Laptop recommendation for on-board use?

[Derek Rowell]

It's time to retire my ancient 500MHz laptop. I'm looking for an inexpensive laptop for navigation use (oxymoron?), primarily below decks, but it would be real nice if the screen was bright enough to use under the bimini. Of course it would also be nice to find one with a serial port for NMEA data.Any recommendations? I can handle all the technical specs - the daylight screen visibility is my main concern.Thanks.

 

[Tom2909]

PPC?

Would you consider a Pocket PC?I have a PPC that connects to my Garmin eTrex GPS. I use Memory-map software (memory-map.com) to view electronic charts and with the GPS it will show current boat location on the display.The PDA can also transfer routes, etc. to and from the Garmin unit, so you can set your waypoints and routes on the PDA (or even on your computer at home) and dowload them to the GPS.I can connect the PPC to my computer to download software, maps, routes, etc.; or I can connect the GPS directly to the computer to do the same. Memory Map has a package that includes both the PC and PDA versions of the software.The PPC is much more portable and easier to handle in the cockpit or down below.I usually use just the GPS while underway, but you can use it as a chart plotter. I setup my routes in advance at home on the computer. The PPC makes it easier to make changes or new routes (compared to the GPS) while cruising. Fair winds,Tom

 

[MasonMcD]

Toughbook, or iBook

Panasonic's ToughBook 29 looks like it can handle just about anything, though probably with a price tag to go along with it's ruggedness.ToughBook link: http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/products.aspApple's iBook is also pretty tough - they pass them out to 7th graders, after all. No serial port, but Keyspan makes all sorts of adapters. Apple's new OS is based on BSD unix, so it's a lot more cross-platform and resilient than maybe some other virus-prone OSs out there GPSNavX also makes a pretty good navigation software product compatible with tons of maps and data formats.iBook link: http://www.apple.com/ibook/Or you could go PowerBook: http://www.apple.com/powerbook/Keyspan adapters: http://www.keyspan.com/products/homepage-Serial.spmlGPSNavX link: http://www.gpsnavx.com/index.php?page=Screenshots

 

[sailaway78]

Computer

My old HP has about lived out it's useful life, and I have been looking around also. I have the same desires that you have, and want to be able to hook up to my Garmin chart plotter. Think I am pretty well settled on one of the Panasonic tough books. They should stand up to the boat environment better than most if not all. Will probably go with used, as they are fairly reasonable on ebay. But the new ones are in the upper dollar bracket.

 

[LKYusnret]

I use

a HP pavilion ze4600 that foots the bill for me, bright for topside use, works with my Garmin Nav program to download into a GPS chartplotter and I use it instead of bringing my DVD TV belowdecks, down load trip pictures and DVD camcorder. AND it was CHEAP at Best Buy (under 1K). I also use it at home with a wireless connection........ works for me...... John

 

[Gary]

Yes PPC!

Yes Tom, I have been considering a PPC. It looks to me you can get a PPC, BlueTooth GPS, turn-by-turn car navigation software, marine chart software, and free US gov. charts for the cost of a standard Garmin GPS unit.The PPC's have transflective displays that reflect sunlight so they can be seen outside! Tom, do they live up to their advertising?Gary