BoatBanter.com - View Single Post - Semi-Permanent Onboard PC?

wrote:

Most boaters use laptops for onboard computing, but I want to see what
this group thinks about using a more permanent PC solution? My opinion
is that laptops work fine most of the time, but they aren't really
designed for life on the water unless you go with a very expensive
ruggedized version.

I have to be honest, so here's my "full disclosure". I started a
company about a year ago to build and sell marine PCs (not laptops) to
the recreational boating community. Out of respect for the newsgroup
format, I'm not going to advertise here. I'm using my personal email
address, not my business one. I'm just looking for ideas. Call it
market research.

I am interested in the general reaction and acceptance of the boating
community to the idea of replacing their laptops with a more rugged and
marine-focused solution. Would you consider it? Are you aleady doing
it? If not, what kind of features might change your mind? If you are
out there now just looking for the right marine PC system, what
features are you looking for?

Just FYI, my system currently includes "marine" features that are
inspired from my own experiences and research, such as regulated 12VDC
input, shock & vibration resistance, conformally coated circuit boards,
and a small footprint (it's about the size of a shoebox). What else may
be useful on your boat?

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

If it cannot be used as a satellite antenna pointing controller and
tv receiver, game toy, sound system, battery charging controller and
internet surfer, forget it.

Who wants to fiddle with a computer whilst sailing? Unless maybe if
it can refill a drink by voice command, and take over navigation and
steering completely, without crippling all functions if it develops
a minor heat or humidity glitch.

Conversley, who wants to fiddle with a boat whilst surfing the new
reality?

Naw, I think I'll stick with ropes made from my wifes hair,
meteorology by arthritis, and eatable pets, thanks.

I believe real sailors actually go sailing to get away from all that
crap, like in the good old days, where it was volunteer for naval
service or be dragged off to Devil's Island debtor's prison. Heck, I
don't even like using the radio while adventuring aboard, preferring
to adjust sail trim until I can steer by shifting body weight. The
crew thinks there are too many parades aboard, but who cares?

Besides, soon computers will be "free" in cereal boxes; peel and
stick to your thumbnail, autoimmune programmed, harnessed cancer
t-cell neuron growth connected, voices of Pseudo-God in your head,
stereo visions in your eyes, wireless advertising devices selling
software to synthesise designer drugs from your own metabolism, or
even expensive time out firewall widgets to quell the inundation.
Then, they will become mandatory and subject to licensing
verification inspections.

Security robots will taser on sight anyone without the newest free
and mandatory software and certain subsequent purchase codes.

Gee, I hope the big brother AI misses this post.

Terry K