If I may suggest, a Bluetooth GPS puck might be a better option (a tablet has probably very limited USB ports). If you have a GPS dongle, get yourself a USB2Go cable that would let you connect a normal USB device (low power, though) to a MicroUSB port that is normally available on a tablet.
A tablet would not need (normally) more than about 2 A for power supply (at 5 V). There are many options for supplying that 5 V (USB voltage) from a 12 V DC. Software-wise, you might be better off with an Android, iOS or Linux (plenty of no cost or low cost apps). For Windows, applications are more limited in that category. Before you go, check if your application is easy enough to operate in tablet mode (i.e. by touch). I find that some of the Windows applications are difficult to operate without a mouse and/or keyboard. I use a small BT mouse that can double up as a trackball (when space or table surface is at a premium) and a BT keyboard. Keep in mind that those two are even less water proof than the tablet itself. If you use a tablet I would recommend upgrading to Win 10. Marek C270, Legato In Ottawa. From: CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list-boun...@cnc-list.com] On Behalf Of Josh Muckley via CnC-List Sent: September-08-15 17:20 To: C&C List Cc: Josh Muckley Subject: Re: Stus-List Windows laptop for chartplotter? Yes, it is a great option for the cost conscious. The NOAA website has all of their charts available in vector and raster formats. They also have links to free and paid software for viewing the charts. You'll need to provide a GPS input. There are lots of options (long term and short) but the quickest and easiest is to buy a usb gps dongle. A laptop is very power hungry. The chargers usually draw 90w or ~7.5 amps. It's worse if you have to use an inverter. 12v chargers can often be found on amazon or ebay for pretty cheap, $10. Most laptops are also not in any way waterproof. PM me if you need more info. Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 C&C 37+ Solomons, MD On Sep 8, 2015 5:05 PM, "Danny Haughey via CnC-List" <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: Hi Guys, The boat I'm in the process of buying does not currently have chartplotter. Instead of rushing into the purchase of a new one for the delivery home I was thinking to use a windows tablet with an external GPS antennae/dongle and charts loaded from someplace to be determined. I think I'd get a cheap handheld garmin as well. GPS store has one for $169. I have windows tablet with the specs of a laptop. i5 processor and 4gb ram and I have an older android tablet with decent specs for it age. Is this a viable option to at least get the boat home and try and find a good deal on a plotter over the off season? It would also be a carry on and use and alleviate the need to install anything before the trip. Any and all advice is always appreciated! Danny Still headed toward a closing Massachusetts _______________________________________________ Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
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