Windows Tablets for OpenCPN

[RhythmDoctor]

Hi all,

I've been using OpenCPN on low-end Windows Netbooks and Tablets for about 10 years. They're my primary navigation tool on my boat. For the last 8 years I've used a pair of Miix2 8" tablets (one primary, one for backup). Unfortunately, one will die in a few hours (the USB charging port broke off the motherboard), and the backup is approaching end of life for several reasons. These were great little tablets in their time (several things made them outstanding, including internal GPS), and I had looked for reasonably priced "upgrades" over the years but never found anything that came close. But my current situation forced me to go shopping.

I've recently found the entry-level version of the Microsoft Surface Go 2 in a nice bundle with Surface "Type Cover" Keyboard and a UAG protective case for $379. Still a little more than I'd like to pay, but the Surface tablets are always nicely engineered:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234098528266

That's a really good price, since the tablet alone typically sells new for $399. If you're looking, you might want to pick one up while they're available.

My Surface Go 2 arrived yesterday and initial testing looks to be very impressive for use running OpenCPN in the cockpit. This particular bundle comes with Windows 10 Pro (instead of Home), which was a nice surprise. Unlike the Miix2, the tablet does not come with internal GPS unless you shell out >$700 for the LTE version. However, I have a Garmin puck interfaced with both my GX2150 radio and an industrial-grade Bluetooth transmitter, so I can already get the GPS into OpenCPN without a GPS chip in the tablet. AIS also goes to the tablet through a second Bluetooth transmitter interfaced to the radio.

I'll provide more details on my impressions of this tablet after I've taken it to my boat and used it in the cockpit a few times.

[EDIT: Looks like the ebay seller sold out a couple hours ago, but seller has added inventory a couple times already, so keep an eye out if you're interested. They were only selling a couple a week, but then suddenly sold 11 in the last 4 days.]

For those who are curious about my past experience with the Miix2, Bluetooth transmitter interfacing, and Microsoft's strategy to have the same OS running on both computers and tablets, you may check out these previous threads:

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...pn-135663.html

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post1487520

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post1489617

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...tml#post624647

[RhythmDoctor]

More inventory for the $379 Surface Go 2 bundle available on a new ebay listing:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234158616895

I have no personal stake in this, and do not know the seller. I'm just a satisfied customer (so far).