Ian,
Below is the approach I am taking now that my in-the-field astro laptop is getting long in the tooth.? I got a dedicated mini pc for about $250. Its a MinisForum GK41 running a decent 4 core intel CPU. It has 4 USB 3.0 ports which are all on one side of the box so cable management is conveniently similar to a USB hub. I currently plug in camera, guider, and focuser-controller and have one to spare for ad hoc items, including an extension USB hub if needed.
In addition to WiFi it has two ethernet ports. I configure the first port with a static IP and dedicate to the communication with the Gemini.? I then have several options on how to connect a laptop to the minipc. I can use the second ethernet port with a crossover cable straight into the ethernet adaptor on my nicer laptop. This is my preferred approach when near the mount.? Alternatively, I can connect via a WiFi router when that is available and I am too far away.? I can disconnect and change up this second path as needed as I go in and out of the house or RV; the dedicated ethernet connection between the minipc and gemini is not disturbed nor is any imaging activity.?
By the way, this particular minipc also comes with Windows 10 Pro which supports Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) server. Personally, I have found this to be a much better remoting technology than TeamViewer or VNC.?
Note in the picture that all of the grey plastic is my 3-D printed accessory and cable management system. I prefer to mount the computer and controllers down on the mount rather than on the OTA.
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Edward
Edward Plumer