Dedicated boat lappy - is it worth it ?

[dunedin]

As a result of upgrading my Samsung netbook, I have the old XP based Samsung NC10 surplus to requirements.
Should I keep it on the boat as a dedicated boat laptop ? And if so what software should I keep on it ?

Boat already has (aging) Raymarine chartplotters, at helm and small one at chart table. Also have iPad and Android phone, both of which tend to come with me with Internet access - and Navionics on the phone as backup navigation device plus Antares Charts and Imray on iPad. So not short of nav devices (or indeed gadgets, I know ;-)

Main reason for considering putting netbook on board is to use USB inspection camera in case need to check prop etc. but seems overkill just for that. So what else would it be useful for?

 

[Applescruffs]

I use my old laptop for internet banking , e-mails....etc...or anywhere that sensative data may be exchanged over the web..

It's not 'wireless'...ie it's plugged directly into the router via a cable ..and just about every anti-virus and firewall is installed...

Ok so it runs like a dog.....

but I feel secure......

I fully expect to be told different!

The 'new' computer has a lot less security as , I think, no personal details are entered....ok IP address....but no bank account or sensative passwords......runs fast due to lack of security software etc...

So far I've had no Problekjwmfkesnf;kl 976947-0 fkdl;ck-d08 -jkvdl;k =-vi][wkl

Bugger....



PS: I bought a cheap underwater video camera from Lidl £ 69.00.... if you feel that you need to check below the waterline it would be bloody brilliant..

 

[Xcinquemila]

I have got on my lappy:
- All my user manuals
- Ugrib for weather grib files
- Deckman software from B&G , can download from their website
- sailamail

But then again, I am out for the Blue waters.
xcinquemila.blogspot.com

 

[onesea]

IMHO not worth it. If you have all the toys you need. It will only give you another thing to fix instead of sailing...

I bought an auto pilot, now I want to put waypoints in my GPS = less time sailing.

I bought an Auto Pilot to increase my sailing so far it has cost me 3 days to fit it tidy up some wiring etc. Do you really need it?

 

[Iain C]

A dedicated boat lappy is an excellent idea, especially for boys weekends away. And I guess when the boat is not being used she could keep an eye on it and shoo any marauding seagulls away.

However I do think that a boat lappy would be better suited to boats with a keel stepped mast, as it would give her more opportunity for performances in the saloon in inclement weather conditions...using the mast for the performance on deck in more family oriented crusing destinations might not go down well.

However, I fail to see what boat electronics has got to do with it?

 

[dunedin]

Iain C's suggestion is a good one, if a bit lateral. However, to borrow from another recent thread, suspect his Lappy might be incompatible with other software such as Wife 1.0 and lead to install of Lawyer 2.0.

Feels like might be of limited benefit in practice.

(PS and I don't think I will use as a separate home device for security reasons. I may be wrong but don't feel an encrypted wireless link is a huge risk for non-NATO level stuff, and want all the security software on the main laptop anyway)

 

[Bosun Higgs]

I carry the lappy on board in addition to the chartplotter and paper charts and even ( though I wouldnt use it seriously) navionics on the phone. The lappy gets some use either for watching TV ( I'm not about to miss F1) or for playing on the www. TV uses a dongle as does the www.

I do have a charplotter software package on the lappy plus a usb gps, but when the proper plotter went titsup, I went back to paper charts rather than use the lappy.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

And if you want one (or two in fact) here are some very nice ones looking for a good home.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...-with-a-complete-working-spare-laptop-as-well