Shaun Van Poecke wrote:
cross posted to rec.boats.cruising

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?

You only need an antenna for a handheld if you intend to use it where signal
strength is weak. As this is a sailing NG, I assume you intend to use it on
a yacht.

My own GPSMap 60C will pick up down below at the chart table without an
external antenna, but you would be better to expiment to see if you need the
antenna, unless you think the few bucks they cost is worth investing anyway,
just in case.

Your last paragraph reads as if you intend to plug the antenna into the
laptop. I assume this is a typo?

Dennis.



Thanks,
Shaun