What good notebook computer would you recommend for CAC usage?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 22:01:10 -0400

I am looking for a good laptop computer to use to access all CAC enabled activities. Anybody have any suggestions?

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Sep 13 at 2015 1:30 AM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 01:30:37 -0400

It isn't the computer so much as the OS you are using. For ease of use, an HP or Sony VAIO are fine computers. Mac's are my favorite but I am not sure where they are at with the signing documents thing on them yet. I use my Windows machine for that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 1:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 01:57:53 -0400

I agree with CSM Carl Cunningham. I find that the HP computers work well for all my army needs. I would stay away from internet browsing computers like Chromebook. Make sure whatever computer you get has a Windows OS...

Response by SSG Kelly Ferguson made Sep 13 at 2015 11:16 AM

SSG Kelly Ferguson — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 11:16:57 -0400

One that government issued, and that's on a authorized server

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 12:45 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 12:45:25 -0400

The Dell ATG620 was good to me during FTXs with its rugged durability and internal CAC reader. However. I think the bigger issue is whether your CAC reader will work well with your chosen laptop. MilitaryCAC.com would have more information on this.

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 13 at 2015 2:57 PM

SSG John Erny — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:57:40 -0400

The HP business line of products is hard to beat. I have enven purchesed open box HP business models for people to use at home. The price is right, they are better built, and the only thing missing is the fancy plastic moldings that do nothing. MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Sir, I would look: http://hp.force.com/external/usmilitary You can get a series higher system for the same money that you would spend on a coputer from a big box store.

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Response by SSG Steven Borders made Sep 13 at 2015 6:47 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 18:47:55 -0400

I use a MacBook Air with an external CAC reader. I have never had a problem accessing any military sites.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 13 at 2015 7:04 PM

SPC David S. — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 19:04:09 -0400

Stick with a HP or Dell. I personally like Dell - Things to look for: Back-lit keyboard, num pad, and HDMI output/screen resolution. I also like the Intel chip set.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Sep 14 at 2015 3:40 AM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 03:40:19 -0400

I'm betting you would have some good advice/recommendations for MAJ Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 14 at 2015 7:40 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 07:40:08 -0400

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member I am a DELL junkie, easy plug and play, with no additional downloads.-Sweet!

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Sep 14 at 2015 12:25 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 12:25:10 -0400

My HP Elitebook has a built-in reader - my home computer - Toshiba is connected to my Dell keybord with a CAC reader - then i use that keyboard with my tablet etc.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 14 at 2015 1:01 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:01:24 -0400

I'd go Dell hands down. I carried a Dell for a year in the desert. With all the sand and crap, it never went down. I got a Dell for my work. Fantastic, just works and works and works.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Sep 14 at 2015 2:31 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 14:31:36 -0400

I use a Lenovo Solid State Drive (no Hard-drive all memory chips) Yoga or Flex with touch screen capability (it becomes a tablet). Thin, light, and fast with no hard drive to spin up. I have taken mine to Iraq and Nepal as well as all over the US and Canada with no problems (even in Nepal where the electrical grid really sucks).

Response by SGT Bradley L. made Sep 14 at 2015 3:04 PM

SGT Bradley L. — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 15:04:42 -0400

Whatever brand you purchase, spend the extra money and buy a business grade product. They're built better and have better customer support. Dell, HP, and Lenovo all sell in big box stores (don't buy there), go directly to there site and purchase their business grade laptops. Anyone of those brands won't steer you wrong. My brother works for CDW, and the used to buy Lenovo exclusively;however, they've been buying a lot of HP's lately. Also, don't buy extended warranties from the manufacture. Squaretrade has the best extended warranty around. You just need to purchase it within 30 days of the new pc.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 7:07 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:07:55 -0400

Hardware doesn't really matter (Dell, HP). I have used both and have issues with both and success as well (more of the later). I would, however, suggest downloading Lightweight Portable Security for use. You can use it as a live CD or install as a VM or even dual-boot. More information here: http://www.spi.dod.mil/lipose.htm They recommend using as a liveCD, but I have had no issues using from a VM.

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Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2017 12:18 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 12:18:56 -0400

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member , I am a big fan of Lenovo's thinkpad series. Some people call them old looking but in my opinion, they outperform many other computer and laptop companies. I currently have the T450 model with a built in smartcard reader which works great with my CAC when needed.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2018 11:40 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 23:40:49 -0500

i have a lenovo i got from their military purchasing website. i got a 15% discount and my cac reader is built in. i got the idea when i saw that my base started to add lenovo laptops. this was a few years ago.