Andrew's tip <I just want to add... have you tried TV Nova's diversity mode? This is a feature where it uses both tuners on one channel to improve reception. It certainly does make a difference.>
Thanks for that. I hadn't but will. I was comparing laptops with my Pal this am and managed perfect reception - which impressed him as he can't get Ch 5. So I think the best solution might be to camp in his garden. Can't believe I'm getting interested in being able to watch TV while camping. We used to go just to get away from all those things.
A few points that may help, the 2 biggest drains on a laptop battery are the screen and the DVD drive, so watching a DVD is about the quickest way to drain the battery, go for one with the biggest amp hour battery you can, or get a 2nd battery would help.
Also having the screen brigtness down a bit helps a lot in convserving power.
As for brands, Dell, HP\Compaq, Toshiba, Acer are the best bet as you can always get spare parts (and every part on it has a part number), but a cheapy Packard Bell, medion, Advent etc.. and it breaks out of warranty chances are you will be throwing it in the bin.
TV cards are a bit hit and miss, depends a lot on the aerial or signal.
Of course if you have mobile broadband and are in a 3G area you also have acess to things like the BBC iplayer and other online TV sources.
I repair laptops for a living so cannot stress how important it to get one that you can get spare parts for, also the build quality and plastics on the cheap ones are rubbish and crack within months if you travel with it.
Hi Billys Mum, We came back from the show at Malvern after having bought an Avtec tv for our van complete with arial from one of the exhibitors. We couldn't pick up a signal from the CL site we were on using the arial supplied although it worked ok at the show. l wish you had asked about the lap top deal before we went!! I may have gone that route, rather than the £300 plus we paid!
I thought you were going to the show looking for a tent, and looked for a lady in a pink stetson amongst all the tents and awnings, but no luck! Were you there, or did you buy Pepes Movelite instead? We were very happy with ours, it fitted our Duetto ok. Hope you have luck with the knowlegeable guys on here.
I've been busy! Must remember to report back on threads.
Was defo at the Malvern Show and had the Pink Stetson to match, there were quite a few about but I think mine was the best, Asda special complete with fluffy pink bits around the edge. I was all geared up for Dolly Parton, but oh dear, what a shame, we were not impressed.
In the end we have bought a tv! and in the new CCC magazine its one of the recommended ones. We did the laptop option but couldn't get the battery thing sorted. Am not that bothered about the tv (except to watch Strictly) but got so fed up with my other half stressing about it I got him the tv from RoadPro at Pickering (northern show) We have also installed an extra battery as the nice man with solar panels said we weren't away long enough to warrant that kind of money!
So there we have it, my little update, so to speak..........
------------- a smile a day keeps the doctor at bay
Just to say three should be no problem cutting off the cig lighter plug and putting on what ever is required. Typically cig lighter plugs/sockets are pretty foul as far as connectors go and the less of them the better.
I bought a Dazzle Stick from PC World. It cost around £15. I use it with my Acer laptop in a folding camper. I also have a dongle. OK so I can't always get all the channels but for £15- money well spent and picture quality is very good.
Sorry I have to disagree with s666 I have brought Medion laptops for years and recommended them to friends and family so all in all I reckon i have sold 13 laptops for Medion over the years. My oldest is about 6 years old and gets used everyday it has only ever had one problem which was a failed keyboard which i dont think is to bad a life. Medion qouted me £100 for a new one fitted, but I browsed the net with the number on the back of the old keyboard and got one for £20 anyone could have fixed it as the info is readily available on the net. The other thing is all these have been refurbished units and brought at a fraction of the new price. I have just brought my Wife the latest Medion Akoya which once again is a bargain for the spec. The point s666 is also missing is you only need spares if it breaks down of the 13 that i know of only my old one has had a problem and that was easily and cheaply fixed. I would recommend Medion Computers to anyone.
Trev
Post last edited on 26/10/2008 08:28:19
Post last edited on 26/10/2008 08:29:36
------------- It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent. ~Dave Barry
If you know where to look parts are not hard to find. I can still get them for my Advent laptop I got in 2001 - its still going strong if slow by today's standards and on its original battery...
If you have internet access Zattoo is a good little tv player for your basic channels.
We have a 5 year old Medion and a Dell new this year, love both.
We have a Pinacle tv stick from PC World, and we can use my phone to hook up to the internet, but both are useless in the Peak District where we camp LOL. We can't even get a phone signal. Might add that this is a good way to get away from everyone though!!
You could always ge the OH to run up to the highest hill with an ariel, you'd need to pack plenty of cable though lol.
Trev
------------- It always rains on tents. Rainstorms will travel thousands of miles, against prevailing winds for the opportunity to rain on a tent. ~Dave Barry
Laptop is way forward now.. you can load it up with stuff from 4OD, bbc iplayer and evan ITV.. before you go. plus so many sites now have wifi so you can just stream/download more. plus you get to use your email and send photos of your trip along the way to friends..
oh and dont forget if site has no wifi, lunch in mcdonalds! one day.. they have free wifi should you need to download more content
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 12v tv and laptop, laptop tv
