Newb needs CF-30 w/ int. gps

Sirs,
I need a Toughbook for marine and household use. My requirements are that it have the 1000 nit touchscreen, a 64k(?) graphics card and an internal GPS with a proper antenna (top mounted). I want to run MaxSea 3D software. I've seen the CF-29 GPS mods on this forum, but not much about doing the same thing to the CF-30. Why is that ?
I see several CF-30's on ebay for around a thousand, mostly 80gb machines with 1.6 processors. Are these good candidates for my application ?

 

How about this one?

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30
Touch Screen, GPS, Aircard, Backlit Keyboard & More

CF-30CCS83BM DESCRIPTION:
Intel Core Duo L2400 1.66Ghz LV (Centrino), 13.3" Daylight-Readable (1000 nit) TFT Active Matrix Touchscreen,, 1GB RAM, 80GB HDD, Intel 802.11a/b/g WLAN, Windows XP SP3 with Microsoft Office 2003, TPM1.2, GPS, Emissive Backlit Keyboard, Bluetooth, AT&T HSDPA 3.6 WWAN, Dual Pass-Through (Upper WWAN/Lower GPS), SmartCard Reader, CD-RW/DVD Multi Drive (CF-VDM301U )

Not cheap , but it has all the "bells & whistles."

You may want to watch this one, and if it doesn't sell at the starting price watch for a relisting witrh a lower price.

 

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30CASAZBM CF-30 CF30 Touchscreen - eBay (item 190433261755 end time Sep-18-10 16:12:57 PDT)

 

CF-30CASAZBM DESCRIPTION:
Intel Core Duo L2400 1.66GHz LV (Centrino), 13.3" Outdoor readable 1000 nit Touch XGA, 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD, Intel 802.11a/b/g WLAN, WinXP, TPM1.2, Bluetooth, Emissive Backlit keys, No Optical

Nice unit; but no internal GPS as he needs.

 

I bet he could get a GPS in Rob's bad boy for less than $1400, Teo.
CAP

 

I didn't even realize that was Rob's posting.

Wonder what it would cost to get it upgraded to KDD's needed specs?

 

This one is sold now:

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30CASAZBM CF-30 CF30 Touchscreen - eBay (item 190433261755 end time Aug-25-10 15:28:10 PDT)

Sorry boys

 

Sirs,
I made an offer on the CF-30CASAZBM as it had a new screen and looked good otherwise. I'll know if I'm getting it in 2 days. Thanks for the input. Where can I find info on the GPS install ? Is it the same as the CF-29 ? I didn't see anything on the official CF-30 thread.

 

Ohh, that was you?? YES! We've accepted your offer!

Yes, this machine is in PRISTINE CONDISH! You'll love it!!

 

GPS install can be found by "custom-toughbooks" HERE

He is floating around on this forum too so he can help you too.

 

Rob, I'll forego my usual 5% shill fee this time.
CAP

 

Capt.Dogfish - Any recommendations for marine navigation on the Toughbook ? Should I use the Custom-Toughbooks ground plane antenna or attempt an Ohlip style top mount ? My tuna boat (36' Wayne Beal) has a pilot house, will either setup work without an external antenna ? Can it be setup to use both internal and external antennas ?

 

I noticed you first said you needed to use MaxSea. Do you have it already? I have it and a number of other programs and MaxSea is not cheap. Unless you really need it for certain features I would recommend getting something different. It is not the simplest program to use. I have used it racing for 4 years and still have problems with some areas. There are a number of free or inexpensive programs that have most of the features. And charts can be free from Raster Navigational Charts: NOAA RNCs There are links to some programs there.

Ted

 

I would like to use some kind of 3D software which shows me the undersea terrain. Several years ago I installed a Furuno Navnet system (V1) which is so complicated I rarely use it. I use my stand alone instruments instead. Maxsea is what Furuno endorses and I'm sorry to hear that it's also hard to use. I figured I could familiarize myself with it on shore to where I could use it. I'd rather fish than fool around with electronics. Raster and vector 2D charts run fine on the Navnet and Garmin chartplotters I now have.

 

Then I think what you really are looking for are the 3D charts rather then a charting program. You need both. Look at Maptech. I have used their Offshore navigator for years but not with their contour charts. Chart Navigator Pro
Otherwise OpenCPN looks interesting to me. OpenCPN | Official OpenCPN Homepage
Any of these programs will take data from your Navnet or Garmin chartplotters. You just need the correct cable to plug into your computer. Depending on you instruments you can display any and all data that you have on screens. For example depth, speed, direction, Lat/long. To understand how this all goes together read the manual for OpenCPN which is online. They all work kinda the same.

Ted

 

I use Offshore Navigator from Maptech. I'm old and grew up with paper charts and RDF as our only electronics. So I like Raster charts, its what I'm used to. Personally, I would recommend trying your new computer with a USGlobal Sat BU353 USB GPS before I put a lot of money into a internal unit. You will have a stunningly accurate, incredibly fast acquisition GPS for less than $50. If you are going to keep the computer in a wheelhouse why would you want an internal GPS? I've changed the water in this trap too many times, but I believe that way too many people put themselves through all this internal GPS stuff and then pop the machine in a dock in their vehicle and wish they had a better GPS, but at least they don't have to drag that one ounce puck around with them. If you are going geocaching with your 9# computer I suppose the extra weight and bulk of the puck are an issue. but not on a boat.
CAP

 

Captains, thanks for your input. I may be over-complicating the issue. I wanted a portable setup in case I wanted to use it on other boats. But since I only crew and don't captain on those occasions, I wouldn't get a chance to mess with it anyhow.

 

What's not portable about a GPS puck slightly larger than a silver dollar? I'm assuming you know what a silver dollar looks like.
CAP