Laptop Table or Mount

Here is what the future promises.



This device is runs Microsoft Windows CE, i.e. Windows Mobile, and offers an RF-based wireless remote control that attaches to the steering wheel. Navigation software, such as Active Captain, is available for this operating system.

Prediction...at some point we'll see dedicated Heads-up display (HUDs) repeaters that will project Navigation info via Bluetooth or USB from your netbook or laptop.

There, I'll see your geekiness and raise you a dorkiness. :wink:
 
I was recently in a new BMW 7 series with a heads up display. The driver said it projected RPM, speed, and nav directions. Pretty neat technology, although I think it makes more sense for cars and airplanes than for boats.
 
I have a tablet PC I run Coastal Explorer on with a Raymarine C-80 mounted above. The tablet is mounted on a RAM mount attached to the vertical side of the center dash. Since the tablet lays flat it occupies the same space as the C-80. I use a standard Logitech trackball to control it rather than the touch screen. The RAM mount really protects the tablet from pounding when I hit a wave a little too fast.

Having used this arrangement for the last 3 years, I wouldn't consider using any of the MFD's as the primary navigation device. I use the C-80 as a NMEA GPS input to Coastal Explorer, a sonar/fishfinder, and when necessary a radar superimposed over a GPS. I also use the C-80 to display Yamaha engine data through a NMEA 2000 interface. The tablet PC with trackball is so much faster to do everything no matter what the sea state.
 
Doesn't work on this laptop running Windoz 7. Probably dependent on the video card.

Just checked and I CAN flip it with the display settings in the control panel. My other laptops are different, also running Windoz 7 and XP SP3 so I think it's dependent on the video card installed in the machine. Conveniently, when you change it, it will revert to the old setting in a few seconds if you don't take some action.

Charlie
 
Still pondering this.

I am leaning toward some sort of fold down table that is attached to the cabin wall as I mentioned in the original post. But I can't seem to find anything like that, so I might have to find the pieces and build it.
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mike
 
Captains Cat":xqxzmp3g said:
Wow, $389! I'm sure you could make something similar out of Starboard.
Click to expand...

It is expensive, and I agree - I probably could build it. I can't find the supports though, at least not in stainless.
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mike
 
Wait a sec, wait a sec! Please note that the fold down table Mike references is designed to attach to a Edson pedestal. That alone accounts for $200 of the price, since it goes on a sailboat. The other $189 is there just to make you feel good.

Look at the drink holders: $85 for the cheap (ugh) swing out. One would really want the clamp on at $145

Keep those suggestions coming Mike, it'll make us cheap power boaters feel good.

Boris
 
journey on":3cixpwxk said:
Wait a sec, wait a sec! Please note that the fold down table Mike references is designed to attach to a Edson pedestal.
Click to expand...
I don't know...I've looked at the parts and it should be able to mount to the cabin wall. Still, I don't know that it is the best solution.

In the end, I may just go with Ram mount, but they are a bit ugly. Maybe I would like them better if they were in white. :)
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mike
 
Mike, I just looked at the RAM website.

I'd be interested in what model of holder and mount you selected. There seems to be only one laptop mount and a bunch of swivels that fit something.

How would you fit this on a 22?

BTY, these are for automotive use. It's nice to know there are people going down the road, typing into a laptop. I guess driving is something you can do subliminally, no thought needed.

Boris
 
journey on":1dw1r67j said:
I'd be interested in what model of holder and mount you selected.
Click to expand...
I haven't yet decided that a Ram Mount is the answer, but it turns out to be so, probably this arm with this tray, or maybe this tray.

I have a TomCat, so I would in theory mount this either on the cabin wall next to the Admirals seat, or maybe on that narrow fiberglass section, port of the berth opening.
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mike
 
Thanks, Mike.

The trays look OK, but I have a problem with a computer sitting on top of all those swivel joints. Since they're plastic (I assume) there must be a lot of compliance there when you hit a wave. Also there's a lot of bulk for a Tomcat cabin, which is the same as Journey On's, except for the berth.

I'm determined that my next radar will be a PC radar, and I don't have a reasonable mount. We've always run it on the table, but it's hard to see there. On the other hand, I may never have a new radar if the JRC keeps running.

Boris
 
journey on":1ig1xu2n said:
Thanks, Mike.
The trays look OK, but I have a problem with a computer sitting on top of all those swivel joints. Since they're plastic (I assume) there must be a lot of compliance there when you hit a wave. Also there's a lot of bulk for a Tomcat cabin, which is the same as Journey On's, except for the berth.
Boris
Click to expand...
The arm is all aluminum, I think (I will confirm). Still, you make a good point about the shock from wave-bounce. I would like it better if is had some sort of shock absorbers built in.

And yes, I am also concerned about the space issue. If I can't find any other solution, I might have to try it out and see if it will work. And if not, return it.
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mike
 
You can make any "King Starboard" type of tray out of cheap cutting board material from WalMart. Also the brackets, can be made out of SS rod--but you might have to spring for SS hinges.

But, my personal decision have using several laptops and various programs, on the smaller faster boats, is that dedicated chart plotters just seem to work better.
I had been having fun using the I pad as a secondary chart plotter--and it is less complicated than a laptop in use.
 
thataway":2p16lzde said:
You can make any "King Starboard" type of tray out of cheap cutting board material from WalMart. Also the brackets, can be made out of SS rod--but you might have to spring for SS hinges.

But, my personal decision have using several laptops and various programs, on the smaller faster boats, is that dedicated chart plotters just seem to work better.
I had been having fun using the I pad as a secondary chart plotter--and it is less complicated than a laptop in use.
Click to expand...

Hey, aren't you supposed to be resting? 8) Just goes to show you that you can't keep a good guy down.
 
you can make any "King Starboard" type of tray out of cheap cutting board material from WalMart.
Click to expand...

If you've got a "Tap Plastics" nearby they'll fab up your project for a small charge. I think they call their HDPE product "Sea-Board" but it's the same stuff.
I like to make cardboard templates where possible so there's no doubt what I want from their fabricators.
 
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