I have a new used CNC Router that I am upgrading with a PMDX-422 Controller.  I am holding of ordering Mach4 until I have the computer to install it on.  Right now, I am torn on building a Dedicated PC vs a Laptop or Touchscreen Tablet to utilize with this machine.  I understand that with Parallel Port, that timing was critical, and therefore Dedicated PC's are recommended.  Since Mach4 is not using a Parallel Port and has been redesigned from the ground up, is there any known issues with utilizing a off the shelf new Laptop or Tablet.  Of course Power save functions would be disabled.

In addition, I have another machine that I would like to upgrade in the future that is located in a different location, and would like to move the computer from machine to machine as I need.  I don't envision ever running both machines at the same time and don't want to invest in setting up another computer for it.

Mach4 is somewhat resource intensive, and may not run well on a lower spec machine. This may or may not affect how the machine runs. It shouldn't, unless Mach4 is using 100% of your CPU.

Mach4 is somewhat resource intensive, and may not run well on a lower spec machine. This may or may not affect how the machine runs. It shouldn't, unless Mach4 is using 100% of your CPU.

What would you consider a lower Spec Machine to be?  Is there a guideline or post that specs any of this that I can reference?  I imagined that any new Computer would have enough capacity to Run Mach4 since the majority of machines are running XP or Vista, but that was just an assumption on my part, and we all know what that means.  In any case, any guidance would be appreciated.

See the list of requirements at the bottom of this page:

http://www.pmdx.com/Mach4Hobby

As always, more is usually better, but these are the minimum recommended.

Regards,
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com

The wired ethernet requirement will eliminate a lot of laptops and tablets.

I imagined that any new Computer would have enough capacity to Run Mach4 since the majority of machines are running XP or Vista

Not sure what you mean by this, but most older machines running XP will not run Mach4 all that well from my experience. I personally would not run Mach4 on anything older than Windows 7. A machine with Vista is already 7 or so years old.

Sorry, I meant the majority of older machines that are currently running mach3 utilizing parallel ports utilize the older operating systems.

From what I've heard over the last year, most older machines running Mach3 on XP do not run Mach4 very well.

Yeah, no matter what I intend to buy a new computer, but I really want a laptop that will convert to a touchscreen tablet.  Then I will get the portability, so i can pack it away when not in use, and the other pros of being portable.  But at the same time I don't want to spend an excessive amount in overkill for a computer that is most likely going to be dedicated to its life in a harsh environment. 

Initially I am relocating my CNC Router to a job site, and would like to be able to take my software and files with me at the end of the day.

Hi Ger

From what I've heard over the last year, most older machines running Mach3 on XP do not run Mach4 very well.

That may be a bit misleading.
Up until recently you could get quite new machines from the likes of Dell with XP pro SP3 installed and running. To be sure, the box came with a genuine W7 or W8 disk as well, for when you wanted to 'upgrade', to keep MS happy, but Dell (and HP I believe) would listen and comply when a customer said 'XP Pro or no deal'. Been there several times myself.

Initially I am relocating my CNC Router to a job site, and would like to be able to take my software and files with me at the end of the day.

Dead easy. It's called a USB key. I do this every day between the workshop and my office. My CNC box is not on any network, and it is very happy like that.
Yes, you can even use your USB key as your working folder, with no customer files left on the CPU disk.

Cheers
Roger