Boat laptop information.

[Allan]

Like a number of others on here I'm looking at an integrated navigation package for the boat. One specific question I can't find the answer to.
At present I use Navionics on my tablet (Hudl) which is the package they sell on Android play store for phones. If I were to use a Chromebook to download the same, would it work?
Allan

 

[duncan99210]

No idea what operating system a chromebook uses but if it's android the you should be able to download navonics for free from your account with the game store. If it's not android, the download won't work and you'll need to download a version suited to the chromebook operating system.....

 

[elton]

Log into your Google account on the Chromebook, then when you go to download Navionics through App Store on the Chromebook, it'll list your devices and tell you which are compatible with the app.

 

[LadyInBed]

It looks like the Chromebook runs on Googles own Chrome Operating System, possibly a version of Android.
I was told that it may also need a wifi connection to internet to run, but haven't verified this.

 

[NickRobinson]

FI, Memory Map works on Android phones and tablets and cross platform on a Windows laptop with reasonable integration across all.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Sorry to say I doubt Navionics will run on a Chrome book - different operating system to Android (your Hudl)

edit: ref: http://www.navionics.com/sites/default/files/documents/mobile_compatibility_guide_0.pdf

Nope to Chrome OS then.

 

[TSB240]

I have been trialling one of these over the Christmas holiday.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Muiti-fun...830513?hash=item1ea5ed9831:g:HsgAAOSwhcJWJeLT

It is dual boot so can run Windows or Android based navigation programs.

It is currently working with Open CPN and Navmon pc in windows as a fully functional boat computer with all instruments net worked including AIS, Wind, Depth and Log. using a simple USB GPS Dongle. and a serial to usb converter.
GPS Dongle Used
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/usb-gps-dongle-a73kf

USB Serial adapter
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/usb-to-serial-9-pin-male-adapter-zp43w

I have not been able to get the android based Google play purchased Navionics to work without using the Android optional boot up.

It has plenty of connectability for usb and operates directly off a 12volt supply.

If you want a 42" display just plug in the HDMI to your telly!

It is basically a tablet without a battery but with the ability to easily connect via standard USB or LAN connections. The Wifi aerial is external and very effective giving me much better access in normal dead spots at home.

Power consumption on stand by (Screen Dark) is tiny. There is no hard drive or fan in this unit.

Boot up is very quick.

Just considering how to waterproof this for installation under our Spray Hood.

 

[Allan]

That's what I like so much about this forum. No sooner had someone burst my bubble about the Chromebook and along comes a "look at this, it's half the price". Long may it continue.
Many thanks to all.
Allan

 

[JumbleDuck]

It looks like the Chromebook runs on Googles own Chrome Operating System, possibly a version of Android.

Chromebooks runs Chrome OS, which is, like Android, based on Linux. The two operating systems are converging and Chrome OS is due to be able to run all Android apps natively in due course. The original plan was the Chrome OS would effectively run one app only, Chrome, and that everything else would be done as web apps, but that hard line didn't last long.

 

[Oldfellah]

I have hit this problem also and am considering just downloading I-NavX and then using the Navionics charts via that programme. I have also purchased the Panasonic CF-08 to use as a 'slave' unit in the cockpit but after a week still cannot work out how to set up the connection between that and my laptop !! It's an age thing methinks !

 

[ShinyShoe]

Beauty if chrome book is huge battery life. 8hrs on £160 laptop. But Navionics doesn't feature in the ChromeStore

You can put Linux on them (not done it) so could the (in theory at least) run open CPN through it.

 

[Martin&Rene]

TSB240

I started to use the Maplin GPS dongle on my laptop and it hung up on me after a few minutes use in rather an embarassing situation.

After discusssion with Memory Map, I was advised to get a new driver from here: http://www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=225&pcid=41


The system has worked perfectly since then.