Tablet computer for Navigation

[prroots]

Can anyone recommend a tablet computer for navigation? Here are my preliminary requirements:
- runs Windows (ie, compatible with OpenCPN)
- touch screen
- external mouse and keyboard option (when used for other applications)
- screen size >= 12 inch
- USB ports

Thanks.
Pete

[emoney]

Lenovo, and I'm sure others, sell a "convertible" tablet that has a keyboard base that swivels up and into the back of the touch screen. Kinda like have the best of both worlds. Most tablets in that category are running Windows 7. However, those tend to be on the higher end of the price scale. Any thoughts to using a "Netbook"? Much less expensive to be exposing to the salt air/water.

[SHNOOL]

Viewsonic used to make a great 10 inch windoze tablet that you might get on ebay REAL cheap Pentium III though! heheh HowStuffWorks "Consumer Electronics Show 2004"

Otherwise, a standard windoze tablet might work. If money is no object we use the Dell XT2 tablets all the time. On Dell outlet they can be had cheap. They are 12.1 inch, can buy great "bump cases" for them, have USB ports, and VGA. probably ~800 on the outlet site.

Workflow XT2 Convertible Bump Case

We use these on our fork trucks at work, so they are pretty tough laptops (water? probably not great on them).

[Minnewaska]

Would it still be a tablet with a screen size of 12in?

I had a Fujitsu Lifebook for years. I liked it, still have it. However, I just bought an Ipad and it makes the thing seem as primitive as a chalkboard. Forget OpenCPN. You can get a real navigation app for $25 with no chart and gps integration work at all. The Ipad also works great inside a waterproof case. OpenCPN, which I've used, is cool because its free. However, its free for a reason.

How about an anchor alarm app! ($2) Never had that on my tablet.

[night0wl]

Seriously thinking about the ASUS Transformer and using Navionics.

Radar at the helm is the only thing holding me back.

[PaulinVictoria]

OpenCPN will also run on an Ubuntu system, lots of different tablets are "ubuntable". I run it on my laptop with OpenCPN, faster, more stable than Windoze and I don't need some ninja fast supercomputer to run it.

[prroots]

Originally Posted by emoney

Lenovo, and I'm sure others, sell a "convertible" tablet that has a keyboard base that swivels up and into the back of the touch screen. Kinda like have the best of both worlds. Most tablets in that category are running Windows 7. However, those tend to be on the higher end of the price scale. Any thoughts to using a "Netbook"? Much less expensive to be exposing to the salt air/water.

Thanks. Yes, I've thought of a netbook and you're certainly right about the cost. My thought was to get the tablet up onto the bulkhead of nav station and use it much like a very flexible chartplotter. At anchor I would be able to use a mouse and keyboat to convert it into a somewhat normal laptop. Alternatively, I could just carry a laptop for all other apps.
Pete

[prroots]

Originally Posted by PaulinVictoria

OpenCPN will also run on an Ubuntu system, lots of different tablets are "ubuntable". I run it on my laptop with OpenCPN, faster, more stable than Windoze and I don't need some ninja fast supercomputer to run it.

Good idea esp. if it's dedicated for navigation. I already run Ubuntu on a ZOTAC MAG Dual-Core All-in-One Mini-PC [MAGHD-ND01-U]. How does one figure out which tablets can run Ubuntu?
Pete

[SHNOOL]

I'll second the recommendation of LINUX, pick a flavor. Unless you are a windoze god, the Linux system will be much more stable, and generally boot faster, with less hassle, and the updates can be done on your time (less likely someone will crash your machine with a virus). This being a purpose built machine, not really used as a web surfing tool or the like (could be, but won't be)... it will likely serve you better for your purpose.

[prroots]

Originally Posted by SHNOOL

I'll second the recommendation of LINUX, pick a flavor. Unless you are a windoze god, the Linux system will be much more stable, and generally boot faster, with less hassle, and the updates can be done on your time (less likely someone will crash your machine with a virus). This being a purpose built machine, not really used as a web surfing tool or the like (could be, but won't be)... it will likely serve you better for your purpose.

Thanks. I'd be happy with Ubuntu, but as asked above how do I figure out which tablets will accept it?
Pete