We’re getting ready for some new product introductions at METS next week and here’s a new idea…
Digital Yacht have introduced a new, ultra compact, marine PC which uses Linux as an operating system and comes preinstalled with some interesting software applications including Open CPN, a full function electronic chart plotter.
PCs are becoming more and more popular on board with a wide variety of applications including electronic navigation, communication, internet access and entertainment. The Aqua 50 brings a really affordable solution thanks to the use of Linux as an operating system. Despite its attractive price, the Aqua 50 features a solid state 64GB hard drive for the ultimate in reliability. It’s fanless too, for silent operation. It also has a wide range DC power input (8-19V) so keeps working even on the most hard pressed electrical systems and consumes about 1A. On board connectivity is also allowed for with dual NMEA 0183 interfaces (suitable for 4800 baud or 38400 baud connections), USB and network connections as well as audio in and out. There’s no CD/DVD drive as its unlikely more software will need to be loaded through this media but a USB external drive can easily connect to one of the 4 USB ports.
The Aqua 50 uses the latest generation of Intel processor for ultra low power consumption yet super-fast performance. Open CPN, the popular electronic charting system is preinstalled. This offers real time navigation with GPS and instrument displays, plotting, AIS overlays, waypoints and route planning. It will work with raster type BSB charts (for instance Maptech) or S57 Vector charts. Open Office is also preinstalled for normal word processing, spread-sheet and presentation applications.
Digital Yacht also offer the Aqua 200 Series for users wanting to utilise Windows 7 or the latest Windows 8 operating systems. The new tiled interface utilised in Windows 8 is fantastic for use with touch screens
The Aqua 50 is priced at £450.00 + VAT (EUR 600/USD795) and the product will be available from December. Aqua 200 series PCs start from £695 + VAT and are available now
