Problem with Computer/Chartplotter

[Nauti Time]

I thought I'd pass on my experience with a computer/chartplotter I got from Ebay. It is listed as Rugged-Color-Mil-Spec-Chartplotter.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rugged-Color-Mil-Spec-Chartplotter-Tablet-PC-WIFI-GPS-/180636312505?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item2a0ec363b9

The feedback shows pretty high for the seller and I found out about this item from someone here on BOC and he had good luck with his. Maybe this was just a one-time situation, but I thought I should put a warning out there.
This is a military grade - waterproof touchscreen computer. It comes fully loaded with SeaClear and Nav charts. Debated over this and an Ipad, but went with this 1/2 the price and it was supposed to be waterproof.

Long story short - used it only a few times - never got wet, but it had condensation in it. That rendered the screen useless. The guy warranties the item, so I contacted him and he said to send it back to be repaired. After a couple of months and many attempts to contact him he would never send it back or reply. I had to work through Paypal and my credit card to get my account credited.

Just didn’t want anyone else to have to go through the headache. Now back to figuring out a chartplotter.

Felicia

[debbie]

That's a bummer! If you really need ruggedness, what about a Panasonic Toughbook? Not cheap, but they are used by first responders for a reason. You can get a Toughbook with the Gobi WWAN chip built in, meaning that the GPS is already built in and, if you want, you can use cellular service on it,

GD (formerly Itronix in Spokane) also used to make a rugged tablet but not sure if it's available commercially.

[Nauti Time]

I've never heard about those - definatly worth checking into. Ipad is still being considered. Have to calculate how much boat bucks we have left. Good to be getting old - short term memory loss and can't remember how much we spent ;)
Actually right now as we speak we were trying to figure out what we spend on backpacking and boat toys and the season hasn't even started yet - gotta live life though!

Felicia