Recommendations on marine navigation computer.

I am considering retiring my Itronix XR-1 that I use as a marine chartplotter for navigating. What would forum members recommend for use in the open cockpit of a sailboat in Florida. I need a daylight viewable screen, an older transflective CF-29 or a bright transmissive CF-30? The unit would most times be under a bimini (softtop for a boat) but the fiberglass cockpit is white and therefore reflects the bright sunlight back to the screen. Is a 500nit non touchscreen the way to go or is a 1000 nit touchscreen better in the bright light? I'd like a CF-19 MK5 with a transflective but they're a little more than I want to spend right now. How about a CF-08 remote setup? The thunderstorms in Florida produce copious amounts of water, often it seems horizontally so it's going to get wet also. Lastly are any of the docks waterproof to the extent that they can get wet?

 

I have several CF-19Mk4's here,they would do the trick as they are led backlight and very bright. After that a CF-30Mk3 would be the choice.

 

How about a tablet? They would much more water resistant.. Less doors, no hinges, no keyboard.( go with bluetooth)..etc
CF H2
FZ-G1
Both these are Windows based....

 

I would go with a CF-30 with a touch screen for maximum cd/m2 (nits). My old eyes like the bigger display, as compared to CF-18/19s. For enclosed wheel houses I still use VDL01-02 displays (1200 nits) but they are not for open cockpits. I am not aware of any weatherproof/resistant docks.
CAP

 

CF-19 MK3 (1000 nit) is the best choice I guess
Their screens are really daylight viewable.
Or CF-30 with 1000 nit screen if you need a larger laptop.

 

Thank you for your responses, Safn1949 and Shawn, I'm hoping to get the job done for a couple of hundred dollars or so, the tablets suggested are probably not in that range. Capt.dogfish and BaRRmaley thanks also, you have confirmed my conclusions so far, how does the transflective on the CF-29 stack up in bright sun compared to the 1000 nit CF-30, any first hand experience?

 

What Cap said. Thanks Shawn.

Don't waste your time on a 29.

 

i agree with a couple of the others ... the '30 is the way to go in this matter .
i live in the land of ice and snow and on a sunny day the reflected/ambient light can be truly blinding .
i have no problem seeing the display on my '30 (w/touch screen) .
there are many florescent back lit display CF-30 available , however , most of these will have been run since Methuselah was in the first grade ...
this means that the florescent tubes (CCFLs) have dropped in output and shifted in spectra .
obtain a unit with low display hours or one that has been converted to LED back lighting (as mentioned elsewhere) .

also:
has anyone done any research on using the '30 while wearing polarizing lenses ?
i have limited experience with this as my old eyeglasses are the "photo sun" types and non-polarizing , while my new glasses are "stock" ...
this could be a factor as the OP may wear polarizing sunglasses .

 

Well there is this option..


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I agree with recommendations CF-30 and use mine at sea.

I have a mk2 and polarized lenses do not inhibit my ability to see the screen. A slight darkening attributable to the shade and some slight visual artifacts typical of viewing a display with polarized lenses but nothing to inhibit use.

While a keyboard is a weakness for water intrusion, as well as additional port covers, I find it impossible during heavy vessel movement to use any kind of touchscreen. You miss... ALOT. Not something I find acceptable while attempting to navigate or consult electronic publications like Coast Pilot. A keyboard and touchpad are essential for me to operate.

See if you can lay hands on examples of both OP and see for yourself which may be right. As long as the technical specifications meet your needs, the rest is personal preferences and prejudices.

 

The touchscreen panel itself is polarizing to some degree. They changed the type of polarization on the mk3 from the earlier mk's..That's why you get the rainbow effect if you don't keep the LCD and touchscreen matched between mk's on the CF30's..It's also why if you replace the touch panel with clear plexiglass the screen is brighter.

"Now you know"

 

Of course usb mouse receiver under the rear cover and Bluetooth keyboard,I would take the stock keyboard out but leave it hooked up and seal both covers under it with some good tape,then reinstall.Cheap and easy.I have seen the ac adapter also sealed at the plug.

That will take care of 99% of it I would think. I find the Mk3 screen to be almost blinding turned up full blast.