Cheap and small laptop for programming?

[Skunkworks]

I'm having fun with old Kenwood commercial radios for GMRS.

However, most have limited or no Front Face Programming.  What would you recommend for a cheap and small laptop to throw in a go kit to program in the field?  I can put the programs and codes on a USB drive, but will a Chromebook or tablet be able to run them?  Do I need to get a cheapy Window's machine?  What are you using and what do you recommend?

[Davichko5650]

29 minutes ago, Skunkworks said:

I'm having fun with old Kenwood commercial radios for GMRS.

However, most have limited or no Front Face Programming.  What would you recommend for a cheap and small laptop to throw in a go kit to program in the field?  I can put the programs and codes on a USB drive, but will a Chromebook or tablet be able to run them?  Do I need to get a cheapy Window's machine?  What are you using and what do you recommend?

Assuming you don't mind used, I've had great luck with used Lenovo ThinkPads from a couple gens back. Built like tanks, external batteries you can swap out. I've picked up 2 in last 3 years for like $65 or less off ePay (, I know, I know)  loaded with Win10 Pro. Tons of them out there, but be sure to check the seller's info and ratings, etc.  Used them to program with Chirp and various mfg CPS software (including my Kenwood TM-281 and a friend's TK-8180). They work very well in the field running Digital modes and RTTY on the HF ham bands, as wll as VaraFM on 2m VHF.  Other than programming, have done zero with them for GMRS, I don't use it other than family and a few friends. They're both still running like champs, so very good bang for yer buck!

[MarkInTampa]

Most all Kenwood (or for that matter almost every commercial radio) software uses Windows, and some even use DOS. A Chromebook isn't gonna cut it. I use a HP Probook i5 that shipped with Windows 10 Pro and most importantly it has a built in 9 pin serial port that can be used with DosBox for old radios, a DVD drive for older software but is new enough (i5 processor) to run Windows 11 if you want. They can be had for around $100 on eBay or FB Marketplace.

[WSCN901]

For a windows machine, I'll second the old Thinkpad route. Those things are absolute tanks.

I'd suggest taking a look at CHRIP to see if it supports your radios. If so, you can use pretty much any computer out there. CHIRP has versions designed for Mac and Linux, and a Chromebook can run Linux software. I wouldn't look at Linux unless you're willing to spend a little more time playing and learning, but going that route would open up some really interesting possibilities... You could go as far as building a handheld Raspberry Pi like this to use while in the field: https://github.com/ByteWelder/Decktility

[OffRoaderX]

I ended up getting the lowest-end Dell laptop I could find and put Windows 10 on it to run my Motorola XTL/XTS and Vertex 7000 programs on it.

For everything else I use CHIRP on my Mac or use the Windows versions of the radio manufacturer's programs on my Mac via Parallels and Windows 11 for ARM.

[Skunkworks]

Thanks all for the advice.  I do use Chirp for pretty much everything other than the Kenwood radios.  I ordered a used ThinkPad from Ebay with Windows 10.  I think I'll be able to add all the Kenwood software and code plugs as well as Chirp and my data files for my other radios. I'm not really looking for.it to do much more. Hopefully the one I get can hold a charge.

Thanks again, gentlemen. 

[Skunkworks]

26 minutes ago, 808Beachbum said:

Why not a Raspberry Pi with a 7 inch monitor and wireless keyboard?

Though I know what a Raspberry Pi is, I've never build one and I think the $60 I spent on a ThinkPad is competitive with the cost of the pi, monitor and keyboard.

Change my mind.

[808Beachbum]

4 hours ago, Skunkworks said:

Though I know what a Raspberry Pi is, I've never build one and I think the $60 I spent on a ThinkPad is competitive with the cost of the pi, monitor and keyboard.

Change my mind.

The RP setup could be more easily packed, as each component would be quite small compared to any laptop. Tuck the components in multiple available areas of a backpack, for instance. The RP, monitor, and keyboard could be had for around $100 if you don't have an RP lying about. I had a similar setup 3 or 4 years ago for some different HAM use as a "hotspot", worked great, very compact.

[WRYZ926]

Raspberry Pi runs Linus which would not help @Skunkworks  since he needs a laptop to run Windows on for Windows only programs. Yes Windows programs can run in Linux using WINE but that doesn't always work the best.

Plus, once you add everything you will need to get a RP up and running, you will have spent around $150. In this case a used/re-certified Windows computer is a better and cheaper option.

I just went through all of this recently. I wanted a tiny computer to hook to a TV to run Ham Clock. I ended up going with a re-certified Dell Optiplex Micro with Windows 10 that was only $90. I would have had %150 tied up in a RP5 or one of those Chinese mini computers from Amazon. Another plus is I can run  a lot of different programs on the Dell using Windows versus if I would have bought a RP 5.

[808Beachbum]

Why not a Raspberry Pi with a 7 inch monitor and wireless keyboard?