R31 as a low-cost server?

[wujstefan]

Hello,

I have planned to make up some remote home command centre. I am planning to set up a server with 2x WD 2TB mobile HDD, two or three cameras to monitor the house, a light and radiator control via FATEK PLC, and all of those connected by a sort of thinkpad.

I was planning to buy a R31 TP + dock for its low cost (about 50$) and an intel graphics chip. What I wanted to ask about, is an opinion of R31-owners. Will the system handle tasks as remote desktop? How much power will does it consume when idling wit LCD off? And wil it have some use of USB 2.0 when on dock?

[Anniemoose98]

It would be interesting to hear the responses of this... Sounds like a cool idea.

[Neil]

Well, it should work OK, but there are other laptops, even ThinkPads with much lower power consumption than the R31. But, since I don't own an R31 I really can't comment that much on it. Other than to say that it will be limited to USB 1.1 even when docked. Although a PCMCIA USB 2.0 adapter could be used, along with a powered USB hub, but the system seems to be getting overly complex now. IMHO, a low power tower is better suited as a server than is a laptop.

Q- Are you looking to connect those 2T HDDs with USB? How are you planning on connecting the cameras?

[wujstefan]

R31 will be limited to USB 1.1? That is a huge drawback since I need a USB 2.0 both for HDD and for cameras (+RS232 for PLC), so using a PCMCIA USB adapter shows off no sense at all.

Still, I prefer a laptop over minitower. Why? Cheaper, more silent, compact, mobile, easy to adjust for other tasks.

I was actually thinking about T60 as a first-class choice, since it's cool, quiet, dependable, powerful enough for even real-time controlling for camera supports itself, but its about 150$ (extremely cheap in Poland compared to tp.com prices) + 100$ (dock), so a bit too much, since a plc + 2 HDDs cost the same.

Any actual suggestions Neil about which TP should I use?

[Anniemoose98]

R31 will be limited to USB 1.1? That is a huge drawback since I need a USB 2.0 both for HDD and for cameras (+RS232 for PLC), so using a PCMCIA USB adapter shows off no sense at all.

Still, I prefer a laptop over minitower. Why? Cheaper, more silent, compact, mobile, easy to adjust for other tasks.

I was actually thinking about T60 as a first-class choice, since it's cool, quiet, dependable, powerful enough for even real-time controlling for camera supports itself, but its about 150$ (extremely cheap in Poland compared to tp.com prices) + 100$ (dock), so a bit too much, since a plc + 2 HDDs cost the same.

Any actual suggestions Neil about which TP should I use?

Ain't that the truth.


I have a T60, runs great! Low Power...

Maybe something of the X-Series would be better, though.

[wujstefan]

Which one were you thinking actually about? The only two I can think of are X40 (cheap) or X60 (dependable but costy). X30 series doesnt really look like a good choice while it doesn't have a LV CPU, or am I wrong?

[Neil]

X40 could be an interesting choice. Cheap, low voltage, USB 2.0. But, be careful when shopping for an X40 as the USB ports don't work on both of the ones I have. Seems to be something that can fail rather easily. I boot both of mine from CF cards, which are not expensive (compared to the 1.8" PATA drives), quite and cool. But, with an X60 you could use much larger internal SATA drive along with your external USB drives.

It's hard for me to recommend a certain model, as this is not something I have actually ever done. There are others on the forum who have do it, though, so it will be good to wait for their insights.

[Anniemoose98]

X40 could be an interesting choice. Cheap, low voltage, USB 2.0. But, be careful when shopping for an X40 as the USB ports don't work on both of the ones I have. Seems to be something that can fail rather easily. I boot both of mine from CF cards, which are not expensive (compared to the 1.8" PATA drives), quite and cool. But, with an X60 you could use much larger internal SATA drive along with your external USB drives.

It's hard for me to recommend a certain model, as this is not something I have actually ever done. There are others on the forum who have do it, though, so it will be good to wait for their insights.

Exactly...


X series are quite dependable...



I look forward to hearing how this project will end up.

[RealBlackStuff]

I wouldn't go for the X40/X41 because of those awkward, expensive and slow 1.8" 4200rpm hard disks.
The X31 with a small(er) CPU would be a better (and cheaper) choice, 2x USB2.0, regular 2.5" hard disks, very reliable.

I happen to have such an X31 for sale if you are interested:
Product: ThinkPad X31 2672-B2U [change]
Original description:
P M 1.3GHz,
256MB RAM,................................. now 512MB
20GB 4200rpm HDD,........................ no HD, but has HD cover/screw
12.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD,............ nice and bright, no scratches, dead pixels or pressure points
16MB ATI Radeon M6,
Wireless upgradeable(MPCI),.............. now Intel 802.11b wifi
Modem(CDC),
10/100 Ethernet(LOM),
IEEE 1394,.................................... Firewire is great for cameras
CF-card slot,
6 cell Li-Ion battery,......................... in red, but still good for nearly 2 hours
WinXP Pro.................................... COA intact

In very good condition, no cracks anywhere, very little shine on the keyboard.
This was probably one of the last produced machines (06/03 = 2006/March).
As above, $155.- shipped to Poland.
As above, plus AC adapter, $165.- shipped to Poland.
Payment via PayPal.
PM me if interested.

[ZaZ]

I was actually thinking about T60 as a first-class choice, since it's cool, quiet, dependable, powerful enough for even real-time controlling for camera supports itself, but its about 150$ (extremely cheap in Poland compared to tp.com prices) + 100$ (dock), so a bit too much, since a plc + 2 HDDs cost the same.

Any actual suggestions Neil about which TP should I use?

I don't know if it's any cheaper in Poland, but how about the R60? They tend to cheaper in the US at least and they use the same innards. They're well built and run cool. The only thing about the R60 is the ones with the Intel GPU can't use DVI. The T60 with the Intel cards have a DVI passthrough, but the R60 do not. You'd need one with the ATI GPU if you need DVI.

[wujstefan]

Unfortunately R60 is actually more expensive (funny, I know).

TY RBS, but $165 is more than a T60 in really good shape would cost. What's more - remember, I will use it only with a docking station for RS232 and more 2.0 USB ports.