What is the best windows tablet for onboard use?

[Franziska]

Hi,

while I had a Panasonic Toughbook on my last boat, I'am looking into buying a tablet with a suitable watertight casing (Pelican or the like..) for my next boat.

Key requirements would be:

1. Touchscreen must work through the casing (like the cases motorbikers use for their handheld navs)
2. Bluetooth and/or built in GPS
3. Screen half way decent readable in sunlight
4. Windows operating system (as all my software runs under windows, OpenCPN beeing my favourite nav software.)
5. Screen not to big or to small 7" would be fine for my purpose of using it in the cockpit
6. Not hughly expensive like high end racing units

What are your experiences? Which systems work? What watertight casings work? Any other thoughts? Where did you buy?

Many thanks,

Franziska

[Patrick_DeepPlaya]

I suggest you check ou this site: UMPCPortal - Handhelds, Tablets, UMPCs and Netbooks as a great source of the goings on in the UMPC & Tablet form factor for Windows and other OSes

-p

[Franziska]

Hi,

thanks for the link.

This would be an option:

Advance Tech Communications SB

Similar to the Dell Streak, but with using Windows instead of Android. Which means it can run Maxsurf or OpenCPN with C-Map's.
If the Dell would run Windows it would beat it due to it's Gorilla glass screen.

Anyway, not sure how fast the Magic W3 is. It has just been introduced to the market.

I like that it is still pocketsized. Stylus i do not mind, my current Omnia has that too and it's working fine for me.

Hopefully there will be some other items like this popping up soon...