Cheap laptop alternative

[VladTepes]

Is there an alternative to a laptop, which has a USB connection, to allow me to
1. Download gopro footage onto nightly (so would need a bit of storage)
2. Download GPS map info (small files)
3. Download PowerCommander 3 maps

Its just that when I go for a trip (say MCR9) I don't want to have to drag along a laptop.... not just the space required but my laptop is also having charging issues.

Any "out of the box" thoughts ?

[KiwiCol]

Get a new laptop.   Orrrr, make one!  You're good at that.

[gsxbarmy]

You could of course use an iPad, as you can get an adapter to take a SD Card which fits in the charging socket.

[VladTepes]

iPad - that's an Apple thing isn't it?  Sorry not interested...

[Mick_J]

Quite a few android tablets have a live usb (usually micro) but adapters are available.

[grog]

get an i pad, so good. my work tablet is a lenovo. i think it stands for lean over the nearest cliff and drop it over. i can give instructions for re booting it, usually about 5 times a day. booting it, sure would.

[VladTepes]

yeah I would avoid a lenovo.
Unfortunately it seems that tablets are expensive especially when any decent storage capacity is desired....

Having had an iphone and used an ipod... they reckon Apple stuff is idiot-proof.
Not true.
I have often been accused of being an idiot and I can't figure them out....

[gsxbarmy]

iPad - that's an Apple thing isn't it?  Sorry not interested...

Then I'm sorry I responded to your request

[Proteous]

OK, so there are a couple of things you can look at.. Android tablets are great but there are compatability issues with many things. So, instead look for MS options. I personaly use an MS Surface. A bit pricey i spose but a truly fantastic piece of kit. Fully compatible with everything you have listed above.

Then there is the Hybrid laptop/tablet like the Dell Inspiron 11. Another great little option. Not too powerful but enough for what you stated at only 200GBP.. HP also make some nice dual use machines..

Give me a shout if you need help deciding..

[Dusty ST]

All getting a bit geeky, but a Raspberry Pi with a portable hard drive looks like it could do most of what you're after.

https://petapixel.com/2016/06/16/turn-raspberry-pi-auto-photo-backup-device/

[Globalrider]

Vlad - I know your pain - I have a Vaio that I have taken all over the world, on all the rides including the Baja 1000 pre-run and it is still going strong after 9 years - the issue is I cannot find another that is equal with a CD drive, SD card reader and HDMI and three USB ports - it is running Visa Business and no issues but it is now very long in the tooth and even Chrome is a problem - so I have been searching for about 6 months to find a comparable replacement - not there - so I feel your struggle Bro! - I hope that someone might give a signal but WE may be destined to the rubbish heap!!

Stan

[Andre]

Quite a while ago I got my sister a smartphone (sony xperia e1) with an added 64 GB MicroSD in its second sim-slot. Has USB, but can also connect via WLAN and Bluetooth. Sure there are many more smartphones with similar capabilities by now.

[Tony Nitrous]

Mine is charged up on the bike from the USB plug I wired up.
Get chucked in tankbags, go's everywhere with me, around Australia and the UK.
Takes my camera's SD card in its adapter.
Never had a drama with it, works fine and has done for many years.

It's an IPad.

[Irish in Oz]

Acer laptop $300. Take it around the world and it even programs industrial machinery, have spent big money on the latest and greatest never again.

[KiwiCol]

I've had Acer for years, very happy with the brand, equipment & price. Yep, I'd buy them again.