T&T: Alternative to hard drives in computers

[George Rankin]

I don't know how many computers can boot from a memory stick, which would be
a requirement if you want to replace the disk drive.    I see from the all
knowing google that some do, but it probably has to be a pretty recent
model. 

You can get a solid state replacement to your hard disk, which is something
that I am planning for my next boat computer.    

You can find solid state disk drives at places like
http://www.computer-memory-store.com/ide-laptop-flash-drives.html (I haven't
bought from them, no idea how reputable they are.)   The upside is that it
is a plug in replacement to your IDE drive, is fast, low power, and  has no
moving parts.  Being a direct replacement for the IDE drive is good, because
then no computer software can even tell that you have a nontraditional disk.
Booting off of CF or a memory stick is one of those things that "ought to"
work, which generally translates to "you are the guinea pig."


The downside is that they are expensive and are of relatively limited size.
You can get 4gb which should be enough for navigation and Windows XP for
about $250 and prices seem to still be dropping.    I would guess that you
would want to make sure that the computer power supply was well isolated,
but other than that it should be more reliable in a marine environment than
a disk spinning at 10,000 rpm.   

I'm still trying to find out if heat rejection is an issue.


(Side note, I remember being completely thrilled that 100 megabyte disks
were available even though they were incredibly expensive.   Now I'm
complaining that four gigabytes is too small.   Times change.)

George Rankin
Waiting on new boat.