Apple at sea

[Dan McCosh]

I just noted that the new Apple OS is supposed to run windows programs. This could help those of us who use navigation programs, as there currently are no navigation programs for Apple OS. It also got me thinking about using an Apple mini onboard. Powered by an inverter, it seems as if it could make a neat built-in system. Has anybody tried this? It's just an idea--I haven't even looked at the current draw. I kind of like the idea of being able to put it in a weatherproof area.

[Don Z.]

The comment "There is no Mac software for navigation is incorrect. I've been using GPSNavX for over a year! It's a solid program that works well.

Many people have used the Mac Mini, though I can't remember it's current draw off hand. It's in the spec sheet. The difficult part, as with any system, is the daylight readable monitor. They are available (any common monitor hookup will plug into a Mac), but spendy.

I'm runnning a PowerBook 15 with Bluetooth GPS and GPSNavX. I keep it out of the sun, and reasonably dry, and I have had no issues.

For more info, either http://www.gpsnavx.com or http://www.macsailing.net/bbs/

[Dan McCosh]

Still curious if anyone has tried a built-in computer.

[Dale H]

As it stands today there are two ways of doing windows on a Mac. First, the traditional way has been to run an emulation program like Virtual PC. It works but is somewhat slow by all accounts. Second, and I think this is the one you are referring to, is to buy a new Intel (and only Intel, not PPC-not all Macs are Intel machines yet) based Mac and run the Apple software called Boot Camp to launch windows. Boot Camp will be a feature in the new OS 10.5 when it comes out.

I've thought about a Mac Mini as a boat computer, enough of them have gone into cars.

Dale

[Don Z.]

The forum I listed has several discussions of people who have hardwired in a mac mini through an inverter and used it as their nav machine. Searches there will lead to discussions re: inverter sizes, monitors, bluetooth interfaces, etc.

Depending on what you're trying to do, there's really no need to either boot the system in Windows or use an emulator. There are nav programs that use BBS charts, etc. which are plentiful. My only regret is that I paid for a lot of MapTech charts that are now available for free from NOAA.

[Thorne]

Seems like the big question would be: how does the mini handle damp? If you could leave it powered up all the time, that would help. But if turned off, does the compact design help or hinder damp and/or corrosion issues?

[John Turpin]

The dampness issue was my first thought as well. A boat is probably the worst possible environment for a computer. A laptop in a sealed 'Pelican' case has a chance, but I'd not plan on a long life for any other set up. You might get it, but I'd not risk my life on it. I'd sure have a navigational backup.

If the Apple is to remain permanently in the boat, I might try to secure several dessicant containers inside the case and near connectors and cables. And, of course, if you could shield it from water sources (ie, people removing foulies), all the better.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you choose to do.

[Dan McCosh]

Re: protection. One consideration is that currently, any laptop is always in danger of getting drenched. There are only a handful of reliably dry places down below when the going gets rough--mainly a couple of high-placed lockers. Mounting a computer in a dry area seems as if it would be a major improvement, rather than worrying about a laptop getting a splash. I kind of like the potential flexibility of screen mounting as well. I did know one guy who did this years ago, and he was a big booster. That was before waterproof charting systems, etc. It's all speculative, but I can even see bringing down a mini and plugging it in--not any different that how I currently handle the laptop. As for the software, I am using an old Maxsea program, which no longer is suported for Mac. The new NOAA charts do seem attractive, although I can't see downloading the 800 or so charts sold as a package.

[dmede]

Dan take a look here, they may have some ideas on off beat installations:

http://www.123macmini.com/