July 30, 2008 02:15
I've used computers and PDAs all these years when sailing and I did never had any problem.
But I do take precautions:
My PDAs and pocket computers (the complete Psion Series (3c, 5mx Pro and Netbook, Zaurus, Palm) where always put into Otterbox boxes with Silica-gel (you find these salts in any box containing electronic devices to reduce humidity) when not in use.
Now my Mac iBook and MacBook are placed in solid plastic suitcases with Silica-gel too when not used.
When in use all devices do produce heat, thus humidity in the air won't settle inside the device! Humidity only settles on cold surfaces.
The best way to protect your devices before entering a boat is to let the computer run for about 10 minutes, thus it can warm up and the humidity inside your boat has no chance to corrode your electronics.
To reduce humidity in your boat you can place a box with Silica-gel inside the boat, the water collects inside the box. Any household shop should have these.
I always use my electronics (MacBook, Canon portable printer and Fujitsu portable scanner, etc.) inside the boat. Never use it outside! For navigation I do use an external 10" touch-screen (ebay), works great, though isn't water proof.
With the upcoming iNavX I can use my iPhone outside or my Palm.
Again stored way in an Otterbox when not in use.
IMHO the horror stories you heard, are from users leaving their devices always on the boat! Especially during Winter-times, the cold air and humidity will kill your electronics.
Regards
Manou
But I do take precautions:
My PDAs and pocket computers (the complete Psion Series (3c, 5mx Pro and Netbook, Zaurus, Palm) where always put into Otterbox boxes with Silica-gel (you find these salts in any box containing electronic devices to reduce humidity) when not in use.
Now my Mac iBook and MacBook are placed in solid plastic suitcases with Silica-gel too when not used.
When in use all devices do produce heat, thus humidity in the air won't settle inside the device! Humidity only settles on cold surfaces.
The best way to protect your devices before entering a boat is to let the computer run for about 10 minutes, thus it can warm up and the humidity inside your boat has no chance to corrode your electronics.
To reduce humidity in your boat you can place a box with Silica-gel inside the boat, the water collects inside the box. Any household shop should have these.
I always use my electronics (MacBook, Canon portable printer and Fujitsu portable scanner, etc.) inside the boat. Never use it outside! For navigation I do use an external 10" touch-screen (ebay), works great, though isn't water proof.
With the upcoming iNavX I can use my iPhone outside or my Palm.
Again stored way in an Otterbox when not in use.
IMHO the horror stories you heard, are from users leaving their devices always on the boat! Especially during Winter-times, the cold air and humidity will kill your electronics.
Regards
Manou