[CQ-Contest] Laptop and Contesting Software

[Richard Thorne]

Bob:

I purchased a Dell laptop with XP Pro from my local dealer.  I 
understand you can still get XP from Dell. 

Before I purchased my Dell I went to best buy with the soundboard check 
software from Writelog.  I convinced the sales guy to let me run the 
software on several of the laptops.  I found that all the laptop 
soundcards would not support Writelog.  It would not pass the mic audio 
through to the speaker output.

Recently I solved all my keying problems with the new Micro Keyer II.  
Its a single usb plug solution which supports fsk, psk, cw and ssb.  It 
has its own built in sound card and supports Writelog, N1MM and others 
I'm sure.  Once setup its basically automatic, just pick a mode on your 
rig and go.

While its a bit expensive, its the best $$'s I've spent on a ham 
accessory in a while. 

Rich - N5ZC


Robert Shohet wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need to buy a reliable quality laptop that I can use for business
> applications
> and must be able to use with contesting software, preferably
> networked with a second laptop or desktop computer.
>
> I would appreciate all recommendations based on actual experience
> in the work and contesting environments.
>
> Please list all recommended components/ports/drives and other items
> as well as those manufacturers that you found to be most reliable and
> why.
>
> For internet access, the laptop must be able to use wifi as well as
> cable modem (for broadband) and have a modem as well for dialup access.
>
> I want to be able to key the radio through the laptop and use a voicekeyer
> through the laptop, so please provide
> keying/voicekeyer suggestions and contest program suggestions as well.
>
> One other thing.... I would prefer to have WIN XP as the laptop OS,
> however, all laptops seem to have Vista as the OS.  Where can I find
> laptops with Win XP?
>
> Am I right to be concerned with using Vista or are there some of
> you that are successfully using Vista with your contest
> software?  Please advise.
>
> Thanks very much for all your help.
>
> 73
> Bob KQ2M
>
>
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