Internet Device for the Workshop...

[Old Codger]

Hi Everyone... While carving in my garage workshop I often find it more convenient if I had internet access to check on how to do this or that or... With all the dust, different temps, and possibility of dropping my laptop, I've started to consider another device to enable me to connect to the internet. I'm looking at netbooks (smaller PC's w/o a DVD drive) or an 'E' Reader or some other device that will allow me to connect to the Internet for WCI, You Tube, etc. without harming the internet device.
Anyone else find this need or have any suggestions? I don't want to use my current laptop as the DVD would last possibly 2 minutes with all the dust out in the workshop...
Kenn

[Claude]

If you have decent eyesight, get an iPhone. If you have less good eyesight, get an iPad.

I frequently pull out my iPhone while carving to look up something on the internet, check a photo out that I took, or just to call or text my wife who is upstairs. Easier than getting up, moving to the stairwell and yelling! Since I have a wireless base station at home hooked up to the internet via Verizon FIOS, I have good speed anywhere in the house. My iPhone automatically logs in to my home wireless net whenever I'm home, so no worries about excess charges for the ATT 3G usage...

BTW, with all that dust, you ought to think about a decent dust extractor. I have the JET 1000 sitting on top of a nearby refrigerator that I turn on whenever I'm making dust...

Claude

[ajcoholic]

Im on my ipad right now! Neat device, i use it more than my laptop.

AJC

[BobBlaney]

I use my iPad in my shop with a stand from Brookstone that holds it vertical and has speakers. Works very well on my wireless home network.
No issues with dust, have to wipe the screen once in a while with an eyeglass cloth.

You may wnat to look into the Kindle Fire for price or look for used iPads on eBay. With the iPad2 out now you may find some bargains.
I also agree with Claude if you have that much dust get a dust collector first.

[Old Codger]

Thanks everyone! One of my sons has an IPAD and loves it, but it is a bit 'pricey' but I may have to make do with one if all else fails... I'm a 'PC' man rather than an 'Apple' fan, but may have to bite the bullet so to speak... I've been looking at the Kindle 'Fire' unit, but since it won't be out for another couple of weeks I'll have to wait for a hand's on... Anyone have or use their netbook or other types of tablets than an IPAD. If I do go for an IPAD, what version should I be looking at??? Again, thanks everyone...best 'product reviewers' anywhere!!!
Kenn

[ajcoholic]

My wife has the original ipad, i have the ipad2. Biggest difference i can see is the original has no camera and is slightly thicker. Otherwise they run pretty much the same for cruising web sites or posting, etc.

You might be able to get a first gen. for a good deal if you look...

I use mine a lot, much more portable than my laptop. And, it has a decent sized screen that is useable.

AJC

[twymanok]

sounds like some awsome advice, maybe I will be able to steal my wife's IPAD

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Old Codger

Thanks everyone! One of my sons has an IPAD and loves it, but it is a bit 'pricey' but I may have to make do with one if all else fails... I'm a 'PC' man rather than an 'Apple' fan, but may have to bite the bullet so to speak... I've been looking at the Kindle 'Fire' unit, but since it won't be out for another couple of weeks I'll have to wait for a hand's on... Anyone have or use their netbook or other types of tablets than an IPAD. If I do go for an IPAD, what version should I be looking at??? Again, thanks everyone...best 'product reviewers' anywhere!!!
Kenn

I have a Toshiba that is bigger than a netbook but smaller than a typical laptop. I have a portable dvd player for it. It runs windoze 7 so I can do just about anything with it. Wonderful little computer. For a dusty shop, have you thought about making some kind of plexiglass case? When I'm carving and watching a video, I place a small plastic sheet over the keyboard, but dust is a whole nuther story. Eventually I plan to get a Toshiba Thrive. It's bigger than an Ipad but it has a full size usb port. Good for running vids on the thumb drive or the portable dvd player.

[Beaujangles]

Almost all of the new tablets out are more powerful than the iPad at half the cost. I have an iPad and I do love it, but I had an iPhone for a long time before getting the iPad, so I had already bought a lot of software for it. If I had to do it over again though, I'd get something else. Not being able to use flash is kind of a pain. All I use it for is reading books and surfing the Internet and to watch an occasional movie. I don't need apples apps for that. I would stay away from anything with an internal fan for your workshop. Cpu's get extremely hot and wood dust catches fire without too much convincing..

[arfer1943]

The iPad is pretty dust-proof, while keyboards aren't!