GROUP TEST
Laptop Navigation
6
chart-plotting software
packages on test
This month we set our technical expert, James Turner, the task of
installing and learning to operate six of the very latest PC-compatible
chart-plotting software suites for onboard laptop navigation.
The test and how we did it not to look at prices (at least not in any jump straight to the conclusion when
The fi rst job was to round up six PC-based detail) until we’ve fi nished the testing. reading equipment reviews, but in this
plotters and install them on two laptop PCs That way we couldn’t make excuses or case, since there’s quite a lot to take in, I
– one running Windows® XP Pro and the allowances for products based on price. hope we can persuade you to read our
other Windows® Vista Home Premium. This time turned out to be quite a surprise evaluation right
Having then loaded and looked at the though. We thought this trial would be a through before
software in the offi ce, feeling our way relative walk in the park – however, as turning to the
around each product, we fi nally took them you’ll see, it turned out to be anything but. last page. We
all out on a boat into the central Solent to In the fi rst section we look at the don’t want
evaluate their features – particularly AIS – installation procedures, then at the features you to miss
in real life. offered by each product. the important
As with all our group gear tests, we try Now, of course, it’s often tempting to details.
I
M
R
A
Y
•
P
C
P
L
O
T
T
E
R
•
A
D
M
IR
A
LT
Y
LE
ISU
RE
• MAPTECH CHART NAVIGATION
ST147 Group Plotters_RTG.indd 44 15/5/09 10:04:34
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148