Expedition Navigation Software 
1 of 1- eclipsemullet
- Expert
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- From: Cowes, UK
- Registered: 6/12/2016
- Posts: 122
Which Laptop
Hi All
I think I need a new laptop. I'm currently using an old Panasonic Toughbook CF-53. What would you guys recommend I buy?
Beneteau First 40
B&G H5000 Performance
Heading sensor: Furuno PG700
Chart table: Toughbook CF-53 | Deckscreen: Mesa 2
- rvsail
- Expert
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- Registered: 7/06/2022
- Posts: 55
Re: Which Laptop
The two im most happy with on the boats I’m on are
the CF33 tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard and trackball glued to a strip of carbon. This is on a boat with no real nav station, the tablet is mounted on to a bulkhead with dual lock, and is Ethernet connect to the instruments, has power plugged in and has USB to the ais.
The other is a traditional sort of laptop, FZ55 Mk3
I prefer the CF33 setup
Have also used a surface tablet, dell laptops
But they never last.
Have also used a Blackbox mini pc that only had Remote Desktop in and no screen. Worked when it worked. Pain in the arse when it didn’t.
- sparky
- Expert
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- From: Cambridge UK
- Registered: 4/27/2018
- Posts: 256
Re: Which Laptop
I'm a big fan of virtually indestructible ThinkPads.
- Boomerang
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- Registered: 5/20/2017
- Posts: 14
Re: Which Laptop
I prefer a Mini PC running on 12vdc. I used a portable monitor connected to the PC with USB C.
Just replaced my last mini with a MeLe 4C Quieter Mini. Has no fan and is silent. Only $250 on Amazon and the monitor was $70. Just slightly thicker than an iPhone.