[davidbains]

I run an I Book on my trimaran and have done for three years.
Using the Powerbook G4 Auto adaptor to convert 12 to 24 volts.
It does work via the "cigar lighter" and charges the battery while
running Maxsea on OS9.
It's rated to work from 12 to 18volts but uses 5 amps which really
knocks down the ship's battery voltage, but it still works.
I have other electrical items such as an Icom radio, a GME CD player,
and a Magellan GPS which are all more sensitive to less than 12 volts.
This is a problem, especially with items primarily designed for autos
where the alternator is constantly running. On a yacht I feel it's
important to use deep cycle batteries and a solar panel helps to
keep the voltage from dropping too much.
Even so the IBook certainly isn't left on all the time. I often close it
to sleep. but on reopening it doesn't always display all the
updated data, and may have to be restarted.
I have a sheltered chart table and the multi doesn't heel much so the
I Book stays put and the screen can always be viewed. It is much
brighter at night, which helps on night entrances at large scale.
My regular crew says it's "much better than radar", and radar is even
more power hungry.
David.