[WriteLog] Notebook vs. Desktop Computers for Contesting

[Kelly Johnson]

I've successfully used my laptop for contesting with no problem
whatsoever.  I used a simple PCMCIA to Serial Port adapter to add an
additional serial port.  I put rig control one one serial port and
keying on the other.  It worked fine and no, I don't have trouble with
windows screwing up my keying.  If I was really worried about bad
keying I would probably get one of those external keying boxes, but
I've found no need so far.  There are good reasons for using a laptop
for portable/mobile contesting.  In my case, I used the laptop because
I was operating from another ham's station and he doesn't have
WriteLog.  I don't see any issue with laptops vs. desktops.  I do tend
to prefer serial port keying to LPT, but that's a preference of mine
based on my desire to avoid loading 3rd party drivers capable of
accessing the LPT port.


On 7/15/05, Eric Hilding <dx35 at hilding.com> wrote:
> (Re-Threaded)
> 
> Clive, GW3NJW, responded to N4GI's comment:
> 
> << It would be great if someone could develop a simple USB thingy that was
> << capable of performing this task and rid me of my last LPT remnant.>
> 
>  > Face it people, USB and/or LPT port is just not the way to go for keying. XP
>  > (et al) deny LPT functionality for verrrry good reasons ( a first for MS
>  > btw!).It may work, it may not, but it's fraught with difficulty. You may not
>  > wish to hear this, but serial ports are the only way to go. On desk tops the
>  > problem is a cinch to address. On lap tops, erm no not really, but do ask
>  > yourself why you are using a lap top, and isn't it more trouble  than it's
>  > worth? There's a problem, you just gotta deal with it, life's a bitch
>  > sometimes!
> 
> For those who also do CONTEST-Peditions, DX-Peditions & IOTA-Xpeditions,
> hauling around a clunky desktop PC & external monitor would be a real
> "female dog", IMHO :-)
> 
> 73...
> 
> Rick, K6VVA
> 
> 
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