On Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:17:21 +0000, Larry wrote:

Someone was looking for rugged mobile laptops for their boats not long ago.

Just a thought

About 5 or 6 years ago wanted to have a monitor on the open to the
elements flying bridge of a 32 metre Malaysian Customs patrol boat as
a slave to the CRT of the desktop on the enclosed bridge below.
Steering could be effected on both bridges.

I bought some Glad Wrap - I think that Americans call it Saren Wrap -
and simply wrapped it around the screen and sealed the plugs into
place with rubber self amalgamating tape. The plastic wrap was
smoothed out on the screen with my credit card to eliminate bubbles.
Being LCD, and only drawing 70 watts (at 220 volts) I felt that there
was no need for ventilation holes.

Surprisingly, sunlight was not a problem, possibly as the flying
bridge had a canvas covering overhead.

Worked well for months as a trial until it was needed elsewhere.

Also, all Customs patrol boats of any size , have an ordinary laptop.
The only problem experienced is that, under way, the touch pads are
impossible to use as a slight bump makes you 'click' the pad. Mice are
necessary.

Incidently, I intend to leave Curacao within a few days pending upon
the winds becoming stronger and head for Aruba (anchor overnight
off-shore) and then the Venezuelan and Colombian waters - Cartagena
being my short term destination before going on to San Blas, Panama
and the wonderful waters of the Pacific and home - EnSha'Allah.

cheers
Peter
New Zealand yacht Herodotus