On Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:53:26 +0100, Steve Lusardi wrote:

There are big differences between radar displays and PC monitors. One of the
most difficult to overcome is the resolution and aspect ratio between the
two. The second problem is power. DC powered screens are expensive. The
third is intensity control. PC displays do not offer adequate control at low
intensity settings. Next is back glow. PC monitors have far too much back
glow when displaying black. It destroys night vision. Last, but not least,
is moisture resistance. Marine screens are usually IP 66 and ruggedized,
where PC screens have no protection rating.

The price difference is not because of the above differences, which
obviously do add some cost, but is actually created by the volume sold and
the certifications required by most of the marine sales.

All good points.

A possible alternative is radar software or chart plotter overlay running
on your laptop. Ruggedized Panasonic Toughbook laptops have screens
viewable in daylight, with less back glow at night (through additional low
light control in software drivers). These are the laptops used by police
officers in their cars, military, telecom field workers, etc.

Matt O.