The XO Computer for Navigation

[Jim St.Pierre]

You tech guys are great but for a layman like me to try to understand all the tech talk, is imposable. I was wondering if there were someone out there that could lead me in the proper direction....???? I will be sailing

[Jim St.Pierre]

You tech guys are great but for a layman like me to try to understand all the tech talk, is imposable. I was wondering if there were someone out there that could lead me in the proper direction....???? I will be sailing to the

[Jim St.Pierre]

You tech guys are great but for a layman like me to try to understand all the tech talk, is imposable. I was wondering if there were someone out there that could lead me in the proper direction....???? I will be sailing to the Bahammas this fall, I would like a computer that has XP NOT vista. I plan on using the computer/laptop for text only while useing "sailmail" or another server, if I find one better. I have an SSB which I plan on using with the computer. Also wifi at local pubs, I have read there is an antenna one could buy and it is good for about 5 miles off shore for wifi also.... Is there anyone that can lend a hand or a few recomendations on this subject??? Thanks,,,, Jim

[phiggins]

As you probably have found out, its very difficult to find a computer with XP installed. Usually they only offer new ones with Vista or now System 7.

I tried in vain to buy one with XP but finally bought a new laptop with Vista and I now I think Vista has got an undeserved bad rap. In fact I was so impressed by it that I also installed Vista on my wife's laptop computer which use to have XP and ran very, very hot but with Vista it seems to run a lot cooler. So it asks you to verify when a program tries to run, big deal, it just prevents unwanted intruders getting in and destroying your PC. Granted you will need more memory but now days 2Gig is the the minimum for new PCs anyway.

Or you could go with a new PC and put on Linux which a lot of people on this thread swear by.

There is another thread on here talking about the long-distance wifi:

Long-Distance WiFi Device

I just got the one recommended by them the unit is the Alfa 500mW USB wireless-G Wifi adapter,w\threaded antenna jack.$47.95 US.The antenna is what makes it work,get the Engenius 2408 omni antenna $60. Some say it works five miles away. I haven't tried it offshore yet but at my dock when I use it the signal is much stronger and I pick up many more wifi's.

[FrankZ]

Originally Posted by phiggins

<snip> So it asks you to verify when a program tries to run, big deal, it just prevents unwanted intruders getting in and destroying your PC.

I tend to turn off UAC on Vista, but if you feel safer with it on then leave it.

[Jim St.Pierre]

Hi Paul, I have found that "Dell" is listed on ebay, as "NEW Professionly downgraded to XP" They seem to have a few of them. Would you recommend going that way. Thank You for the info on the wifi, I will look into it today. Thanks, Jim

[SoonerSailor]

If you want a netbook with WinXP on it, take a look at the Asus EeePC line. My 1005HE pulls only 10 watts (.8 amps at 12.6v) in operation. It handles routine navigation (SeaClear, OpenCPN) and communication (Internet, Airmail for SSB), and instrument panel (NavmonPC) well.

[phiggins]

Jim St.Pierre, as I said I kind of like Vista but if you are more comfortable with XP go for it. Actually SoonerSailor probably has a good idea. I do the same thing on my XOs running Linux but frankly (sorry Linux fans) but you have to be a bit of a computer geek, like me, to use Linux.

[Jim St.Pierre]

Thanks Sooner, I will look at that as well. Where would one go to find the brand????

[SoonerSailor]

I got mine at Amazon.com for about $390 a few months ago. Asus has quite a lineup of netbooks to choose from.

[Jim St.Pierre]

Hi Paul and SoonerSailor, Paul, I think you are right about Sooner, I like the "kiss" method. I have no idea what Linux is all about. I think one needs to be a computer programmer and understand all that stuff. Give me a car engine and I am off. When it comes to high tech stuff like you talk about I am soooooooo lost. I think I will look at the Asus one and hope I can get XP. Also I am looking into the wifi as well. Thanks guys for helping out. Jim

[Jim St.Pierre]

Hi again Paul, I am a bit confused, hahahahaha you mentioned the "Alfa 500mW USB wireless-G Wifi adapter" also the "Engenius 2408 omni antenna" are these both antennas??? do I need both of them.??? Also, what if the computer has built in wifi, do I or can I disable it, or do I need to... Sorry for these questions but I really have no idea and need a pros help, such as your experence in this matter.....Thanks again..

[phiggins]

Jim St.Pierre,

The "Alfa 500mW is a little USB adapter that plugs into a USB port and gives you wireless. You can use it on its own with the antenna that comes with ii but works so much better with the large Engenius 2408 omni antenna. You also will need the connector cable between the two which they refer to in the other thread as a pigtail. Here it is:

CompuNation - External Product Link: STARTECH, NRPSMA1MM

And beacuse this cable is so short, it really helps to have an USB extension cable of about 10 feet so you can mount the antenna as high as possible. I got the Enfenius, the pigtail and the usb extension cable at :

Shark Systems - Computer Hardware and Electronics Superstore

At I got the Alpha 500 on ebAY.

I you have an internal Wifi you can run it at the same time as the Alpha but I usually switch it off. You just have to select which wifi you are using if you have both.

[Jim St.Pierre]

Hi Paul, Thank YOU Very much, I will order them this week and let you know how I made out. I disslike doing something blindly, usually ends up costing me lots more. Thanks for all you help Paul.......Jim

[phiggins]

Well I hate to say this but I've gone back to the dark side....

I happened to aquire an Acer Aspire 8.9" Intel Atom N270 Netbook computer running XP home edition. After I checked it out, I think its a much better computer than the XO at least as far as running the applications that I have like SeaClear and openCPN. It has 1Gig memory plus a 160Gig hard drive. It cost $250 from FutureShop. The screen is very readble and it has really nice keyboard. It has 3 USB ports and VGA output so I can connect it to the TV to watch movies.

So I replaced my XO at the navigation station with the Acer. I'm going to keep the XO at the helm because I think its a much more rugged than the Acer and better sunlight viewable.

C'est La Vie