My eTrex Legend interfaces with my laptop and the Cap'n program to
display real time postion on BSB charts obtained from NOAA. The
biggest drawback to a laptop is that it is not readable in sunlight
(unless you buy a Panasonic Toughbook $2000-3000!). Also, most laptops
will not last long in a humid environment, although they can last for a
few years) Keeping water off them is not such a big deal--I would hope
that water does not enter my saloon in great quantities! and I wouldn't
use a laptop in the cockpit when underway (difficult to read there
anyway). Buy an inexpensive one--speed and memory is not that big a
deal unless you want to use it for gaming as well.

Peter
s/v Now or Never!

Benning Wentworth wrote:
A previous post I was reading got me thinking about this :::::::

The GPS, say a Garmin ,, models like the 76. I know that if you have a lap
top and MAPTECH Offshore Navigator CD which comes with the chart book ..
whew ... anyway ,, the Garmin GPS will work as a receiver for position the
the Offshore Navigator software will act as the chart ,,, so you will know
where you are on the chart and all.

I like the idea. I have MAPTECH charts and the CD. I can get a Garmin GPS
. But and here is the big BUT;;

What about the Laptop? Where would a sailboat keep it so it didn't get wet?
What laptop? What is a good model to use for this purpose?

I'm sure one of you cruising sailors has done this ... could you explain how
it works, what computer you use, where you keep the computer when on the
water, and generally how the whole process works for you.

Thanks