Computers on board.

[Auzzee]

I have recently bought a small tablet to supplement the main laptop I use at home. I have looked at waterproof cases for the laptop and I am happy to keep it for main boat use and for watching TV and movies.

Does anyone use a tablet exclusively? Is there a reason apart from processing speed and screen size why one would opt for a laptop over a tablet?

Do you use an expensive laptop or a cheapie notebook?

As far as waterproof cases are concerned: Is Pelican the industry standard or are there good, cheaper waterproof cases available?

[delatbabel]

I use a tablet on board upstairs to supplement the main nav laptop which stays downstairs. Also I feel that 2 sets of charts (Navionics and C-Map) provides a bit of a backup. I have a regulation-issue waterproof case I got from Whitworths, it seems to do the job. The big advantage of the laptop is that the wind instruments, AIS, etc, all feed into it, not an option for the tablet. The laptops I prefer are Panasonic toughbooks, which can be had for a reasonably cheap price second hand on eBay and similar sites.