Paul,

I am wrestling with the same problem and while not having come to a
conclusion, I have a couple of thoughts.

A traditional tower type PC is relatively easy to get parts for and can be
maintained by most people, especially those that can do the normal repairs
aboard ship. Only a screwdriver is usually needed to gain entry. Spare parts
are readily available and usually quite cheap

A laptop usually cannot be repaired by the owner and must go the the
manufacturer's repair facility.

I have been looking at the Mini ITX and Shuttle Small form factor computers,
but they are of proprietory designs somewhat negating their small size in
the repair catagory.

Power is a problem, of course, on the larger machines but you have to
contend with battery charging on the laptops. Of course you can run a laptop
of your 12 volt buss. It is possible to get PC form facter power supplies
for "desk top" machines that run off of your 12v DC buss which helps
somewhat by eliminating the inverter.

I know I didn't solve your dilemma but I hope I have helped a little. I will
be interested to see what the community thinks

Vic



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