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!

I like the word "semi" in the title. The implications are in line with most
PC installations, and suggest that when the next Wonderbox comes out, we
will all ditch the old technology and re-install the new. About 6 months
perhaps?