And so I want to buy a CF-U1 for navigation for my boat...

You heard it... Yes, you all know I'm that crazy....

But seriously! I got an email from a vendor of mine wanting to sell these U1's... they are new (I think...) and I would want one with GPS built in of course. I can get a GOOOOOD deal on one with 64GB SSD, GPS, Camera, 2D barcode reader, GOBI & 1GB RAM, but it's still a lot of money.

After being out for a whole weekend and using my CF-31 for navigation, it's just too damn big... I don't have room on my console for it! Also, it sucks power like crazy and I like the idea of not being attached to my battery on the boat.

What is your experience with them as a mini-navigation system for my 17' fishing boat? Mostly will be used for navigation at night and to mark the good fishing spots for later fishing.

Does anyone have one they'd like to sell me? Once again, this is for my PERSONAL use, NOT for resale so what we talking here?

Thoughts? Opinions?

 

I have absolutely no experience of using units on a boat. But depends on what you want from screen size, either a U1 or an H1 I guess.

The U1 is used in the UK for route navigation on roads, so GPS wise it's perfectly adequate I guess.

 

I think it would work great. There are some awesome deals out there for the U1's right now. Why don't you wait and get a Toughbook Tablet? You would have the best of 2 worlds.

 

I'd rather have something that isn't Android based.....

Yeah, actually I guess these units aren't even being sold in the US yet... I have access to them for $700 for just me

Brand spanking new with a 3 year warranty and 2 batteries...

 

So I was thinking about it more... I can get a used CF-19 MK1/Touch/RUBBER keyboard (HAS to be rubber)/GPS internal for the SAME PRICE as this brand new U1...

I think a 19 would be better because it's bigger, but still HALF the size of the CF-31...

Thoughts?

 

And in my more practical side pushing me: The ONLY real, practical time I'd use my computer on the water is at night. Generally I don't take it out other than at night (You almost NEED it at night)... So then, on those rare occasions I'll just take my CF-31

I think I just solved my own problem.

But now, I must come up with some sort of way to secure down the 31...

Hmmmmm, must figure it out next weekend when I'm up there.

Thanks

 

How about:

Panasonic Toughbook docking station

I'd buy it if I wasn't loaded with vehicle docks for the 27-31 Toughbooks (and my new 1.0GHz CF-M34 ).

 

Will this work on my 31?!?!

 

CF-19 all the way! Easily mountable or fixable to something, and decent screen size.

 

Yews: Panasonic designed the CF-31 to fit the earlier vehicle docks; you just have to watch for any issues with Hi-Gain Antenna Pass-Through (if you intend to utilize ones on a 31).

Here's another:

PANASONIC TOUGHBOOK GAMBER JOHNSON NP-PANDOCK CF30

 

I don't believe the tablet is released yet. I would have thought it would be in the press release but you never know. If you just need it occasionally I would just take your current laptop. You would be nuts nt to get a dock if your taking it on a boat. Not sure about the roughness of waters where you are, but you can find one pretty cheap. The mounts will work for the last 11 years of Toughbooks, so I think your safe.