Re: Laptop vs. Charts


"Dennis Woos" <> wrote
....
I would like to hear from folks who use a laptop when observing, as opposed
to charts. General impressions appreciated, as well as specifically
addressing how this works in terms of 1) dark adaption, 2) dew, 3)
cold/winter, 4) software. Thanks.


I use a laptop (or PC) when imaging, but I prefer charts when visual
observing. I've observed with other people's GoTo Dob's with an attached
laptop to control the scope, but I find the display too bright and the
computer too much effort to fool around with compared to just going with a
chart and a list of targets. It is nice however, when at home to have access
to the web with my wifi equipped laptop.

Please check out this website (http://www.uv.es/jrtorres/index.html) where
the author has a pretty good and free planetarium program and some of the
best "charts" I've seen (pdf files). I've printed out his low rez charts on
tabloid 11x17 paper and they are quite nice. The full rez charts would take
hundreds of pages to print but might be worth it.

George N


.

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