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I've followed this thread with interest and amusement. Most of the points
made are valid and - if you peel off all the onion layers and go back to the
original post - really don't make much of a difference taken in the context
of that inquiry. The original poster asked for recommendations for a
laptop. The assumption I make from that is - he intends to NOT have a
system dedicated to the boat but rather one he can use OFF the boat for
other purposes.
So - all of the discussion really boils down to:
1. Get one from a reliable source/vendor so it will be reasonably failure
resistant and serviceable. El cheapo as I've seen it used here seems to
really mean source and construction - NOT implying less than top of the line
is cheap.
2. Get the brightest screen you can or it will not be useable on the boat
in most lighting conditions.
3. Get enough RAM (128Mb) to comfortably run the software AND the
operating system the software is designed to run on.
4. Get enough HD space to load the OS, Software AND charts (at least 4 GB
but preferably 6 GB 'cause the OS/software & charts will eat up almost 3 GB)
5. Interface it with a GPS, load it, use it, and enjoy it. BUT,
remember - it's a tool - not a replacement for using good judgment or the
need to know the basics of navigation, needs to be constantly monitored and
(just like the INS and autopilot on my 747) cross-checked by a human
watch-stander using other more basic navigation tools (i.e. paper charts and
plotter), and finally - doesn't relieve the Captain of his responsibility
for the boat (even if you choose software called the Capt'n).
Dennis Mills makes a VERY good point "The most important element in the
navigational equation is still the gray stuff between our ears."
Dick Nielsen
"Keebird"
38' Bayliner
Seattle
