Shaun,

I don't think you'll need an extra antenna. I have a couple of Garmin 72's
(one for a backup) that plug directly into my Dell laptop. I did need a
serial-to-USB converter cord, but the built-in antenna on the GPS seems to
be adequate. The GPS sits in a cradle on the dashboard and seems to read
the satellite signals right through the pilothouse roof with no trouble. We
navigated 2,500 miles with this set up a couple of years ago--to Alaska and
back--and it's worked fine ever since. (We're running MapTech Marine
Navigator, btw.) And with a special order cable from Garmin, the GPS runs
off the boat's 12v system.

Let me know if I can be of further help.

Dick Behan
M/V Annie
LNVT 37



"Shaun Van Poecke" wrote in message
...
cross posted to rec.boats.electronics

Hi all,
Im looking at getting a cheap(ish) setup for my boat, i have a couple of
laptops with navigation software and charts, so what im looking at is a
couple of GPS units to hook up to them. Ive seen GPS receivers with
serial or USB connections that plug straight into a laptop, but these
things cost as much as or more than a basic hand held GPS. are they any
better?

What im probably thinking is one basic handheld unit (maybe garmin GPS 72)
and one receiving antenna to plug straight in to the laptop. any ideas on
this setup?

Thanks,
Shaun