gps laptop

[Destroyer]

Street Atlas USA is a software program for laptops that has an optional (very cheap) USB connected GPS receiver. It's a program like Mapquest. It works like todays car GPS units to show you where you are and give you directions to wherever you wanted to go. The GPS receiver is WAAS functional. No reason it shouldn't work with just about any GPS program.
It's made by DeLorme, who makes high end handheld GPS receivers for geocatching. Just make sure you get the USB connector model. They also make a Serial connector unit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DeLorme-LT-4...item2ec6ca8c06

[smokeonthewater]

I had a laptop set up in the boat years ago with gps and mapping software... It worked but was a royal pain. I bought a used lowrance plotter sonar unit for $250 and never looked back... smaller screen, black and white, less features, and SOOOOO much simpler to use, waterproof, doesn't fall off of the dash, doesn't have to boot up, uses less power to run, and built in sonar.

[yodaddy]

I used this free plotter software - http://opencpn.org/ocpn/ on a laptop , with this GPS receiver http://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BU-3.../dp/B000PKX2KA . I find laptop touchpads difficult to use on land, and almost impossible on a rolling boat, so grabbed a cheap trackball mouse for menu navigation. It worked great.

I ended up installing a DC->AC inverter and mounting a mini-ITX computer (with solid state drive) on the cuddy bulkhead, and connected it to a touchscreen. Works great, plus I have the added advantage of full internet access on my boat since there's open wireless networks everywhere.

[roffey]

Thanks you answered my question. I am a computer tech by trade. Laptops are portable but not so much when running, even with a solid state hard drive. So,, I think I will just purchas a used or new chart plotter or maybe just use maps for now..

[Destroyer]

Not sure of your needs, but if you have a sonar unit already, I would suggest that you go the radar/chartplotter route. I got a Raymarine unit for that very reason. Already had 2 nice sonar units, one with GPS built in, so I figured that the radar /chartplotter was the logical way to go. Just a suggestion.

[roffey]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Not sure of your needs, but if you have a sonar unit already, I would suggest that you go the radar/chartplotter route. I got a Raymarine unit for that very reason. Already had 2 nice sonar units, one with GPS built in, so I figured that the radar /chartplotter was the logical way to go. Just a suggestion.

I have a "fish finder" so I belive that is sonar, so you think all I need is the GPS unit.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by roffey

I have a "fish finder" so I belive that is sonar, so you think all I need is the GPS unit.

Everything always depends on your needs and your wants. I presume you already have a compass, so yes, a GPS would be your next logical item. Whether you get a hand held, radar/chartplotter, sonar/chartplotter, or some other type is entirely up to you, your budget and your needs.