Hi all,
I've been using
OpenCPN on low-end Windows Netbooks and Tablets for about 10 years. They're my primary
navigation tool on my
boat. For the last 8 years I've used a pair of Miix2 8" tablets (one primary, one for backup). Unfortunately, one will die in a few hours (the USB
charging port broke off the motherboard), and the backup is approaching end of life for several reasons. These were great little tablets in their time (several things made them outstanding, including internal GPS), and I had looked for reasonably priced "upgrades" over the years but never found anything that came close. But my
current situation forced me to go
shopping.
I've recently found the entry-level version of the Microsoft Surface Go 2 in a nice bundle with Surface "Type Cover" Keyboard and a UAG protective case for $379. Still a little more than I'd like to pay, but the Surface tablets are always nicely engineered:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/234098528266
That's a really good
price, since the tablet alone typically sells new for $399. If you're looking, you might want to pick one up while they're available.
My Surface Go 2 arrived yesterday and initial testing looks to be very impressive for use running
OpenCPN in the
cockpit. This particular bundle comes with Windows 10 Pro (instead of Home), which was a nice surprise. Unlike the Miix2, the tablet does not come with internal
GPS unless you shell out >$700 for the LTE version. However, I have a
Garmin puck interfaced with both my GX2150
radio and an industrial-grade Bluetooth transmitter, so I can already get the
GPS into OpenCPN without a GPS chip in the tablet.
AIS also goes to the tablet through a second Bluetooth transmitter interfaced to the
radio.
I'll provide more details on my impressions of this tablet after I've taken it to my
boat and used it in the
cockpit a few times.
[EDIT: Looks like the ebay seller
sold out a couple hours ago, but seller has added inventory a couple times already, so keep an eye out if you're interested. They were only selling a couple a week, but then suddenly
sold 11 in the last 4 days.]
For those who are curious about my past experience with the Miix2, Bluetooth transmitter interfacing, and Microsoft's strategy to have the same OS running on both
computers and tablets, you may check out these previous threads:
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...pn-135663.html
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post1487520
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post1489617
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...tml#post624647
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