Another View:

Basic Question: Are you planning to be able to "use" the computer from
the helm position?? If so, you will not want to put a typical laptop
in that location. How do you see the screen and operate the laptop?

IF you want a helm-position usable computer for navigation,
monitoring, and possibly onboard controls, then I think the VIA and
similar machines are the way to go. The system mounts in a protected
position, but runs sealed/fanless for high reliability in Salt Air, a
LCD Display (lots of issues and variants and prices) is viewable at
the helm, and some variety of hands-on control (again, many
possibilities) are at the helm position.

The newer VIA units have MP4 video acceleration in the chipset and can
play DVD movies successfully. At Anchor! Unless you want to watch and
listen to Victory At Sea while underway :-)

I'm researching the possibilities and will build some system like this
starting in late May when I get back to the US.

There is a new "WIKI" section of www.boatdesign.net and I'm helping
put together a "Onboard Computers" section. You're invited to drop in
there (http://boatdesign.net/wiki) and help out!
There a discussion section (Tab at the top) so please say hello...

I haven't followed this group, but I will from now on.. Obviously the
only reason for all this stuff is to Get Out There.