Computer Hope

Other => Other => Topic started by: John1397 on September 11, 2019, 09:27:11 AM

Title: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: John1397 on September 11, 2019, 09:27:11 AM
First of all I want computer of at least 12" screen and it would be nice if it could run on my solar system which is 12 volt i do have inverter but why turn 12 volts into 120 ac then back to low volts and I want some thing that  draws the least amount of current possible. All I want to do with this device is be able to read email on the internet and all I have is 8 pin internet cable to get signal to unit. I see some of the small tablets they do not seem to have a hard drive not sure if you need a hard drive any more as seems my smart phone has no hard drive but some of the reviews I have read they seem to be complaining that 32g is to small for memory. My LG Optimus smartphone would work ok if the screen was at least 12". I see the following unit are the any good and is one better than the other?"

HP 15.6in Laptop Intel 4000 2.60GHz 4GB 500GB DVDRW HDMI Bluetooth Windows 10

HP 15-bs234wm Intel Pentium N5000 Quad Core 4GB 500GB 15.6-inch Windows 10 Laptop

"
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 11, 2019, 08:42:53 PM
If power is a real concern, you have to stay away from Intel and AMD CPU designs.
Most smartphones and Tablets use some kind of ARM cpu taht has very low ppower consumption.

About power. The formula is P = I * E where P is power in watts and I is current in amps and E is voltage in volts. Current by itself does not determine power.
Modern switch-mode  inverters / converters are very efficient above 90% .
Most smartphones and tablets are now set at 5 volt input on a USB connector.

Amazon Voltage Inverter; 12 to 5 volts. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P663XJV/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNUtYT1FLVUVNSzVZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODIzNDE5M0VXWjA4S1dIRllMMiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjE1NDMyMkZUV0E0UTVPTlRGUiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2hxcF9zaGFyZWQmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl)

The 12 inch screens are pricey, but 10 inch is more fordable.  You can pair a Bluetooth keyboard to a tablet, put it on a stand, and you have a desktop replacement that uses a fraction of the power of convectional laptops.

My favorite is any of the Apple iPads.   8)
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: John1397 on September 13, 2019, 06:56:54 AM
Will look into it
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: strollin on September 13, 2019, 07:43:33 AM
You might want to consider a Raspberry Pi which requires only 5vdc and costs a mere $35 (not including display screen).
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: Salmon Trout on September 13, 2019, 09:17:22 AM
The recently announced Raspberry Pi 4 is said by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to be a "desktop replacement"; this is disputed by some, but if you just mean simple stuff, email, web browsing, simple office stuff (Libre Office) then these are perfectly possible. It comes in 1 GB, 2GB, and 4GB RAM sizes, the ones above 1 GB are more expensive. Remember the price of a Raspberry Pi is just for the board and does not include a case (around $10), a power supply (you need a 5v 3.5A one, not any old phone charger, the official one is $10), nor a keyboard, mouse, or monitor. It has built-in wifi, Gigabit Ethernet, and two USB 3 ports (and 2 USB 2 ones). If you can find a case with a VESA mount, and you have a suitable monitor, you can make a neat little all-in-one system.
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: strollin on September 14, 2019, 08:08:02 AM
For the purpose the OP stated (read internet email), pretty much any of the Pi models would be suitable.  Even the Raspberry Pi Zero (which sells for $5) would be adequate.

The Pi 4B that just came out has some cooling issues that cause the cpu to be throttled back under moderate use so you need to add a cooling fan to it.
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: Salmon Trout on September 14, 2019, 08:30:03 AM
The Pi 4B that just came out has some cooling issues that cause the cpu to be throttled back under moderate use so you need to add a cooling fan to it.

Yes. My Pi 4B has a Pimoroni Fan Shim added by me that cost GBP 9.60 and keeps it idling at 39 C and it gets no higher than 55 in a stess test. Without the fan you would be looking at 55 C idle and around 80 on any kind of load. It is completely silent.

(https://images2.imgbox.com/f1/cc/sRCh2ZPY_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: John1397 on September 29, 2019, 12:47:17 PM
I am not familiar with the PI but I was looking at a
RCA Voyager Pro 7 16GB Tablet with Keyboard Case Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) If I get any computer or tablet the big challenge will connecting micro usb to 8 pin lan as I have no wifi
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: patio on September 29, 2019, 12:57:46 PM
RCA is pure garbage...run away.
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: Salmon Trout on September 29, 2019, 03:18:12 PM
RCA is just a brand name for electronic goods, TVs, whatever, that was sold to importers of Chinese junk, like Polaroid.
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: DaveLembke on September 29, 2019, 05:44:17 PM
Quote
If I get any computer or tablet the big challenge will connecting micro usb to 8 pin lan as I have no wifi

Why not buy a low cost wireless router. you might even be able to power it direct from the 12VDC if the router operates on 12VDC to satisfy your need to run off of the 12VDC battery from the solar setup without any inverter.

I myself have used a team of old automotive lead acid batteries that work, but not as good as deep cycle batteries would for longevity of discharge, but I have a choice of inverters to use and don't power anything direct to 12VDC. There is a small amount off loss in the conversion process using the inverter to take 12VDC and convert it to 120VAC then the power supply to the laptop for example takes the 120VAC and steps it back down to filtered 19VDC but the loss is so small that it shouldn't matter.

I have been able to run a 32" LED TV with Internet ( Broadband Modem & Router ) , Core i3 Laptop, and a Box fan set on low for 4 hours off of a single healthy car battery the last time that a hurricane took out power and couldn't run the generator in the hurricane. Had I had a deep cycle marine battery it might have lasted 6 or 7 hours. My total draw was around 150 watts at 120VAC
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 29, 2019, 06:21:27 PM
Quote
Why not buy a low cost wireless router.
Good idea. You can get one under $10 from eBay if you are willing do deal with a made in China product.
You can get a small thing that has only one Ethernet port and plugs into 120 volts. But you can make one work on battery power if you take it apart.
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: John1397 on September 30, 2019, 09:16:14 AM
I wonder if these gadgets would connect 8 pin cable and create a wi fi signal?
Title: Re: Need computer that works good and runs on small amount of electricity
Post by: Geek-9pm on September 30, 2019, 11:39:39 AM
That is part of the Google Mesh network.
Do NOT  buy it  before you read this:

https://bestreviews.com/best-mesh-wifi-systems (https://bestreviews.com/best-mesh-wifi-systems)