Working Outside

What PC format should I use?

[JohnNZ]

This may sound like a strange question but given that a large number of forum members work from home, possibly not.

I'm looking for advice on what PC to use outside on my deck. I currently work on a desktop inside, but during the summer I'm planning to work outside. I have used a netbook but it's CPU power is limited and whilst it's OK for short bursts, after about an hour I get fed up with the small keyboard and screen and go back inside.

I'm thinking of getting an All-In-One rather than a laptop - two reasons, I do have an external power socket and the screen is larger. However I have concerns about stability, it does get 'breezy' out on the deck! And the portability, will I get fed up lugging it in and out each day?

So is there anyone out there who works outside with an All-in-One? Like I said strange question!

[J_RaD]

what temps are you planning working in?

i'd do a shuttle form factor or a mini atx before i'd do an all in one. for a small easy to move around computer you have many many many choices that are better then an all in one.

[JohnNZ]

During the summer the max temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. Probably would never get over 30.

Can I ask why you'd prefer a mini atx over an all-in-one? All I can see is extra components to carry with more power points required if I went mini atx?

[lucy24]

How do you get outside? Steps, threshold, narrow doorway? Does "outside" mean a smooth-surfaced deck or the ground under a shade tree? If you can navigate a little bitty table or cart on casters, you've got a lot more options.

[JohnNZ]

Through wide ranch slider, 3 metres across smooth wooden deck to a fixed wooden table. No steps or narrow doorways, but the ranch slider has a 'lip' which would be a bit of an obstacle to rolling out a table.

Thanks for thinking outside the box though - hadn't even considered that kind of solution!

[J_RaD]

I say that because we can pick and choose parts to fit the temps you'll be working in.

All-in-ones are whtever you buy you are stuck with and if the parts don't like the ambient air temps and run way hotter then normal, its not going to last you very long, they already have bad ventilation being smashed into the monitor.

with a mini atx or shuttle we can choose a low watt processor that will stay cooler while being as fast as we can get it, and we can get better air flow moving keeping all the other parts cooler as well.

all in ones are fine but when you said "outdoor" I just think some special care needs to be taken for that.