Recommendation for a new laptop

Well, assuming that you don't want to pay a premium price, stick with something that runs Windows.  And, from the shared experience on the CHOICE DSLR photometry forum, it appears that Windows 7 Professional is a better choice of operating system than Windows 8.  I'm running AIP4WIN on a Core i5 machine with 4 GB RAM without problems, so I don't think you need to spend the extra money to get an i7 or buy more RAM.  I also run Maple 16 on this machine, as well as GIMP, and this machine has enough ummph to handle them without problems.

If you are going to be operating outside in the cold, don't skimp to the point of not having a really good keyboard.  Also, you might want to look at battery capacity unless you can run the machine off external power.  Batteries generally don't like cold nights.

Does that help?

For an outdoor laptop doing long time series data collection, I have used both Windows 7 Pro and Windows XP Pro computers with Remote Desktop to control the telescope inside with another computer.  I run TheSkyX to control the telescope mount and camera (with ASCOM), and PhD for auto guiding. After frustrating computer freeze ups with Win 7 on different laptops, I then went with used Dell D830 or D630 with WinXP and found that these laptops are very stable even in very cold weather (with external power).  Clone the original hard drive with a higher memory capacity (250 GB) drive and keep the original for backup.  Do not install antivirus or any potential interfering software as this is a data collection laptop only.  Cost used/refurbished Dell D830/D630 laptop $150-$250 from Amazon or elsewhere.  Then get a "modern" computer with the horsepower to process and save your data, which also works as the Remote Desktop terminal to the outdoor laptop.

-Paul

I've had good luck with the lower end Toshiba laptops. Mine have worked in heavy dew in Florida to cold nights out west. One with a backlit key board would be a plus, I think.

Richard

Based on some recent experiences with computers for AAVSONet, I would recommend stay away from Windows 8, if possible. The "enhanced" advanced security features makes interfacing with the various imaging software and equipment a real problem. Things that worked before on Win7 and earlier, may stop working due to security blocks! Debugging the problem is not easy or straighforward, either.

Plus, the new GUI interface in Win8 is really irritating to deal with, it tends to want to do things you dont expect :(

But, then I think all new PC's come with Win 8 by default, not sure how easy it is to roll back a version when you order one?

Mike LMK

Thanks to everyone for your replies. The computer I have been using is a 2006 IBM Thinkpad T43. I bought it refurbished in 2008. It has been a great computer. It is an XP machine. I know XP is compatable with CCDSoft V5, so  I will try to have it repaired first.

The problem is with the connection to the power cord on the back of the computer itself. The connection comes and goes and is getting worse over time. I ruled out the Cord as the problem by using 3 different cords and got the same result. I must have tripped over the power cord too many times in the dark and caused dammage within the computer.  I have been told that the repair job requires removing the mother board and some resoldering. I was told that it may be a $80 - $100 job. I will try this first. This old IBM is tried and true and has been a great performer in cold weather. (as low as 15 degF or -9C outside). Thanks again everyone for the information.

-Andy