I need a 'benchtop' computer?

[Spence]

Definitely not a techie, but I need something small that I can keep on my bench or worktable, to view templates, patterns, tutorials and this forum.

There's something out there that's smaller than a laptop and I don't know what it's called.

I don't need a "knock 'em daid" system. It would be used for leatherwork only. I've got a desktop (obviously) but it's terribly inconvenient, if at all possible, to put down what I'm doing and come over to the desktop and hunt for help.

Any thoughts or ideas? Is anyone using one of these thingies?

Tks

[rdb]

What you're probably talking about is a "netbook" or "notebook". They run smaller than average laptops with 11-12" screens, generally under $400, some as low as $280. Tiger Direct has some refurbished ones that run cheaper than the regular retail price. They're convenient and not a bad idea for a workbench as long as it's not too dusty around them. Cleaning a laptop device of dust and dirt can be a pain in the butt.

Craigslist and such have lots of deals too.

If you go down to the local habitat/goodwill type stores, you could pick up a small computer there cheap. And if it doesn't last too long in the work environment, then not too much lost. Desktops and workstation type pcs are easy to keep clean, pop the cover and air dust them.

[Hilly]

Don't know if they still have them or not, but last I heard, Walmarx was selling small laptops for $199. Had about a 10" screen.

[hivemind]

I've got a setup now on my bench where I have an old computer underneath (nothing special, it's 5 years old, but all I need it for is to look at pics on the internet and play music), an old LCD monitor mounted on the wall behind the bench, and a small wireless keyboard/mouse combo.

Having the monitor on the wall at eye height is perfect, and the little wireless combo keyboard means I don't have wires in the way and I can just stick it on a shelf when I don't need it. I understand that not everyone (hell, not really most people) are tech geeks like me and have extra LCD monitors laying around, but if you can come up with one, places like NewEgg.com sell simple wallmounting brackets for them for $10. Heck, if you have an old PC that's a little slow but nothing you can't live with, you cna buy new LCD monitors for under $100 now - significantly cheaper than even a new netbook system.

I'll see if I can't grab a pic tonight.

[hivemind]

So, yeah, here's three pics. First is of the whole (messy) shop, second shows the monitor mounted on the wall over the bench, and the third one shoes the little $20 wireless keyboard thingy that works so well in this application.

[Spence]

That looks like something I can work with. I've got to old slow computer. I just need the other stuff. Thanks for the info.