If not, then well-known brands like HP, Dell, Toshiba, Sony, Lenovo and Apple offer more than enough options, and you can buy them online or off the shelf.
You may be tempted to combine boat and work computers, but most experts recommend against it. Constant Internet surfing and email communication vastly increase the chance of infecting your navigation computer with a virus or slowing it down with a bevy of work-related files and Internet cookies.
Carlos Alvarez, of Carlos Alvarez Consulting in Arizona, is a networking and wireless systems consultant with more than 20 years of experience and an avid boater. He doesn't mince words.
"I would never recommend a single computer for both navigation and work," he said. "Too risky."
ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER
While many people have computers aboard, the addition of a printer to your boat may be something new. Thankfully, printers have shrunk in both size and cost in recent years.
Hewlett PackardHewlett Packard C6180 all-in-one printer
The all-in-one printer provides multiple functions in a single machine that, though somewhat larger and heavier than a simple printer, can be a distinct advantage in the confines of a boat.
The question becomes how many functions you need. Lower-priced models usually feature printing, scanning and copying only. By using fax software or a web-based service such as eFax, this may be all you need. If not, opt for a model with faxing capabilities.
Pay a bit more and you can buy a wireless model, which helps cut down on the clutter of unsightly, trip-inducing wires and increases your mobility around the boat. If you feel like typing on deck, these units allow you to print remotely. You'll even be able to operate without AC power for short periods of time.
But that's not all you need to consider. What about inkjet versus laser? The latter is generally heavier, but it also produces crisper print quality at faster print speeds. How important is that? It depends on your needs.
In any case, you'll want decent resolution – at least 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch) – and a printer that operates using separate ink cartridges for each color. Inks aren't used at the same speed. If your printer uses an all-in-one cartridge, you'll be replacing all colors at the same time, even though only one color (usually black) may be out. Also, remember to buy extra cartridges. Get them online and they are likely to be cheaper – and they are delivered to your door.
Another consideration is mounting. Make sure the printer is secured to keep it from tumbling. Marine supply stores offer a variety of fasteners using Velcro, adhesives or screws that should do the job.
There are many different all-in-one models from which to choose, and sales and rebate offers are frequent, so you should have no trouble finding a printer. Among those consistently mentioned by consumer magazines and web sites are units by Hewlett Packard, Canon, Brother, Lexmark, Dell and Epson (see table for comparison of five models). Do your homework, read product reviews, talk to your friends and co-workers about their machines and visit a retail store.
PHONE AND INTERNET OPTIONS
Your phone options include land, cell and satellite. Land lines are fine for your home dock. If your boating is confined mostly to short trips, with lots of port time, a land line may be all you want or need. These phones take up more space than a cell, but you can count on good reception and you needn't worry about dropped calls.
