GL: Computer as Chart Plotter

[Greg Schoenberg]

We use an older $200 indestructible Thinkpad with an older Nobeltech version
and free charts.  Bought all off e-bay.  Laptop has been dropped, sprayed with
salt water, and now used by my 11 year old daughter when we're not on the
boat.  She's still ticking, although the batter lasts only an hour or two.

Obviously, this laptop is secondary to on-board chartplotter.  I've owned both
Garmin and Standard Horizon, buying both used off E-bay.  I prefer the
former.
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Dick Glover
  To: pwbolin at earthlink.net ; great-loop at lists.samurai.com
  Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 1:41 PM
  Subject: Re: GL: Computer as Chart Plotter


  > To: great-loop at lists.samurai.com> > Subject: GL: Computer as Chart
Plotter>
  > "I would appreciate any recommendations on inexpensive laptops with easy
to>
  see screens; and any comments on the best software to use with the laptop.>
  The salesmen I've talked to don't seem to understand the need to be able
to>
  see the screen from the bridge. "

  We used 2 different HP laptops for out Loop cruise in 2005 and continue to
use
  them.  One has a 15.4" mat finish screen and the other is 14" smooth
finish.
  We continue to use them and found both to be acceptable on the flybridge or
  lower helm station.  When there is reflection, we just angle the screen
down
  and visibility is fine.  We have never bothered wity na sunshade but a
simple
  cardboard screen might be helpful at times.

  We use Fugawi and Maptech Offshore Navigator (came free on our NDI Canadian
  digital charts) and slightly prefer Maptech.  The Maptech version that was
  being included with their chartbooks is a teaser version we did not like.
The
  Managing the Waterway people sell a CD/DVD? with over 3,000 North American
  charts for $37 that we found to be outstanding.

  Hope this helps.
  Dick Glover
  GB 42 STARSONG
  Savannah, GA

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