Hi Rich,

We built some similar ones from Shuttle. Definitely more compact than a
desktop, but bigger than the Mini PC from AOpen. The Shuttle and its ilk are
the smallest you'd want to get, I think, if you were looking for self
sufficiency. The Mini PC (NOT the other SFF computers by AOpen--they're
fine) is the type of unit where, if something goes bad (like video) you
pretty much scrap the whole thing. The SFF boxes use standard AGP or PCI-E
slots and you can simply replace the components when they fry.

We use our Shuttles for mobile training. There's a handle that flips out on
the front, but I wouldn't trust it. We usually re-package when we're mobile.
The cases have been pretty flimsy to the point where they interfere with the
power switch causing impromptu power up/down. On several of them, the
keyboard/mouse ports are fried (we're using ps/2 components for those)
forcing us to go USB (gasp!).

All in all, though, this is the size I'd go for on a boat. The only question
would be power. While the MB takes 12volts, most computers require 250-300
watts. There may be newer stuff out there using lower wattage so you may
want to look into that.

Cheers,

Rick Beddoe
s/v Soņadora, 1978 Baba 30
Minneapolis, MN
http://sail2live.com-----Original Message-----
From: owner-baba-l@ballreich.net [mailto:owner-baba-l@ballreich.net] On
Behalf Of Richard Cassano
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 1:38 PM
To: baba-l@ballreich.net
Subject: [Baba-L] Boat Computers

Rick,

I was wondering if you ever built a barebones, SFF computer by AOpen? If
so, how did it turn out? I'm thinking of doing something other than a
laptop for navigation and was considering the Mac Mini or the AOpen unit.

(Note: if this is getting off topic for the list you can email me direct)

Thanks,
Rich Cassano

Sonadora wrote:

> You can also get yourself a Mac Mini (or a Mac Mini clone fro AOpen). Now,
> before I get showered with guffaws, realize these are Intel based
machines,
> capable of also running Windows XP.
>
> But, for the DIYer, you can build a similar system to Rick's without a
whole
> lot of effort. The barebones systems are only a few hundred bucks. Setting
> them up for 12volt is no big deal...computers are born 12v.
>
> Rick Beddoe
> s/v Soņadora, 1978 Baba 30
> Minneapolis, MN
> http://sail2live.com

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Received on Tue Jan 9 19:22:19 2007