Way, Way Off-Topic Discussions - An Experiment

[Administrator]

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]

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

[lat 64]

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

[sastanley]

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!

[roadnsky]

Originally Posted by sastanley

...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!

[ndutton]

Originally Posted by lat 64

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.

[sastanley]

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.

[roadnsky]

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

[BCinNYC]

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

[Mo]

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!!

[jeffgerritsen]

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!

[Mo]

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.

[lat 64]

Originally Posted by jeffgerritsen

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

[jeffgerritsen]

Lat 64 (Russ),
I agree this forum is social networking and some social networking has it's place in appropriate communication instances. This forum is actually a great example of appropriate use of social networking. I guess I need to clarify myself here. When social networking is used to replace face to face communications, such as Maurice example of his son "texting" him from another room within the same house, is social networking gone way wrong!

[gclayton]

Originally Posted by Administrator

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

Bill

I agree having a tablet on the water would be a huge advantage but also have an problem with Apples restrictive way of doing business. The windows operating system is too clunky. My company has gone to an OEM to have one built for us based on the android operating system 3.0. Our first hard copy is due next week and is speced to blow all the others "out of the water" Pun intended. George

[smaarch]

nice assessment and i'll have to rethink my view of ipad vs laptop.
can an ipad edit an view documents produced on windows based machines?
word docs, spreadsheets, pdf's for example.
if it can, you may have just convinced me.

thanks

[roadnsky]

Originally Posted by smaarch

...can an ipad edit an view documents produced on windows based machines?
word docs, spreadsheets, pdf's for example.

Yes you can view and edit Word and Excel docs.
Not sure if there's a full Adobe App yet to EDIT a PDF yet.
(I say YET, cause if there isn't, be sure there WILL be one)
BUT you can certainly VIEW a PDF.

[sastanley]

Originally Posted by gclayton

Bill

I agree having a tablet on the water would be a huge advantage but also have an problem with Apples restrictive way of doing business. The windows operating system is too clunky. My company has gone to an OEM to have one built for us based on the android operating system 3.0. Our first hard copy is due next week and is speced to blow all the others "out of the water" Pun intended. George

George...this is my opinion of Apple as well.. I just don't like 'em!

Android has been advertised as exactly the solution you describe...not as clunky as Windows, & not restrictive like Apple...let's hope its development continues. I am currently using an Android 2.2 smartphone (my first android device) and so far I like it. It runs the navionics chartplotting software pretty well and is a great backup to the GPS/laptop combo I currently use.