RV Office setup 2025 edition

[Neal]

I'm 1-2 weeks away from departure to unknown for 1-3 months. During this trip I'm determined to figure out my more streamlined computer setup. I love love love my PC towers but I hate the space it takes in the RV and the power requirements which are not ideal for boondocking, etc. even though I have a solid solar and LiFePO4 setup. I still need to conserve power as the sun doesn't always shine This trip I am taking along my usual PC tower which will be on standby but I'm taking two new options one of which will be returned, possibly both will be returned.

New option 1: The new ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 gaming laptop (ASUS site info) with the RTX 5090. Very expensive monster but it will be my tower replacement and gives me the option of patio work, trading, etc. And of course mobile options at home too.

New option 2: Apple Mac Mini M4 with 4 TB drive and 48 GB RAM. This will run either VMWare Fusion (which is free) or Parallels Desktop Pro (small annual fee). I've always used VMWare Fusion but I think I may give Parallels a try this time around.

The nice thing about the Mac Mini is it can go in the dinette cabinet where the laptop pull out tray is and stay out of site and will be better with heat and noise. The laptop would go in front of me and serve as a second monitor to my new LG 45 inch monitor which I love.

While I hate having too many computers to keep up to date with my developer tools etc. I really want to clean up my RV setup....maybe. What I have works and is no cost. Obviously this is going to be a 3-5K cost to go with someone new that will be a powerful yet more tidy arrangement in the compact space of a RV.

We'll see how it goes. I bought both of the above knowing one or both will be returned.

 

[Trav_lr]

I my experience, after some driveway experimenting, I found my laptop to be the most versatile and easist to store for my needs. If I want a large monitor, I can plug into my 42" TV with an HDMI cable or even my outside TV. I also have an HP wireless bluetooth monochrome laser printer, about the size of a large shoe box, and an Iriscan Pro full duplex portable scanner. Everything stows away in a bedroom drawer. A couple of weeks ago, I needed to send documents by fax but my laptop doesn't have a modem.... so a $20 fax modem delivered to an Amazon drop box, a part that might get used twice a year at most..... Oh well!

 

[Swipular]

I too develop software so spend a good bit of time at the screen. I've found while traveling that a laptop is the easiest way to go. I've gotten so used to it that it's all I use now even when home. When I first switched to a laptop I went with one of those gaming monsters but now use a 15 inch laptop. It's much lighter and smaller to pack and carry.