On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 00:25:06 +0100, "Flemming Torp"
fletop(kanelbolle)2rp.d(anmar)k wrote:

How nice to get an advice that is constructive, empathic and well
written. You are suggesting a solution that is 'within reach' .
Do I understand you correctly when you are talking about USB,
that I can actually use the cable between the cradle in which the
PPC is placed when running MS ActivSync to the PC?

Yes I just tried it exactly that way for the first time just before
posting. I use an IPAQ 4150 which has wifi and bluetooth. I use a
bluetooth GPS with it in the car and boat. I use VNC to control
equipment remotely, from bed even!


Some of my sons will be 'home' during the Easter Holidays - and I
do hope they will be able to help me out here. Thank you for
your: "don't give up" and your specific hint!

As to the practical experience: How is it working on the boat?

I used the PPC for the first and only time last year on a trip to
Ireland. I don't need it round here. At that time I cut up an old
Imray chart into A4 pieces scanned them into Oziexplorer and laminated
the paper afterwards. The PPC does not give a very good look ahead,
say 2 or 5 miles on a detailed chart but the laminated paper can stay
in the cockpit too for a wider view. We ran down from Howth to Arklow
in a northerly F7 inside the banks and I was very glad to stay out in
the open with the PPC in a sleeve just ticking off the bouys as we
passed.

Is
the screen large enough - bright enough - do you get useful help
from this little screen or is it more or less useless.

It is transreflective so the sun helps if you get the angle right. It
is a bit too bright on the lowest setting in the dark.

In my
opinion - even the 7" chartplotters are somewhat difficult to use
... zoom in/zoom out ... I'm not convinced this is the way to go
(the 'PPC-way'), but I'm interested in learning from other
sailors experience - what's what we call a search/learning
proces. To be honest I'm still pretty happy with the paper charts
and a compass, and GPS ...

The low power consumption is a big plus compared to a PC. I would not
buy a chart plotter which ties you to charts that get discontinued.
Next trip I am going to use the PPC with the Maptech charts I
bought.and the Memory Map PPC product. The latest BSB charts work
with Oziexplorer but not (as yet, as far as I know) with the PPC
version. In a few weeks I am going to take my tablet PC TC1100
(which is great for a boat except that you cannot see the screen in
the sun) to S Ireland and try out VNC. I will find out the bugs then!
The 'digital pen' will work through 5mm or more of glass so the PC
could be worked through a window or watertight box provided that it is
nightime! -No wires except for charging or prologed use. There is a
Toughbook wireless monitor but it is low-ish resolution and costs
more than the tablet but at least it is transreflective, I believe.



But with four boys pushing for evolution and eager to play with
new tecnologies, I try - somewhat reluctantly - to move into the
new 'world' of IT and electronics ... with yours and other
fellows help - thank you.


Cheers! I found out about VNC for PPC here so I am returning the
favour.