ShinyShoe
Well-Known Member
For 5 years I've been using a Chromebook in the house. It's been an impressive little box of tricks. Last month it started telling me it was out of software updates and then bang this month the screen has died. I can see the screen via HDMI so it still works.
I've been impressed with its existence. Stats cool, no noise, runs 8hrs plus without mains power. Usual frustrations when you want a windows only application but otherwise it's been good. It cost £200 new. A similar model is available £150. It makes no sense to try and get the screen repaired (I opened it to check for the obvious loose ribbon).
So - what do I replace it with?
At home I have a Linux setup that can do most stuff in the office and currently a work Windows laptop. The Chromebook was more for sofa surfing... But I've always thought when I start some serious adventures (like a round Britain) I might appreciate a similar beast given its low power etc. (Of course given the life of electronics and a current lack of round Britain boat that might be 3 laptops down the line!)
Chromebook can't run OpenCPN but I'd probably RasPi it and then VNC into the pi.
I do a bit of dinghy sailing, and a bit of dinghy race officer type stuff. I've found lack of sailwave on it frustrating! I believe some folks have just in the last couple of months found a way to run sailwave.
So- thoughts please on:
- low cost (I'm Scottish!)
- moving harddrive free (I think that's the most likely point of disaster)
- reasonably rugged (I don't think we will get to waterproof!) - but something that doesn't need white gloves to handle it
- long battery life
- WiFi (no need for 4G - would hotspot phone)
- I do like a flip screen... But I know that will be pricey! Hey if it existed in price range a 'write on' screen
- ideally with a 12v or USB power option to save eating amps inverting to convert back
I've used tablets... They are OK. But sometimes a keyboard & mouse is nice!
Open to discussing OS.
I've been impressed with its existence. Stats cool, no noise, runs 8hrs plus without mains power. Usual frustrations when you want a windows only application but otherwise it's been good. It cost £200 new. A similar model is available £150. It makes no sense to try and get the screen repaired (I opened it to check for the obvious loose ribbon).
So - what do I replace it with?
At home I have a Linux setup that can do most stuff in the office and currently a work Windows laptop. The Chromebook was more for sofa surfing... But I've always thought when I start some serious adventures (like a round Britain) I might appreciate a similar beast given its low power etc. (Of course given the life of electronics and a current lack of round Britain boat that might be 3 laptops down the line!)
Chromebook can't run OpenCPN but I'd probably RasPi it and then VNC into the pi.
I do a bit of dinghy sailing, and a bit of dinghy race officer type stuff. I've found lack of sailwave on it frustrating! I believe some folks have just in the last couple of months found a way to run sailwave.
So- thoughts please on:
- low cost (I'm Scottish!)
- moving harddrive free (I think that's the most likely point of disaster)
- reasonably rugged (I don't think we will get to waterproof!) - but something that doesn't need white gloves to handle it
- long battery life
- WiFi (no need for 4G - would hotspot phone)
- I do like a flip screen... But I know that will be pricey! Hey if it existed in price range a 'write on' screen
- ideally with a 12v or USB power option to save eating amps inverting to convert back
I've used tablets... They are OK. But sometimes a keyboard & mouse is nice!
Open to discussing OS.
