Topic: Laptop in the shop

[lone*X]

Picked up a used Dell laptop just for the shop.  Almost every manual, wiring diagram, service bulletin, how to, you name it, is now digital so this seems like a natural.  No longer will I need to print sections to take to the shop, or take the nice laptop out and get it greasy.  And it will always be in reach for quick reference, or just checking in on the forum.  Now I just need to figure out how to provide the keyboard a little protection from dirty hands and fingers.  Has anyone seen a clear keyboard cover for laptops?  Maybe something like the Auto Parts and mechanics shops use on their point-of-sale keyboards?  Taking suggestions.

[333]

You can get those roll up USB keyboards and cover the laptop with Saran wrap.  Just don't cover the ventilation.  Cooling is important on any computer

[lone*X]

I had totally forgot about the roll up keyboards.  Kind of a novelty item.  They should also be cleanable since they are completely sealed.  Just checked Amazon and prices run anywhere from 6 to 16 bucks.  Add a usb mouse and other than the power button, I shouldn't need to touch the laptop at all during operation.   

[Danno]

I use a tablet computer with touch screen in my shop it is just like having a full color manual there next to you unlike those pda book reader things

[dave500]

being a rubbish truck driver i come across old pcs all the time,,ive put together a few gooduns,and good lcd monitors when companies upgrade etc,just use an old plug in key board if the machine will accept it.

[333]

Unlike Dave, I don't get to trash pick for a living, I have to live with amateur status.  But many of my machines were trash as well.  My current shop machine is a Frankenputer that I have running Ubuntu Linix.  As soon as I find another monitor or two, I'll have a machine set up in the barn.

I don't bother with a roll up keyboard myself.  I suggested it because I set one up where I volunteer, which is a full blown boat shop, making wooden boats and other wooden things.  I don't make enough sawdust in my own shop to worry about it.  I just blow it out with compressed air every now and then.  But let me take this opportunity to preach keeping your CPUs clean.  And not just shop machines.  No matter how clean you think you're keeping your place clean, think again.  And laptops are a particular problem, as it is difficult, at best, to take apart.  I find the best way to clean one is to know where the "exhaust" is for the cooling system, and "back flush" with compressed air.

[lone*X]

333, I like the idea of the roll up keyboard and will probably go that route.  As for keeping things cool and clean, that I understand.  I've made my living with computers for the past 44 years.  From main frames to mid frames to server farms and blades.  The home office has two dock stations/laptops, and two tower systems, one a dual quad core monster with 32gb of memory and 4tb of disk space running RedHat 5, VM and Win 7 Pro.  The other dedicated to terminal services and email.  None of this stuff goes to the shop though.  That is why I picked up the used LT.

[Bob Wessner]

I've used a piece of clear wrap (Saran Wrap?) laid over the keyboard. Just pull it off and toss as needed.

[Really?]

Wear gloves when you work on the bike.  Take them off when at the computer.

[lone*X]

I do wear mechanics gloves most of the time, or nitrile when called for.  Still there are those time when you start something little that grows into something messy when the gloves aren't used.  Saran Wrap could be an option as well. 

[Danno]

a cheap way i used to do is take some of the load wrap plastic on a spool and gently go around the key board with the plastic you don't want to put it on so hard that it presses the keys down and you don't want to cover up any holes for air circulation since laptops are prone to over heating when running graphic applications but that is what i used to do before I had the tablet pc you can even use saran wrap and tape it on

[CycleRanger]

I've used a piece of clear wrap (Saran Wrap?) laid over the keyboard. Just pull it off and toss as needed.

This or gloves work well.  Or get a cheap external USB keyboard you can trash. Same for mice.

I have an old G4 Mac Mini I use. It's hooked up to the stereo so I can stream music from the house computer.
I have gone through a couple of old iMac keyboards. They're cheap at Goodwill. I always keep a couple of spares.

[DavePhipps]

NOt cheap but you'll never get the keys messy.
Virtual keyboard is a projected keyboard made of light.
http://www.virtual-laser-devices.com/?an=vlk