we live in a computer world

[Ron Dickey]

I have always wanted to build a mac mini into a trailer. screen could be viewed in trailer or galley. Carry camping recipes, use with wifi, etc. and the usual stuff you would use it for on space ship.

I would need to use a DC to AC converter although it probably converts to DC somewhere in the computer.

Has anyone heard of anyone doing this or do any of you have a set up in your T or TTT.

Ron

[mikeschn]

Ron,

Check out this thread! viewtopic.php?f=30&t=57502

Mike...

[tonyj]

How about carrying an ipad or tablet? Most of the functionality of a computer, but probably cheaper. Plus, you can carry it with you if you leave the trailer to go exploring-- try that with a mac mini. I would also wonder about the long term exposure to bumps and road vibration on a hardrive (unless you opt for a solid state drive).

[mikeschn]

I agree with the iPad for camping. Low power consumption, compact package, excellent screen, plus you get the iOS experience!

Mike...

[Shadow Catcher]

We have an iPad gen 4 with all the bells and whistles, and I am not impressed. Nancy uses it to play Angry Birds and a few other games. I use a PC built for gaming (I play IL2, a flight sim) and a laptop. All of the more specialized programs SPSS Office... are not available for an iPad.
The lap top can be fed from the trailer battery, as can the iPad, I can use a jump drive that does not cost $200 (iFlash drive) with out "jailbreaking". I dislike things that make them selves not compatible and hard to use, Rant over.

[Dale M.]

I-Pad , yes its innovative but I find APPLE a little early to release products that are slightly behind in the technical curve.... Even the updates are just a little behind the rest of the "tablet" market..... Not saying they are bad because they are a very good product.... But for a all around device (all in one) they are not there yet.... IF you have a laptop and wifi you have a decent size screen for watching movies (CD Rom based), a sound system, (built in speakers) a communications device (e-mail) a place for storing pictures (archive) of trip plus notations on trips... Yes I-pad or tablet will do most of that, but for me a larger screen and a real keyboard really makes the experience workable... Really would like to see more capabilities of "tablet" USB port but not seeing the inter connectivity there yet.... Wifi is good but also has limitations when portable for connecting to printers and external devices, you really need your own wifi hub in your trailer...

If you need a "screen" in galley and a screen in sleeping area, mount a couple of inexpensive flat screens and plug the laptop into them....

And no I really don't own a tablet, but I have been researching them for over a year, and yes they are a very cool item with lots of uses, but I can not justify it for myself other than a toy to play with or useful as a e-book reader and probably will find its limitation tiresome and it will become another duct collector for me..... No I am not bashing any one who uses them if they fulfill the need....

Dale