Best Laptop

Seeker · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 79

Hi All,

I have done a search, on this subject , but can't find a difinitive answer, so here goes.

What is the reliable and robust laptop to use on a C-Dory?

Of coarse I'll want to use it for trip planning and for a back up for the C-80 system, but I also need it to be as fast as possible, and containing at least 1.5 Gig of memory and as large of a hard drive as possible.

My biggest memory hog is Photoshop CS with which I edit digital photographs.

I'm not so much concerned about the weight as I am it's seaworthyness and power.

Thanks,

Law

Bluecrab · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 3:20 pm Post subject:

You'll probably get lots of different opinions on this, but I've used laptops on lots of small boats over the years, and few of them were the "ruggedized" marine versions. I'll probably jinx myself by saying this, but I've never had any problems with the off-the-shelf machines. Ok, I take that back - I can remember one very hot and humid day when a laptop seemed a little squirelly after running all day in an enclosed space. Heat and humidity are known as the two biggest enemies, but that's the only problem I ever recall having.

The last three makes I've used were IBM, Gateway and Dell, and we've seldom done more than cushion them with a towel or a flotation cushion. I've been very happy with the two Dells we're currently using for survey. You might check out the Dell Inspiron XPS Gen 2 or the 9300 - both should be able to do what you're looking for, although I'm sure there are plenty of other good ones out there.

A recent thread with posts on nav software and laptops is:
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=232

Bottom line for me is that when I purchase machines for work I don't think the marine versions are worth the extra cost - would rather put the extra $ into the memory, guts and accessories.

Seeker · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 79

Thanks John.

I did leave out a major preference for the laptop though; A 12 volt power supply, or at least a 12 volt charger, so I can use it on the boat without getting an inverter.

Thanks,

Law

Bluecrab · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:03 pm Post subject:

Have never tried these adapters, but have always been curious as to how they'd work....

http://lindelectronics.com/cgi-bin/Store7/PerlShop.cgi/!ORDERID!/aaa/x/dbx_gen_aaa_mfgs/(overture)

lyle-t · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:23 pm Post subject: adptor for laptop

I use a Targus universal auto/air power adpter on my IBM Thinkpad to use it in the truck or boat.
input 11-16 vdc 8 a max
output 3-24 vdc power 70W continous

It has adptors for 5 differant types input connectors. It cost about $60.00 at Best buys. I have been using it on my Thinkpad and other laptops for about 4 years now.

Sneaks · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:27 pm Post subject:

Law, why the reluctance to use an inverter? They're cheap enough, and most modern ones are better than 80% efficient. I often use one to power a laptop and have done so for three different laptops without problems. Sure the cheap ones don't put out a pure sine wave, but like the ban on using cell phones while pumping gas, the caution about modified sine waves and computers is somewhat overblown. I've got one permanently mounted in my truck to use laptop/GPS mapping on the road and another one in the Jenny B "just in case." In fact, when we're in a position to do some extended cruising, I fully intend to use an inverter to power the old, cheap mini-apartment refrigerator I've got until we decide to invest in a better fridge.

Redƒox · Guest

I been useing a laptop and inverter on RedFox for years now... no problemo's! Very Happy

Seeker · Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 79

John and Lyle - Thanks for those links. I'm going to check them out.

Don - I have an ExelTech 250 watt pure sine wave inverter that I could put on the boat, and probably will, but I really like the KISS Principle and don't like losing that little bit of battery power to ineffiency. I have a small solar power system at home for times when the power goes off. I only use the inverter to power a flouresent lamp during those outages.

I'm having Les put in two house batteries, but I'm planing on being quietly anchored for days at a time and don't want to start an engine up just to charge a battery.

In fact, I'm going to hook up a solar panel or two to charge the batts for those times.

Thanks,

Law

Mr. Fisherman · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 11:01 pm Post subject:

I just went through this issue myself.
I went with a Panasonic Toughbook.
I can barely afford underwear so I bought a used one on Ebay. I think I got a great deal. I did a lot of research and this is the brand the professionals use and for good reason. A little rain on the keyboard or a fall from the table or dash shouldn't be the end of life for this tough little box. If not I am gonna need even more underwear Shocked

. I am hoping that the touch screen is easier to use than trying to mouse around out there.
Still haven't got a GPS or a mount, but I am working on it.
I should have mine at Cathlamet if anyone wants to see it.

Sneaks · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 12:01 am Post subject:

rogerbum · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:03 am Post subject:

Mr. Fisherman · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:00 am Post subject:

Or you could get a great deal on this little number....

El and Bill · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 8:15 am Post subject:

Hey, Mr. Fisherman, that's a great picture of Bill with his computer setup!! El

journey on · Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:01 pm Post subject:

We used a Toshiba for years (actually two, got an upgrade.) The first went to Mexico/S. Pacific, and died when I threw salt water on it coming down from Alaska. Came back a year later, though. The second survived 2 years on the East coast, in the South. Still working, but I'm negoitiating for another upgrade.

From that, I think that any GOOD brand will do. Certainly don't waste money on a marinized one. Just keep it in the cabin, and get a padded case/backpack for when you're taking it ashore to check the e-mail.

Used Cap'n for years, but now you have to get a new password from the factory to reload. Bad if your computer burps when you're out of touch. Trying Fugawai, and the free one: Seaclear, which seems to do everything Capn does, except tides.