Help me choose a cheapo Windows laptop for the shop

I'm looking to replace the ancient Windows 7 netbook I got for free and have been using as my garage PC for reading .pdf manuals, running a browser to websurf part numbers, auto forums, etc, and for running a few specific programs while connecting to programmable ECUs. This being GRM, and the intended home for it being a shared shop space, I want to keep it cheap. It should also be mentioned that when it comes to PCs, I am the way most of the world is with cars: I want to turn the key, step on the gas, and have it go without me having to build the damn thing, or worry about all the details of how it goes.

The main additional requirements are as below to run XV Tuner to work on the ECU on my Aprilia SXV project:

1. Windows Operating System – Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit), Windows Vista (32 or 64 bit), Windows XP Professional (32 or 64 bit) with SP 3.0.

2. Microsoft .net framework v2.0 and .net framework v4.0 installed.

3. Intel or AMD CPU – 1 GHz.

4. 100 Mb free Hard Drive space available.

5. 512 Mb RAM.

6. 1 available USB 1.0 port.

New or used, and what should I buy? Thanks!

If you have to have one of those operating systems it is going to have to be used.  And rather old at that.

How critical is the laptop to the operation the shop?  Shouldn't be hard to find a cheap used laptop on ebay, etc, but no support at all.  Also, all of the OSs you list are no longer being supported with security updates.  You are not going to find a new system that will run any of the OSs listed, so I think that you are stuck with emulation if you go with new.

If it is critical (doesn't sound like it), I think that I would buy a new system, get the best processor (that supports emulation) and as much RAM as you feel comfortable spending.  Download a copy of VMWare Workstation 14 Pro for Windows and install your software in emulation.

If the world won't end if it crashes, think I would get something like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-8460p-LAPTOP-WINDOWS-7-PRO-i5-8GB-320GB-CDRW-DVD-WIFI-WEBCAM-NOTEBOOK-8440p-/173279697686.  $170 and will do all that you are looking for.  Be careful about doing any kind of online purchases, since it will be harder than a newer system to secure.

Thanks for the thoughts so far! The laptop is completely non-essential for the shop...it is an industrial arts space shared with a few fellow hobbyists for wrenching on our autocross/rally/street cars and having a computer there is a luxury for those jobs where a smartphone isn't the most convenient.

I'm thinking it might be best to stick with one of those operating systems, as XV Tuner is no longer supported, and basically only ever had one update. I'd hate to get a Windows 10 machine and then find out that XV Tuner won't run for some reason.

I'd stick with my usual recommendation - used Lenovo business class laptop. I think I may even have a working Lenovo T41 or T42 cluttering up my office that you could have for cheap. Let me check tonight.

Panasonic Toughbooks  are good and solid , 

Do you need a DVD player , might come in handy ......

Go to Freegeek in SE Portland, buy one of their laptops.

Install Windows version of choice on it.

Upgrade memory or harddrive to SSD if you want a little more speed/performance.

Here you go OP: 

$169.99

• Intel Core i3-4000M 2.4GHz Processor
• 4GB DDR3 RAM
• 500GB Hard Disk Drive
• DVD ROM Drive
• 14" 1366x768 HD Display
• Bluetooth Compatible
• Windows 7 Home Premium

Refurb HP Probook

I have a version of this 11.6" screen Lenovo.  I love it.  The case is very tough and durable.  

Shown in the link is a refurb'ed unit.  It has older Win7 to meet that need.  It has a simple, older processor but paired with the 128k solid state hard drive that will make it seem faster.  The hard drive may be a little small for your needs but you can also insert an micro SD car in the side and increase storage that way, cheaply.   Ram is only "good" at 4gb but 8 times what your old machine had, ha.  

$141

https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-11-6-Inch-Celeron-Windows/dp/B076ZR3QCL/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1531836450&sr=8-2&keywords=lenovo+11e

The seller seems to have a good reputation on Amazon.  You have 30 days to return it if not to your liking.  It says to contact the seller directly about warranty.  

I am a huge fan of the Dell ATG E6430, which is a semi-ruggedized 15" laptop designed for outdoor use.

They're absurdly cheap used, sturdy, quick enough for general use, and they have a phenomenally bright and easy-to-read antiglare screen.

BoxheadTim said:

I'd stick with my usual recommendation - used Lenovo business class laptop. I think I may even have a working Lenovo T41 or T42 cluttering up my office that you could have for cheap. Let me check tonight.

Double checked - it's a T42. Doesn't have built in Wifi, but I do have a Wifi PCMCIA card that I can thrown in with the laptop. PM if interested.

I have purchased 2 of these this year; HP Elitbook 8560p with Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. Less than $125 each.

There is no problem with this operating system. It is your knowledge of the program you use that makes a session enjoyable or not.

I run AutoCAD 2000 full and AutoCAD 2000 LT as well as SketchUp and DraftSight with no problem. The AutoCAD runs in compatability mode as Windows 2000.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7&ignorear=0&N=100006740&isNodeId=1

These are refurbished [I also purchased 2 iPad 2's for $99. each]

pm me, I’ll ship you a free laptop I use for 3D printing. Just replaced it with another. Clean win 7 install. Don’t use it so it can have a good home