SMALL Windows Laptop or other device?

[megaphone]

Part of my work is fixing stuff at customer sites, I'm often walking and on public transport with a bag of tools. I sometimes need to use a laptop to log-in to systems or to check an internet connection on a switch, test a screen or projector etc.

I have a 13" Macbook Air which I can dual boot, but even this is too bulky to lug around, also too 'nice' to shove in a tool bag and leave in my car. Plus I need to carry a load of adaptors.

I'm looking for other options, a small Windows laptop, 10" or even less? It must have an ethernet connection, it must have HDMI out to test screens. Ideally should have an audio out jack. A VGA would be nice but doubt anything modern will have one. Small PSU.

Doesn't have to be new or super fast, it won't be used for anything else other than a bit of surfing and to download some firmware etc. Bit of storage for files and manuals etc.

Budget, don't want to spend a fortune as it will be used a few times a month and will likely sit in my car boot for weeks on end. Max £300, used is preferable.

[megaphone]

Mr Pointy said:

Well they fail on the small & light parameter but have a look at Panasonic Toughbooks:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-Toughbook-CF-...

There's loads of them on ebay

This one looks lighter:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Panasonic-Toughbook-CF-...

Edited by Mr Pointy on Friday 5th March 09:55

Yes just too big and heavy.

[megaphone]

Thanks. Someone I work with has also mentioned a Surface Pro, I don't really know much about them, is an option if it will do what I want.

Not too sure about a dock as it is something else to lug around, but can I use ethernet or HDMI adaptors?

Are there any to avoid, that will go end of life soon? What's the smallest screen they do? Can I use a pen type thing? Do I need the keyboard or can it be used with an onscreen keyboard.

I've only ever had and used iPads.

[megaphone]

Thanks. Some of the control software I use only runs on Windows 7- 10, so needs to be compatible, I will need to check if it will run on a Surface pro.

[megaphone]

dannnd said:

An absolute blast from the past, why not one of the old Asus Netbooks (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WhiteASUS-Eee-PC-4G-7-4-GB-Intel-Celeron-M-900-MHz-512-MB-Ultraportable/233911534886?hash=item367636c526:g:NOIAAOSwVAxgOSNG)

I used to stick windows on mine and it was perfect for just very light work - although if you wear glasses you might struggle with the screen!!

Thanks, yes an option, I will take a look. Need to consider battery condition, I will have to use on battery sometimes.

ETA, No HDMI out, I remember looking at these before and nearly went for one, also with Atom chips, they will struggle with Win 10, also some cannot upgrade the RAM. Sham as they are a perfect size .

Edited by megaphone on Friday 5th March 11:58