HI All,
Use a NEC Versa with Windows XP2 and only 400 mhz and 512 memory usiing PP. It's dedicated to CNC and have no problem at all. Yes it's slow, but it still is solid, and good grief don't use the video camera with it.
The DELL Latitude only works if I use the smoothStepper with it. I never used it other than testing and that was with all the virus protection etc on it.
BTW, try running your laptops without the battery / use AC adapter when doing the driver test as it makes a difference.
Don't play with your mouse either when runninig the driver test. Same goes for when running a program.
The Dell Optiplex with xp2 /3gig / 2 gig memory, on board graphics, dedicated cnc pc ( sorry not a laptop ) can't be used without the SS. Spent more hours "optimizing it" than you can ever imagine trying to use it without the SS. Just thought i would mention it.
Frankly, as told manny times, you should have a dedicated pc for CNC work. Don't know what laptop i would buy today,
if i had to, but probably would have the SS on it in a heart beat and not waste any time fooling around.
RICH