I've just bought a whole timing system from a track that closed down. Everything seems to be there. There's a TON of coax, leads, adaptors P.A etc.. However I have a mac and need to buy a dedicated PC to run Laps free or something similar.

Before asking my questions I should say that I don't have a lot of money and want to get my track up and racing as soon as possible.

Can anyone recommend a laptop that would be ideal?
The leads that came with it all have serial-to-usb adaptors on them though I've read the serial connection is more reliable (possibly due to dodgy software drivers?). I've also read that some makes of PC are not as reliable as others. The computer would be dedicated and not connected to the internet.

I'm sure I've seen the system requirements somewhere but can't find them atm so if someone can tell me these (and possibly if some old versions of Windows are more suitable than others).

Any other advice from experienced users would also be appreciated

thanks