Garage Computer

[Swimmerboy2112]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a Dell Optiplex 380 (got it super cheap, refurb'd with a 30 day warranty) with the intent to make it my garage computer, but then I got scared.

My garage is NOT heated, cooled or insulated. It does get moisture in it and I am scared that the computer will get damaged.

Opinions? Should I just buy a cheap tablet?

 

[wnelax04sr5]

i have a tablet in an otterbox. can take it inside when it gets cold, and it is a hell of a lot easier to clean grease off a screen protector than it is off a keyboard, my .02

 

[lelandr]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a Dell Optiplex 380 (got it super cheap, refurb'd with a 30 day warranty) with the intent to make it my garage computer, but then I got scared.

My garage is NOT heated, cooled or insulated. It does get moisture in it and I am scared that the computer will get damaged.

Opinions? Should I just buy a cheap tablet?

Super cheap, what's the problem? Fwiw, I always grab retired notebooks for the garage computer. Couple hundred in new HD & OS. Notebooks are usually more robust in their construction for this kind of use, especially commercial-grade.

I guarantee that my notebook for work sees considerably harsher environments than your garage. If we get 3 years or so, great.

 

[NoDak]

a good old apple ipad in a otterbox protector will be the best bet.

my daughter drops her ipad air every night from her bed since she falls asleep with it.

every night I hear a big thunk upstairs when she moves around in bed during the night. haven't seen a crack, blemish, etc in over a year of drops.

 

[USMCASA]

we had field ops in the military where our machines, no different other than model than what you have, we subjected to the same conditions. we never had any issues other than officers dumping coffee on them. unless you spray water directly on it while its on it should be no issue.

think of it like this. don't or vehicles sit outside in the rain, rarely heated unless we are in them, and the electronics still function. same with other electronics. just place it in an area that isn't on the floor and is well ventilated.

 

[MONTYMTB]

The only things you should really worry about are heat and dust, but as long as you don't block the air flow around it and occasionally pop the cover and blow out all the dust you should be fine.

 

[Hyde802]

I just have one lap top that I use for all, I just try to take care of it. Always set it down on something stable. If I know Ill be getting dirty in the garage, ill wrap some saran wrap around the key board (keeping the fan open) and I have crap mouse I plug in.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I just take a laptop out if I need to lookup something, I don't see a need to have a computer out there.

 

[FoxNJ]

I have an old Dell XPS desktop out in the garage. I have it off the ground and in the corner away from the garage doors. Its been out there for at least 4 or 5 years and Ive had no problems with it. Makes for a great "shop" computer.

 

[DannyLlama]

Having a computer in your garage is risky.
If you have a network connection through your router, someone can use that computer to get on other devices on your network and steal identity/security related items.

Table is more locked down and mobile for that matter. You can get an android for about a $100 .

My 2 cents.

 

[NoDak]

or run that computer in the garage on a dmz section of the router. newer routers will let public computers run on a secure part of the router outside of your wireless network.

on my router I can enable a guest network that is isolated from the rest of my network and I can isolate each wireless device from each other on the guest network.

all they would see is that they would be the only person on my guest network.

 

[Swimmerboy2112]

Sorry for the late reply guys. I appreciate all the info.

Few questions here;

Unlike car computers, household computers aren't made to be out in the weather, I think moisture would still be a concern.

I don't see how anyone could use my computer to hack into my wifi? I mean my laptop is on my house wifi and no issues there.

The notebook idea sounds good. Any brands/models you'd suggest?

-Brian

 

[USMCASA]

Sorry for the late reply guys. I appreciate all the info.

Few questions here;

Unlike car computers, household computers aren't made to be out in the weather, I think moisture would still be a concern.

I don't see how anyone could use my computer to hack into my wifi? I mean my laptop is on my house wifi and no issues there.

The notebook idea sounds good. Any brands/models you'd suggest?

-Brian

our military computers were not any different to anything you get off the shelf at best buy with 1 exception. we did have panasonic tough books (laptop) that was designed to take more impacts and was good for mobile units. we aren't afforded the luxuries of heat or ac in all setups on deployments and while we were in fallujah i had a dell optiplex on the back of an up armored humvee. it was the cold rainy season and this machine had been in country 2 years longer than me. they are much more reliable than you think. if you need rugged though and want waterproof/impact proof get a panasonic tough book.