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From: B Geres (no email)
Date: Thu Jan 22 2004 - 21:09:16 EST
I run a laptop aboard using solar power. I also have
helped others set their systems up so have a bit of
hands-on experience.
First off, determine what your needs are. Word
processing? Email? DVD movies? Navigation software?
Once you've nailed down what your needs are, pick
software that will meet your needs. Microsoft Word,
Pegasus Mail, Nobeltec, etc.
Once you have a list of software, determine which
program or programs demand the most of hardware. Pick
a laptop that will do just what you need - no more.
Most of what I listed above could be run on a $300
Thinkpad 600e (P400, 256 memory). If you're concerned
about power, picking an older computer can help as
many do not draw as much electricity a new machine.
Cheap old laptops may have bad betteries. Not a
problem. The act of keeping a laptop battery charged
draws much more than simply running the laptop itself.
Remove the battery from a laptop and it'll be more
frugal with your boats house batteries and it'll run
physically cooler as well.
Aboard our boat we have four 55 watt panels aboard our
sail and outboard-powered 33 footer. Is that the right
number for you? Depends upon your usage. I've got a
link here to an Excel spreadsheet that may help you
think about your electrical budget. If you don't have
Excel on your computer, you can download a "reader"
off the Microsoft site. Heres the worksheet:
http://www.geres.info/pelican/electricals30mar03.xls
Hope this helps!
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