|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Wed Feb 20 2008 - 21:44:52 EST
We already discussed some navigational software programs for the Mac. What
are the best laptops on which to run this software? This is a far easier problem
than choosing among PC laptops since Apple is the only maker of suitable
computers.
If we restrict our discussion to modern navigational programs requiring OS 9
or OS X, only Mac laptops released since 2000 and running G3, G4, or Intel
processors will do. These include the Firewire or Pismo Powerbook, all iBooks,
all metal (aluminum, titanium) cased Powerbooks, and all MacBooks. Of this
group, some work better in the marine environment. Aluminum and metal cased laptops
(12," 15" and 17" Powerbooks, MacBook Pros) while easy to carry and lovely to
look at tend to show the ravages of salt air. Unanodized or unpainted
aluminum will eventually develop pits and dents. The best Mac laptops to use on a
boat are the polycarbonate cased iBooks and MacBooks. This bulletproof plastic
is virtually inert in the marine environment.
Most laptop cases are perforated by many openings. The iBook I am typing this
on has 8 holes in the side for USB, Firewire, Ethernet, and phone modem
plugs. It also has a slit for a CD. Other laptops have even more openings for PC
cards, camera memory chips, etc. A dollop of salt water entering through any of
these openings can do serious damage to the internal electronics. I have had
success sealing these openings with a strip of electrical tape. It may look
like hell but it protects the delicate innards from salt spray. Unfortunately you
can't seal the ventilation openings. With a flexible keyboard cover, my old
12" iBook has lasted for 4 years on the flybridge of my boat.
One benefit of using Macs on a boat is that all current Mac laptops are
equipped with built in Bluetooth and 802.11 g wi-fi transducers capable of sharing
information with other similarly equipped computers. No additional wi-fi
router is necessary. It is very easy to set up a local area network, running the
navigational software on one computer secure below decks while duplicating the
display on a much cheaper and more expendable laptop on the bridge exposed to
the elements. Used iBooks are less expensive than remote displays. They also
run 4 hours on battery power. No wires necessary.
I'm sure that most PC devotees will regale me with stories of using the
Panasonic Toughbooks to drive nails while simultaneously navigating the islands off
the Maine coast. Remember that I'm PC impaired.
Larry Z
**************
Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.
(http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
_______________________________________________
http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/listinfo/trawlers-and-trawlering
To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options (get password, change email address, etc) go to: http://lists.samurai.com/mailman/options/trawlers-and-trawlering
Trawlers & Trawlering and T&T are trademarks of Water World
Productions. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
|