Outdoor-viewable tablet PCs!

[reeferjon]

I've been looking for a cheap outdoor-viewable PC / monitor that I can use to run CMAP ECS on deck. Just found a web site in the US that's selling Outdoor-viewable Fujitsu tablets, with 64Mb RAM, Pentium 233MMX chips and USB for $279 (about £160). Not the fastest chip in the world, but it's more than capable of running basic chart nav software.

I'm waiting on delivery, so I'll let you know how it turns out!

If you consider, that the cheapest decent size outdoor-viewable monitors are selling for over £1500, it's a bit of a bargain!

Address is http://jksalesinc.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=219

Oh, and I'm not on a comission or anything.. it's just that I've been looking to find this kit for ages.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

Do they claim it is waterproof, or merely that you can view it outdoors, and as soon as it rains it you are supposed to put it under cover!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[steve6367]

Looks very interesting.........please let us know what its like when it comes.......

Did you get the "Harsh Enviroment Case" or do you have a dry place for it?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Anthony]

WOW, really interesting!

I see it runs win 98 (so not to get it confused with the modern tablet PC OS, which is understandable at that spec / price), so it just uses extra drivers for the touch screen, which seem to be downloadable from Fujitsu so no problem there.

64MB could be a bit small. Kingston memory only offer upgrades as compact flash adaptor. I wasnt aware that it was possible to use compact flash as system memory, but could be a reasonable solution if it works. Obviously hard disk should be easy enough to expand if desired. Has USB so can use external CD drive for loading software, or put network card in it.

When are you expecting delivery? Would be intersting to also know how much it ends up costing with shipping, VAT and import duty etc.

Please do keep us all posted, I am almost tempted to order one now!

Oh, should I, hmm it would be sensible to wait till you have yours and get feedback... why do you do this to me?! <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_1_11.gif' alt='Crazy' border=0></a>

Anthony

<hr width=100% size=1>The difference between men and boys, is just the price of their toys...

 

[reeferjon]

There is a "harsh environment" case available for the LT, but the jksales haven't got any in stock. However even this is not splashproof...

I've ordered a slip case (http://jksalesinc.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=204) which would afford it some protection. The plan was then to apply liberal quantities of gaffa tape / clear plastic and see how it goes! Maybe I should change my tag to Captain Heath-Robinson...?! ;-)

I figure that worst case scenario, I can get one of those clear plastic zip-lock document wallets (as you can use the screen through the plastic) and see how I get on! I don't plan on having it outside in a Force 10 though....

Next I need to get one of those little compact-flash GPS receivers from Ebay for £50, and then.. hey presto!

I'll put some pics up on my web site, and keep you posted.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[steve28]

I wonder if the batteries are any good if they are used, they also say one of the below so i suppose you could just get a power adapter.


You may need a usb to serial convertor or the port replicator as well for a gps, i have had little luck getting the pcmcia cards to work.

 

[steve6367]

Has it arrived yet?

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Guest]

Plenty of flat screen TV / Monitors available

I have been pndering the use of the flat screen TV / Monitor for ages and have seen quite a few of 5", 6", and bogger screens. Starting at 99.99 pounds.

OK - so not waterproof - but what is nowadays ???? Suitably placed on most boats should not be a problem .... but biggest question is whether sunlight affects viewing.

My wife wants one in the kitchen - so whether it makes it to there is debatable !!!!


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[Guest]

Add a USB - IDE adaptor

and a USB hub and you can have CD + Hard drive ...... ok so you would have to install a driver maybe for the hub etc.

Interesting ........

<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ... and of course Yahoo groups :
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gps-navigator/

 

[Soong]

Any sign of it yet?

<hr width=100% size=1>