. At the time, I had for internet service cough cough PNV cough cough. Today, however, you can go WiFi, satelite or whatever floats your boat. All of this was powered by a 1500 watt inverter. In all of the time that I had a PC in my truck, the only POS that kept breaking down was a Compaq, (which, I will NEVER again buy!!), but, that was years ago. Since then, I have mounted a Sony Micro-Tower and a Micron mid and never had a problem with them breaking down.
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Of course you can install a desktop in your truck as others have suggested. The only real limitations to doing so is power source and space (lack of).
Some companies have rules about inverters so if you are considering doing this in a company truck better check the policy and see if a desktop is doable powerwise within the limitations of the policy.
Some practical matters should be considered first. Such as if you are driving a company truck and you are asked to empty it out... for whatever reason... switching trucks, repair, etc.... you will have a lot of extra stuff to move.
A laptop keeps it very simple. Is there any particular reason you want a regular desktop machine?

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I have a Gateway laptop. Thought about the desktop set for the truck, but when I do banking and someother stuff I want a secure connection. The laptop is somewhat easier to carry than the desktop, and I get fewer odd looks.
I have the wireless card through Flyin J..well actually it is a Gateway 802.11g card, but I use Flyin J's service. I can sit inside and use the ethernet connection when I need security.
All in all it is a good system.

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http://www.junkmachine.com/nintendo/
computer in a nintendo case. Perfect size for a truck