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From: Pascal Gademer (no email)
Date: Tue Aug 17 2004 - 21:40:22 EDT
i've always bought the most basic model I could find.... I'm still running a 5 year old compaq for email, internet, web design with dreamweaver, navigation with mapsource/blud chart, etc.... never had to call tech support or get any service.
for such basic needs, you don't need any fancy model. a CD burner is nice for back up but the new USB data cartridges are fine.... when I replace that "old" compaq, I'll get the cheapeast one I can find... I don't want an expensive noebook on the boat...
the one "gadget" which has really made it even better, is a wireless datacard. Faster than regular dial up, works away from the slip.. I used Cingular ($80 unimited / month) but others like Verizon have similar plans. it's great to be able to access weather radar underway....
pascal
miami, fl
----- Original Message -----
From: Roger Rippy
To:
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2004 7:00 PM
Subject: lv-ab: Advice on computers aboard
I have been informed by the Admiral that it is high time to get a laptop computer aboard Tin Cup. Not that the walks to the local library are not interesting and good for a little exercise. I have surfed the net and also checked a few stores and there is a wide range of computers and features out there for sale. What I would really like to know from you that have used them aboard your boat for a period of time is what is important and what is not. We would keep some personal records, do a little word processing, do email (and winlink if I ever get busy and buy the gear), surf the internet, and simple work like that. We would be concerned about product reliability in a salt air environment, tech support, and service contracts. This past winter the marina we were at in Florida had free Wi-Fi which was great; we are now up north and that is nearly as common.
How many of the bells and whistles are really worth it for the purposes that I have outlined? Any thoughts and recommendations, either off-line or thru this site, would be greatly appreciated. Norm shared a few thoughts with us a couple of years ago, but prices and features have changed some since then and we are taking another serious look at what has come to be common place aboard many boats.
Thanks in advance...........Roger & Marie SV Tin Cup
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