Marine pcs

LeonF

Well-Known Member
Joined
25 Jun 2001
Messages
1,217
Location
South London
Visit site
Are they worth the extra money and where do I find them in the UK? There are several companies on the net in the U.S.A. but I can't seem to locate one over here.

L.A.R.Ferguson
 
Save your money and buy a Notebook PC. Cheaper, easily available and works very well. I have been using mine on a small 27' Yacht (Albin vega) for the last five years with SEAPRO CHART SOFTWARE (Excellent package). Just make sure it is stapped down with velcro or similar.

Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703
 
Having used a standard desktop PC for over three years as a full-time liveaboard I don't think they are worth the money requested for a "marine". Our installation is in the wheel/dog house hung underneath the chart table with a TFT flat screen 15" monitor that swings down from the roof. Besides chart plotting and running Reeds Electronic Pilot, we have a DVD player, TV card, CD copier, scanner, printer etc.etc., but above all IT IS IN A DRY LOCATION, though at times it has been much colder than in a house.

Further info if you require from goldendawn@telepolis.com
 
I use a standard laptop on board as a liveaboard, its kept dry in the wheelhouse and runs all the usual stuff, including charts and weatherfax, e-mail. I've had no trouble with it in 7 years, bought a car charger for it so dont need an inverter, my BJC85 colour canon printer/scanner runs on 12 volts aswell, a very neat package all round. I wouldnt bother with the added expense of "marinisation".
 
Why not buy or build yourself a mini-pc - this is a cheaper option. You can build a PC using something like the Shuttle SV24 barebones system for half the cost of a notebook of comparable power, and have a system that is easier to upgrade or repair. (The Shuttle is available from www.overclockers.co.uk )

For an off-the-shelf solution an Elenex book PC might be the answer - the ProSentia 1000 can be found on Elonex's site. (www.elonex.com) This machine is VCR-sized and combined with a 15" TFT monitor (available for around £250 and dropping) would make an ideal compact boat system at a very reasonable price.

- Nick
 
Top