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I'm looking for suggestions on a Windows XP laptop that will be used for the new Raytech RMS 6.0 navigation software that will be interfaced to my E120. I have a Nordic Tug so the laptop will be used in the pilot house (a protected environment). However, it is really bright in the pilot house. Any suggestions on a laptop, specifically relative to the screen brightness, contrast and resolution will be appreciated. Thinking of a Dell.
Dell makes a decent product and they do have the easiest replacement/repair support. The XPS line looks pretty durable and the screen should be good enough.
The Sony Viao is a really nice laptop also.
Also look at the Toshiba's.
The new Apples (with Intel chips) will also run Windows. They're build extremely well, the monitors are fantastic. This is brand new technology for Apple, though.
Computer screen brightness is measured in "nits" One nit is equal to one candela per sq meter. An average computer is 250 to 350 nits. In a bright pilot house you want 500 to 700 nits. A daylight screen is 2000 nits. You will find that separate computer screens will give much better brightness for $, than a laptop. You might consider one of the small box or flat box/keyboard computers and a separated moniter--that will give more flexiability for less money. Also I do not use E mail and many other programs on a navigation computer--a separate cheap laptop is better for this.
I have a Dell (Inspiron 8200), had a Toshiba (Protege), and recently purchased a Sony Vaio with a nVidia 128mb dedicted RAM video card. The Sony Vaio LCD is a much brighter screen and has incredible graphics capabilities. Both the Dell and the Toshiba were difficult to see outdoors. The Sony is much easier to see in daylight, (i.e. using in my pickup as a GPS/mapping unit on the road). The Dell XPS laptop is large and heavy, but has a nice screen. I still think for daylight use the Sony is the way to go. IMOH. Hope this helps.
Computer screen brightness is measured in "nits" One nit is equal to one candela per sq meter. An average computer is 250 to 350 nits. In a bright pilot house you want 500 to 700 nits. A daylight screen is 2000 nits. You will find that separate computer screens will give much better brightness for $, than a laptop. You might consider one of the small box or flat box/keyboard computers and a separated moniter--that will give more flexiability for less money. Also I do not use E mail and many other programs on a navigation computer--a separate cheap laptop is better for this.
I learn something new everyday, and I am a nitwit!
While many laptops displays may be marginally acceptable on maximum rightness in indirect sunlight, very few are useable in direct sunlight. The ones which use glossy displays will have glare problems too. The laptop you need should have a direct sunlight viewable display. A Google search will find some options. An obvious choice is the Panasonic Toughbook laptop which is ruggedized and available with this type of display. Check out http://www.panasonic.ca/English/Offi...F73XCVTSBM.asp
I use a Panasonic toughbook in direct sunlight. I fish in-land water without a canopy. I have a Lowrance 111 as comparison and the 111 is much brighter but I can see my contour maps well on the toughbook. I have a toughbook wireless display (MDWD) that I have used in the rain for 2 years without problems. My navigation software is Fugawi and Global Mapper.
Steve Jobs said in an interview that Apple won't be doing anything to stop anyone from running Windows on the new Macs. I was thinking that the best of both worlds would be running OS X on the machine with Virtual PC that would run windows in a Window. since it is an Intel processor, the virtual PC would run at full speed (just like vmware on a PC). It would be slick!
Location: Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends. In Fl now.
Posts: 5,979
Re: Laptop with best screen
"the best of both worlds would be running OS X on the machine with Virtual PC that would run windows in a Window. since it is an Intel processor, the virtual PC would run at full speed (just like vmware on a PC). It would be slick! "
An intel chip can be specialized to a specific software product. Assuming that an Apple enhanced intel processor will operate windows at same speed is a bit long. If it emmulates windows it has to run through emulator sucking up processor clock ticks and slowing an already large program. The more instructions you have to run the longer it takes to deliver results..
It all depends..
How large do you think the next iteration of Windows will be. 200GB?
The screen problem is simple to solve. Take the suspect PC out in the noonday sun and look at the screen. Any Office Depot will let you do that. I would go with a portable with a 17" screen and a 7200 rpm hard disk. You will be surprised at difference a 7200 rpm Hd delivers over the standard 4200 supplied with portables. You are talking Zoom Zoom!
solarfry - 1/16/2006 4:34 PM
...
The screen problem is simple to solve. Take the suspect PC out in the noonday sun and look at the screen. Any Office Depot will let you do that. ...
WOW! we have a genius among us! with helpful hints like this, who needs forums!
solar...did you consider that he might be looking for input from people w/some experience on the question of screen visibility??
Quote:
thataway - 1/14/2006 7:46 PM
Computer screen brightness is measured in "nits" One nit is equal to one candela per sq meter. An average computer is 250 to 350 nits. In a bright pilot house you want 500 to 700 nits. A daylight screen is 2000 nits. You will find that separate computer screens will give much better brightness for $, than a laptop. You might consider one of the small box or flat box/keyboard computers and a separated moniter--that will give more flexiability for less money. Also I do not use E mail and many other programs on a navigation computer--a separate cheap laptop is better for this.
OK, now this is good, accurate information. although, to 'nit-pick' , i would say that the standard for daylight viewable is 1,000 nit, not 2,000, but it's all subjective anyway. i also think your suggestion of a separate, stand alone screen is the best answer when considering value. you can get a 450 nit lcd for real cheap money. i would suggest looking at the lcd monitor/tv combos for two reasons: you'll get tv on board & they tend to be brighter than their monitor only brethren.
FYI - Latop screens and thin screens are frequently distorted if not viewed fairly straight on. A laptop will output the display to a CRT but may then show dark on its own screen. I've only seen it demonstrated once so there may be a work-around for that with some models.
CRT monitors may still be expensive in the stores but I see them free in the recycling shed every time I go to my local transfer station. Something to think about if the laptop doesnt quite meed your expectations.
Good luck!
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Location: Los Angeles, FL.or Georgia, depends. In Fl now.
Posts: 5,979
RE: Laptop with best screen
Make sure you get the 7200 RPM Hard Drive. It will astound you with how much faster it makes your software run. Redraws and graphics hum along at desktop speed.
You have to ask for it. Most of stores only carry the slow as heck 5200 RPM Hard Drives on their portables.
Laptop with best screen 
, i would say that the standard for daylight viewable is 1,000 nit, not 2,000, but it's all subjective anyway. i also think your suggestion of a separate, stand alone screen is the best answer when considering value. you can get a 450 nit lcd for real cheap money. i would suggest looking at the lcd monitor/tv combos for two reasons: you'll get tv on board & they tend to be brighter than their monitor only brethren. 
