Rick, We have used two different lap top PCs over a period of more than 5 years on our boat. These PCs included a Dell and an IBM Think Pad and both were standard off the shelf (actually used) PCs with no special considerations for a salt water environment. We also used three different desk top PCs, again off the shelf, with no special considerations for a salt water environment. The desk top PCs were always used below deck, but both the lap top PCs were regularly carried ashore, used topsides and beat up pretty good. None of these failed, nor did we ever have any problem with them. We did use common sense. Did not leave them sitting out in the hot sun. Did not carry them exposed in the rain. Did not drop them on the pavement. In other words, we used the same care we use for all our electronic gadgets on the boat and did not experience any adverse result. It is interesting to note that during this same five year period we had two VHF radios, one GPS, one foghorn hailer and one three bilge pump switches fail. Is there some hidden message here? Bottom line is this, if you provide reasonable care to your PC you probably won't have any more problem with it on a boat than you would in your home. Just don't leave them exposed to direct sun light too long and of course try to avoid letting rain and saltwater splash on them. Bob Skipper Bob Publications Web page: Http://SkipperBob.home.att.net