wrote:

Im not a sailor but I have a question out of curiosity.

Is it possible to use small form factor desktops on boats with DC
systems rather than use laptops?

Bottom line.... can one use and modify a desktop to run off 12 vdc
boat system..... or is one just stuck using and buying laptops that
are already setup to use battery DC power?

If you don't mind building your own, I would recommend a Casetronics
Mini-ITX system. Casetronics manufactures cases designed to for Via's
mini-itx motherboards. By purchasing a case for $70.00, a mini-ITX
motherboard, memory, a disk drive and a CDROM drive, you can build a fully
function small form factor computer for less than $250.

The Casetronics case is particularly attractive because it uses an external
brick type of power supply that converts 117V AC to 12V DC. If you are on
a boat, you do not need the brick and can run the entire computer off your
12 volt supply. My entire system uses about 44 watts of power.

You can find a Casetronics case he
http://www.computergate.com/products...cd=HDRCM269BR1
You can find general information on the mini-itx form factor he
http://www.mini-itx.com/

If you don't mind rolling your own, you can save over $1000.00 compared to a
laptop system.