Recommend used laptop to run VAG-Com? (was: can Mac run ......)

[DEZLBOY]

Since the answers so far say "use a DOS machine for VAG-COM" I changed the subjec to get suggestions.

WAS: I am thinking of getting a ibook (Apple laptop). Anyone have luck using IBM emulation software in a MAC? And..also, would the ibook have the needed serial connector (or are serial connectors just an IBM thing)?

thanks

[ September 19, 2002, 20:15: Message edited by: DEZLBOY ]

 

[Vroom]

There's some info about this on the Ross-tech webpage... last time I looked, Uwe said he hasn't heard of anybody getting it to work on a Mac.

 

[Pseudobrit]

The iBook has Ethernet, dual USB and single Firewire connection. Macs for the most part got rid of the XX pin connections a good while ago, along with the antiquated floppy drive.

You could theoretically use Virtual PC with a USB- or Ethernet-to-serial connector, but by the time all is said and done there's a scant chance in hell you'd have a working solution. I'm thinking of buying a $300 eBay laptop for the job after awhile.
It would make me feel yucky though.

 

[Griffin]

IBM 760el thinkpads on eBay run $150 to $175 and will handle vagcom.

 

[nuke]

I got it to work using VPC on a G4 Tibook and a Keyspan USB-Serial adaptor.

But that being said, I bought an obsolete Fujitsu tablet computer with a 100 mhz Pentium chip and 32 megs of ram for the Vag com.

It was very cheap, still new in the box with all the accessories and a carrying case + a 12V power adaptor, for basically the cost of Virtual PC and a Windows license. The tablet is easier to handle in the car anyway.

All you need is about 100 mhz, 32 megs of ram and W95 to run a vag-com. A low-end Pentium or even a 486DX2 can handle it. That's prime low-cost ebay territory.

Since VPC with Windows 9x is about $170 and a USB-Serial thing is about $30, might as well just hunt a crappy $200 PC.

 

[C Brown]

I have a Thinkpad 760 series for just this purpose, unfourtounatly my model has to use an inverter to get enough power from the serial port, to run the vag-com.

Inverters though, are very cheap at Kmart for instatnce (20-30 bucks) almost bought one were so cheap, check in the car audio section (just guessing they are being discontinued).

.02
CB&Stoker

 

[DEZLBOY]

Originally posted by C Brown:
I have a Thinkpad 760 series for just this purpose, unfourtounatly my model has to use an inverter to get enough power from the serial port, to run the vag-com."

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Can you elaborate? I think you mean the laptop has to provide enuf power on the serial port to run the vag-com cable/interface? But, what is an invertor??

Griffen wrote his IBM Thinkpad 760el works fine. Is yours a different type?

thanks.

[ September 19, 2002, 20:13: Message edited by: DEZLBOY ]

 

[strretch]

A power inverter is a little box that you plug into the cigarette lighter that provides alternating current for appliances like laptops and coffee makers and crock pots. Very useful things.

 

[Just Some Guy]

I run mine with an ancient 486 Dell laptop.

It keeps locking up on me though; never been a better reason to buy a new one

!

 

[tongsli]

Scott,

I have a used NEC versa 6060 that I'm selling. Email me for details and pricing.

Lito

 

[Griffin]

12V adapter for IBM thinkpad around $25 on eBay. I got my whole set up for $200 including shipping.

All you need is a short piece of 2x4 to put on the passenger seat so you can read the laptop level while driving. (Not that I wouldn't follow the recomended 2 persons per the VW manual for safety.

)

 

[DEZLBOY]

Originally posted by tongsli:
I have a used NEC versa 6060 that I'm selling.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lito...consider it sold. See my email reply. Thanks.

 

[Beerman]

Where can one buy the vag-com set up - the PC?

 

[Griffin]

Beerman try this...
http://www.ross-tech.com/