I’m about to order an x carve but don’t have a computer I can let live in the shop. Does anyone use one of these cheap notebook computers to operate theirs? Google Chromebooks - Laptops, Detachables and Tablets
I can pick these up pretty cheap on the secondary market here, pawn shops, craigslist, etc. I only want to buy one computer so I want to make sure one of these will wok. Any suggestions?
Specification-wise, it should be fine.
The problem is finding a communication / control program to run on it. List of them here: Shapeoko CNC Router, Rigid, Accurate, Reliable, and Affordable
There is a ChromeOS sender: gcode-sender - Chrome Web Store (listed above) but haven’t encountered many mentions of people using it.
Might be that Easel affords a driver which works in ChromeOS — if it does, then it “just works”.
Chomebooks are great, but they have very defined purposes. In your position, I would likely buy a Windows laptop. This time of year there are plenty of good deals around. A good place to start is: Computers Deals, Sales, Coupons & Discounts
I’ve been using an old, Atom-based, Windows netbook that’s working just fine. Just UGS, though. Not really tried Easel on it.
These little laptops do a great job running UGS. They take up little room in the shop are turn on almost instantly when you open the lid. Plus it has built in WiFi. For under $150 on eBay its tough to beat as a dedicated gcode sender.
Again, I do not use Easel. But, I get all my cnc machines out of the dumpster. Sometimes I spend $90 on a new Windows 7 license… but usually can salvage the key code using BelArc Advisor and then reinstall its operating system fresh and clean. For a shop machine I try not to spend any money.
Same, I’ve been collecting a couple computers from my day job, ones that are just past their prime or in need of repair. Works great!
