laptop as chartplotter

blackfish · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:54 am Post subject:

do you know if the free charts cover the west coast of Canada?
I suspect not

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 8:30 am Post subject:

ORCA · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 10:23 pm Post subject: Panasonic toughbook

Hi

We used two CF-18 Panasonic Toughbooks on board ORCA.

These Laptops are absolutly great. You can read the screen even
in the sun Shocked

Search e-bay, they are pretty cheap used.

Those laptops are waterproof !!!

Regards from Germany

Chris (ex ORCA Cry

)

Capn Jack · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:10 pm Post subject: Another 2 cents worth

I believe in the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle. A Garmin Handheld GPS Plugged into my laptop, running "Captains" on a 15" screen.

I went back to the Garmin Handheld from a "Puck" transducer due to the number of times the Puck would lose the signel. The main advantage of the Puck is the USB connection. I have only seen Garmin interface cables with a serial connector(and add-on cards are expensive). If you buy the Deluxe version of MS Streets, it comes with a Puck.

With a laptop, when you've tied up for the night, you can download your camera, watch a movie, write e-mails, or check the DOW...Try doing that with a chart-plotter. Wink

RJD Wannabe · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:34 am Post subject:

Any recommendations for the Mac??

dogon dory · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:54 am Post subject:

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author

tpbrady · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:45 am Post subject:

Dan,

Be kind. You can load Win XP on a Mac now and people will believe you are using an Apple, when you really you are using a pear or whatever fruit Bill Gates enjoys.

We are an Apple shop, but because we have to use web sites that are written with ActiveX controls, we have a lot of two computer desks, or two operating system Macs. Not very efficient but effective.

Now if only I could run two OS's on an I-Phone, then I could run Nobeltec in my hand once I figure out how to get it to work with a GPS.

Tom

JamesTXSD · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:42 am Post subject:

Byrdman · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:54 am Post subject:

Paper Charts are always still needed when traveling waters you do not know like the back of your hand. Found myself digging one out the other day when a simple ground wire came loose, and the boat batteries were draining down underway instead of re-charging. Went 100% paper and turned all electronics on boat off. Was kind of fun actually, but had to put my seeing glasses on.

ORCA/Chris is correct on the Panasonic Toughbooks. Used one in the EOD community when traveling about and some areas were not particuarly kind for laptops. Never failed me. Wet or dry or dusty or sandy. Good Stuff.

Byrdman

Capn Jack · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:01 am Post subject:

Whoa !
I don't think we even want to get started on that (Mac><PC) thing. They're just two different tools in the tool box. Wink

As for the man's question, you can run a Windows Immolation Program on a Mac and I believe it will run Captains (haven't tried it though). Crook

dogon dory · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:38 pm Post subject:

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author

JamesTXSD · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:53 pm Post subject:

Wandering Sagebrush · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:24 pm Post subject: Real Computer?

Dan,

I know you can't be talking about a Microsell system when you mentioned a real computer, so you must be talking about UNIX, XWindows and VI. You da man!!

Just be aware that in order to really be a UNIX user, you have to wear Birkenstocks, suspenders (red) and have a pony tail.

Steve

Doryman · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 2:17 pm Post subject: Re: Real Computer?

dogon dory · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 2:31 pm Post subject:

Sorry, Folks - Post Deleted By Author