Computer----pick one out of three

[scottp55]

They are modifying and getting ready to ship our Desktop with spindle,additional X,Y,Z prox switches, and a spindle/collet wrench safety interlock that Gordon is fabbing and wiring. I am NOT a computer whiz, my brother Sean IS. He's been given some threads that were beyond me and spent a lot of time in the archives here and has come up with three packages one of which will be bought this week. This is NOT the design computer. It will be a dedicated shopbot computer and will eventually be shipped with the machine as a unit along with the other woodworking equipment. After spending weeks he today suggested I put it on the forum as he said you all seemed intelligent and informed and use the Shopbots daily. These are three computer packages that are fairly FIRM at this point, PLEASE pick door # 1,2,or 3 and tell us why. This ought to be interesting, and people, Please don't suggest they buy a new operator as well(I know that). :):) n Sat, Jul 13, 2013 at 4:42 PM, Gmail < wrote:


There are three type of computers that that would be best to run the Shopbot:
- desktop
- laptop
- fanless, sealed unit

The desktop has the highest chance for ensuring USB communication as you can install new USB PCI card in the case.
Pros: flexibility, expansion, and
Cons: exposed to dust, more expensive than a laptop

Config would be a business PC with widows 7, 64 bit
Best fit was a Dell business class PC. Dell Optiplex 3010. Intel 5, 8x USB2 ports, 3 year basic hardware service.
Scores 9 out of 10 based on 36 reviews. Reviews at http://www.testfreaks.com/desktop-computers/dell-optiplex-3010/

Buy online from Staples for $537, instock, free shipping, 3 day delivery
http://www.staples.com/Dell-Optiplex-3010-Business-Desktop-PC/product_IM1QQ2368

If you need to customize, you can buy a custom build from Dell but they are showing a 7/23 to Aug 2 delivery

Note: Monitor not included


The laptop, if the USB works, is the most flexible for development phase. during testing at Scott's it can be used to write the program. then disconnect and attached directly to shopbot to run it. one PC does it all. it it works as shopbot host, then it's easy to connect up in Presque Isle.
Pros: one stop does it all, integrated webcam, inexpensive
Cons: requires USB hub as they only have 2 or 3 ports, exposed to dust

Config would be a 15-16" business laptop, windows 7 64 bit, and a little on the tough side (aluminum or magnesium body, not plastic)

Best fit is a HP ProBook 4550s. 15.6in screen, speed Intel i5, 2x USB3 ports, 2x USB2 ports, aluminum covered lid and body, plastic film under keyboard to keep out most dust/spills.
Review is at http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-HP-ProBook-4540s-Notebook.85978.0.html

Buy online from Staples for $646., in-stock, free shipping, delivery is 3 business days
http://www.staples.com/HP-Smart-Buy-Probook-4540S-156-LED-LCD-Laptop-Intel-Core-i5/product_IM1PX4934
Buy online from Amazon for $599. in-stock, shipping is $10, tax free.
http://www.amazon.com/HP-ProBook-4540s-Business-Notebook/dp/B009PHTHRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373601256&sr=8-1&keywords=probook
Buy lower cost version with i3 dual-core processor (more than enough power) from Amazon for $499. shipping is $10, tax free
http://www.amazon.com/HP-ProBook-4540s-Business-Notebook/dp/B00AP9GS34/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1373745583&sr=1-4&keywords=probook+4540s



The sealed unit is the least flexible for development phase but is impevious to dust....and this may never turn out to be an issue with a dust collector with filters.
Pros: dustproof
Cons: more expensive by about $100, and limited options if unit breaks

Config would best be a sealed unit with no moving parts, and be affordable

Best fit is Compulab fit PC-3 Pro. Sealed unit with heat sink fins, 2 USB3 ports + 6 USB2 ports ,dual core AMD, integrated b.g.n and bluetooth. small enough to attached to back of monitor using a bracket
Reviews are at http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/desktop-pc/3359426/compulab-fit-pc3-pro-review/

Buy online from Amazon for $649, in-stock, can ship next day if needed
http://www.amazon.com/fit-PC3-fit-PC3-D2x2-T56N-WB-H250-X764-FM4U-CompuLab-Pro-Win7/dp/B0088NNNAU/ref=sr_1_22?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1373746754&sr=1-22&keywords=compulab

Buy online from the mfg for $649, in-stock, ships from Isreal
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/

Note: Monitor, keyboard, mouse not included


Scott should review the units and determine if dust build up will be an issue. If it is not expected to be a significant cause for concern, then go straight to either the desktop or a laptop.

[JoeinWestMich]

Personal opinion of course. I just received my first ShobBot, a Buddy BT48. I elected to go with a laptop.

For one it is compact so positioning the computer in my everchanging garage woodshop around the Shopbot was important. Built-in monitor means moving only one piece and not two.

Portability. I can use this computer in my office, at home, in the bedroom, on the kitchen table while watching TV in the background. I can take it with me on vacation like I did last month so I could practice on the ShopBot tutorials and the Aspire tutorials. You could also take it with you to a customer to show a design and make changes right there with the customer at your side.

I do not connect this computer to the internet. That way there is no chance to have spyware or malware downloaded on the computer, stuff that might cause a problem connecting to the ShopBot down the road. If I need anything downloaded such as vector art files, I download on my desktop and transfer to the laptop with a thumb drive.

They still make laptops with Windows XL or Windows 7 which many folks find easier to use than Windows 8. I have Windows 8 and have had not problems to date though.

So my vote is for a laptop. Ask me any questions if you want. BTW, I have a Toshiba with a 750 gig hard drive, 17 inch monitor, i7 intel processor, mid range graphics card. Why this one.... sale at Best Buy for $495... floor model they needed to sell to make room for another model.

Joe

[scottp55]

Thanks Joe, Glad you got your Buddy in and going. Just got the shopbot editon of VCARVEpro from the factory and adding tool data and buying teeny bits and trying to get the shop ready. Was there anything you forgot and had to run out and get when your bot arrived?

[gc3]

we use low budget off lease desktops purchased from several suppliers all running xp for both machines, have 5 spares, in the last 3 yrs only one failure...dust is rampant in the studio...don't over think it.....the KISS method works well

[scottp55]

Thanks Gene, severe tendency on my part to overthink, but want to get it right. doing trays with 130 separate 1.25" 2.5D graphics on 2 sides, with 1" letters and words on others(1mm and 1/16" bits mostly)

[adrianm]

I'd go for the sealed fanless option. No reason other than that's what I'm getting next time around.

Second to that would be a desktop with an external power supply.

The main thing is that you don't need anything very powerful to run a 'Bot. The last two PC's I've used have been 2nd hand reconditioned business units at less than the equivalent of $100 and have been faultless even with the latest control software.

I go for the power and big monitors on the design computer as thats where the majority of time is spent.

Windows XP is easier to strip down to the basics but Windows 7 and 8 work well too.

I've never been comfortable with using a laptop as a controller because I came from Mach3 to start with and it was expressly advised against because of the types of chipsets laptops use.

Modern desktops have just as many power saving features as a laptop so you have to be sure to disable all of those (preferably in the BIOS) to ensure they don't mess with the communications.

[scottp55]

thanks Adrian, I didn't even know what these sealed units were when I asked for opinions. It's beginning to sound like I should use my old Vista presario as a controller and keep the new one for design. One vote for each, I'd been hoping for a clear consensus. My presario only has 3mb ram , is that enough? Thanks again. Scott

[jerry_stanek]

That would be a good choice to use your old one for the shopbot and get a newer one for design. I only have 2 gigs of ram in my control computer running XP

[adrianm]

3gb should be more than enough. My first controller PC had 1gb and was fine apart from 6ft 3D scenarios. The latest one has 2gb and doesn't balk at anything.

The ShopBot software is a 32 bit program anyway so there's not much point in putting more memory in as it can't use it and you shouldn't be running other programs that will need it.

[ssflyer]

I run a home built desktop, with 2GB RAM and XP Pro. No issues at all for several years. Probably the only difference from standard config is that I run a RAID array on my disks. It does get dusty, so I just vacuum it, periodically. When I do, I leave it plugged in and carefully vacuum out the fans, etc., in an attempt avoiding a static discharge from the moving air.

One caveat, Scott - I don't think I'd run Vista, if you decide to re-use your old computer.

Wait - You did mean 3GB of RAM, not 3MB, right?

[scottp55]

Yes 3GB, Typo or brain cramp. Why "NOT" Vista? Should I go backwards to XP or upgrade to Windows 7. I skipped the whole XP generation and went straight to Vista 32bit when my last computer died. Got a Dell Latitude 420 with XP donated to me a few months ago and still have not gotten used to filing system. Not sure of laptop specs but could that be used with Desktop? Thanks again all.

[jerry_stanek]

For one thing Vista was a memory hog and XP runs smoother. Windows 7 would be my second choice but you may be able to upgrade your vista easier to win 7.