Topic: Laptop Question

[nofearengineer]

Hello everyone.

My first post, and glad to be here.  Great site.

I am getting ready to buy a dedicated laptop to use with my 1197, as it would be really nice to take on vacations where taking my home PC along will obviously not be a good option.

I have never owned a laptop before, and it's somewhat ironic that fishing/boating would be the reason to buy one. 

Any suggestions as to a particular make/model that works well for you?  I don't really plan on using it for anything else.  It doesn't need a fancy graphics card or Blu-Ray player.  I would like a big screen (I use my 52" LCD TV for my home PC monitor, so I'm spoiled.  ).  I'm thinking bare bones in every other way.  $400'ish?

Any known hardware combinations that don't play nice with Humminbird PC, son2xtf, Humview, Dr. Depth, etc?

[George]

nofearengineer

When you state that you have never owned a laptop, are you computer literate? 

Personally, I do not think you will go wrong with any computer, Walmart or Best Buy have some good prices.  For me most of my purchases have been Dell and Gateway computers, these were purchased on-line.  On-line Dell has refurbished laptops with some great pricing and has the normal warranty.

The bottom line choosing a computer is a personal choice, most systems can hook up to TVs but not all.  Also you need to insure that there is USB port(s)

George

[nofearengineer]

I am extremely computer literate.  However, I have always assembled my own computers.  Laptops, given their nature, are not really a good platform for custom building.  So I never had one, never dealt with any of those chipsets, motherboards, etc.  In essence, I am completely unfamiliar with all of the proprietary machines out there.

[sonar2000]

The HP's work fine for us. And work well with the sonar add on programs for viewing.
However most any major brand will do..
Any issues with add-in or sonar related stuff is or has been answered here and can be searched using the tab at the top of this screen...
If you have issues just post a question......
chuck

[George]

nofearengineer

Chuck is correct, basically any laptop you get will work, it is the software which can be challenging to start.  I think you can go on-line and get the most for your money.  The components in Laptops have come a long ways in the past few years. 

If I ran a business, I would probably have laptops for my employees with a docking system instead of desktops.  Yes, some people will abuse the privilege, overall we would benefit from them taking the computer home and playing with it and sometimes doing (unpaid) work, like I have done over the years.  Good laptops are every bit as capable as desktops, depending how much you are willing to pay.

George 

[Roddy]

Nofear, I have had a number of Laptops over the years, and now I have three (3) HP Pavilion dv7's on the boat. I do a lot of side scan, tow fish,rov and camera work and fishing. After years of use my conclusion is you get what you pay for!

 If you can a HP dv7,8g,750g,Windows7 with Office Pro. 17inch. $1400.00+.
 Add a good mapping and side scan that does it all well. $7,00.00-13,000.00.

OR

Call HP they will build a unit that will well for you @ $500.00-700.00.
There a number of freeware Side Scan and Mapping programs on the web.

The Windows7 Office PRO is the key. Get it right or nutn' works!

Good luck and enjoy Roddy

[Bob B]

A panasonic toughbook would be the best bet in a boat.  Good sunlight visibility and rugged.....only problem is they cost a fortune new.
You could look around online and find a used one for cheap, but wouldn't be the latest and fastest.

I have a Sony Vaio that is a hand me down from my daughter when we go her a new one.  I have upgraded it to Win7 ....only thing that goes wrong is the battery pack.  I am on the second one, at it is getting to where it won't keep a charge.