Way, Way Off-Topic Discussions - An Experiment

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  • Administrator
    MMI Webmaster
    • Oct 2004
    • 2166

    Way, Way Off-Topic Discussions - An Experiment

    Over the past few weeks, TomG and I have swapped a couple of postings (and then a couple of PM’s) on the subject of how the Apple iPad might be used on the water. Obviously, this is pushing the envelope regarding “off-topic” discussion. Nevertheless, it frustrates me a bit at times that we deliberately limit the discussion matter when we have this wonderful collection of forum members whose experience, education, intuition, judgment, etc. challenge and entertain me every day. The intentions are honorable, but I’d like to try something that might interest like-minded individuals, without distracting or flat-out aggravating those members who appreciate the clarity of “mission” in the forum.

    Our forum software has the ability to establish what it calls “public groups” – discussion categories which a member may join and view/post if desired, but will otherwise not be visible. I’d like to give it a try, and TomG has agreed to join me in the first iteration – a group dedicated to the iPad discussion we dabbled with earlier.

    To join us (or simply to see how the whole thing works), click on the “User CP” option on the main navigation menu. Then select the “Group Memberships” option on the left side, which will display a list of user groups you are free to join. From there, it’s a matter of a couple of clicks.
    Joining the “iPad User Group” will make visible a new discussion category, called “iPad Applications on the Water,” which will appear in the Off-Topic group towards the bottom of the page. Join the group and you’ll see this. Choose not to join, and you won’t.

    Feedback regarding the idea (not simply this first rather specific iteration) would be appreciated. If you’d like to suggest another subject for a different group, please reply here or drop me a PM. I don’t really have a sense of where we’d draw the line as to what’s ok and what isn’t, beyond the broad requirements of decorum and taste. We’ll take ‘em as they come.

    Bill
  • domenic
    Senior Member
    • Jul 2010
    • 467

    #2
    Ah, a place on deck to chew the fat...great idea. Do we have rum?

    Comment

    • lat 64
      Afourian MVP
      • Oct 2008
      • 1964

      #3
      I'm in

      My wife has an Ipad. much handier than the laptop was. We have not got into the Nav apps yet because I don't get away from the dock much.
      This will surely be an A-4 tool soon. If MMI wants to sell videos and manuals online e-book style, then I see a day soon when folks like Dan et.al. (of Marion Claire) will be able to download everything that has be got from the MMI library while underway. Assuming he has a paypal deal

      Also I see a day when guys like Hanley will be installing OBDII(diagnastic computers with bluetooth data link to the IPAD so you can get tune data and dyno information. Maybe Neil does this already?

      Russ
      sigpic Whiskeyjack a '68 Columbia 36 rebuilt A-4 with 2:1

      "Since when is napping doing nothing?"

      Comment

      • sastanley
        Afourian MVP
        • Sep 2008
        • 6986

        #4
        Ha ha..nice Russ.

        I don't own any Apple products and I don't have iTunes on any of my computers.

        When you have a topic that is of interest, I'll subscribe..great idea Bill!
        -Shawn
        "Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
        "Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
        sigpic

        Comment

        • roadnsky
          Afourian MVP
          • Dec 2008
          • 3101

          #5
          Originally posted by sastanley View Post
          ...I don't own any Apple products and I don't have iTunes on any of my computers.
          Shawn-
          Although I'm a mac guy, you'd love what I'm doing this week...
          I'm in Seattle doing Microsoft new product roll-outs.
          (Xbox, Kinect and Windows Phone)

          Lots n lots of Apple and iPhone bashings too!
          -Jerry

          'Lone Ranger'
          sigpic
          1978 RANGER 30

          Comment

          • ndutton
            Afourian MVP
            • May 2009
            • 9601

            #6
            Originally posted by lat 64 View Post
            Also I see a day when guys like Hanley will be installing OBDII(diagnastic computers with bluetooth data link to the IPAD so you can get tune data and dyno information. Maybe Neil does this already?
            Nope, not me. No iPad, no iPhone, no texting, no online banking, no ATM, none of that stuff. I have a basic cell phone. It rings, I answer.

            I take advantage of GPS on board, interfaced with my autopilot and radar but that's about it. No laptop on board either. My OBDII is listening to the sound of the engine and feeling the vibration through the seat of my pants. Strictly Olde Skool.
            Neil
            1977 Catalina 30
            San Pedro, California
            prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
            Had my hands in a few others

            Comment

            • sastanley
              Afourian MVP
              • Sep 2008
              • 6986

              #7
              Jerry, I am not saying Microsoft is the best way to run a PC either. I just don't like Apple's marketing plan & I don't like their products.

              And, I like my portable electronic communications device (sorry Neil, I broke down and bought my first smartphone recently) to have a real keyboard! - Not possible with an iPhone.
              -Shawn
              "Holiday" - '89 Alura 35 #109
              "Twice Around" - '77 C-30, #511 with original A-4 & MMI manifold - SOLD! (no longer a two boat owner!!)
              sigpic

              Comment

              • roadnsky
                Afourian MVP
                • Dec 2008
                • 3101

                #8
                Shawn-
                No big. Heck, variety is the spice of life!
                If we all liked and used the same stuff, how grey would life be?!
                -Jerry

                'Lone Ranger'
                sigpic
                1978 RANGER 30

                Comment

                • Laker
                  Senior Member
                  • Sep 2010
                  • 454

                  #9
                  Time for my semi-related 2 cents (for now anyway , until the dollar collapses and we have to use something else...) [ alright alright , I am off topic squared - I admit it ]

                  Last week I was co-pilot for 3 days on a live cargo mission in a Cessna Caravan. The usual routine is for me to handle the radios and all printed nav material while to PIC (pilot in command) flies the airplane. On this trip the PIC decided to try out his new iPad , using it as a substitute for hard copy nav stuff. All that info was in there alright , a true tech marvel , but what I did NOT like is the way the guy on the iPad became more isolated , less of a team player because of the connection between him and the magic screen. I found it detrimental to communication flow. We were literally less on the same page. I have felt this way about any portable device with a screen ever since the stuff started coming out - bad for face to face interaction. Less shared experience.

                  I have a battered , well worn Razor phone.

                  Laker
                  1966 Columbia 34 SABINA

                  Comment

                  • Administrator
                    MMI Webmaster
                    • Oct 2004
                    • 2166

                    #10
                    Laker:

                    Your comments were intriguing in a very personal way. My son's girlfriend, a college sophomore, is contemplating writing a book about how Facebook, Twitter, text messaging, etc. have changed the way people relate to one another. She is one bright young lady, and I'm betting she will.

                    Me? I'm just looking for a reasonably affordable "portable" chartplotter that can do a few other things when I'm away from home.

                    Bill

                    Comment

                    • BCinNYC
                      Frequent Contributor
                      • Aug 2010
                      • 6

                      #11
                      Why not?

                      Perfect! I've been thinking a lot about chart plotter vs iPad.

                      Everyone says that the iPad is suitable only as a secondary nav aide - why?
                      Is it a valid money saving option?

                      I've been using my iPhone running Navionics for a year now on the Hudson river and around Long Island sound and south shore, and my only complaint is the small size. --Well, there is also the little problem with zero moisture tolerance-- But a baggie takes care of that - right?

                      BC
                      Aboard Grace Darling
                      Pearson Triton - City Island NY

                      Comment

                      • Mo
                        Afourian MVP
                        • Jun 2007
                        • 4468

                        #12
                        Progress????

                        Everything is at our finger tips these days. I am currently in the Canadian North -46C today...C is for Cold. In the middle of nowhere and can communicate on this forum...not bad. 10 years ago it was a nightmare.

                        My boat has a few electronic gadgets but I have many that make up the package. This stuff was all added a piece at a time when the funds became available.

                        Garmin Chartplotter...wonderful unit with maps from Florida to Labrador in it.
                        Back-up GPS is Garmin 60csx...charts loaded in it too. Then my final GPS, for when we go on an island etc is an older garmin e-trex with no charts added but has a screen to see your path etc. Binnacle compass and paper charts as well.

                        Radar- Raytheon 40XX ...good solid unit, older and I have to run the engine to keep the batteries up when in use....good when I get caught in fog and it has really good range.

                        Wind speed indicator....a small handheld unit.

                        Epirb- 121.5...currently being phased out but still used for homing.
                        Personal Epirb 406 / 121.5 ...relays distress directly to SARSAT. (ACR2797.4)

                        Basic Marine Radio. Satellite radio for music. 1000W inverter to plug things into.

                        New for this year...a Blackberry with a great air-time package and can't wait to see how it works out. Can plug into the laptop and send emails, check emails, check facebook, send pics etc. I have tried it here in the North and it works perfect as long as you have cell coverage. Along the coast where I sail there will be few places where I cannot keep in touch.

                        So, there really are a few items aboard a boat to keep her in communication in one form or another....now a gadget that could do it all...not that far down the road I think!!
                        Mo

                        "Odyssey"
                        1976 C&C 30 MKI

                        The pessimist complains about the wind.
                        The optimist expects it to change.
                        The realist adjusts the sails.
                        ...Sir William Arthur Ward.

                        Comment

                        • jeffgerritsen
                          Senior Member
                          • Dec 2008
                          • 37

                          #13
                          I believe "Social Networking" term is an oxymoron. Like Military and Intelligence!

                          Social networking isolates more than connects. We lose valuable face to face social skills while typing behind a keyboard, droid, or blackberry. It's not to say they don't have a place - but "Social Networking" on a computing device? I don't think so!

                          Comment

                          • Mo
                            Afourian MVP
                            • Jun 2007
                            • 4468

                            #14
                            Hi Jeff,

                            I could not agree more with your point of view...with one minor exception. The technology is nice when you are truly isolated and need to connect. I personally don't talk to answering machines and answer emails at my leisure. No one hounds me for work as I wouldn't have it and I would much prefer to talk to someone directly than text etc.

                            I completely understand your point of view as my son once send me a text from his room...I was in the living room. There certainly is a limit.
                            Mo

                            "Odyssey"
                            1976 C&C 30 MKI

                            The pessimist complains about the wind.
                            The optimist expects it to change.
                            The realist adjusts the sails.
                            ...Sir William Arthur Ward.

                            Comment

                            • lat 64
                              Afourian MVP
                              • Oct 2008
                              • 1964

                              #15
                              Originally posted by jeffgerritsen View Post
                              I believe "Social Networking" term is an oxymoron. Like Military and Intelligence!

                              Social networking isolates more than connects. We lose valuable face to face social skills while typing behind a keyboard, droid, or blackberry. It's not to say they don't have a place - but "Social Networking" on a computing device? I don't think so!
                              This forum is social networking.


                              laker, I agree. The tools should reduce workload, not take your attention from the task at hand. I fly with a friend in a C182 a bit in the summer and I try to help spot traffic. it makes me feel important. But I keep the talk to a minimum. I got to sit in the right seat as passenger in a Caravan once. Fun.

                              Niel, glad to hear you have some clay on your boots. I do get seduced by these gadgets a bit. I am going to try Hanley's O2 sensor idea though. I have a two wire unit that I keep in the tool box for tuning old 70s bosch fuel injections. Haven't seen much use of it for a while.

                              Russ
                              Last edited by lat 64; 03-01-2011, 02:06 PM.
                              sigpic Whiskeyjack a '68 Columbia 36 rebuilt A-4 with 2:1

                              "Since when is napping doing nothing?"

                              Comment

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