You might want to think about getting one that has a real serial port. Many
of the new computers don't include them anymore and if you want to hook up
your GPS you will need the extra complication and cost of a serial to USB
converter cable and software that may or may not work very well. Other than
that, I would think a laptop for a relatively hazardous boating enviornment
should probably be on the low end cost wise. You can still get some pretty
powerful machines that come in around a thousand dollars or so and will do
everything you need.

I've been in the market too and have lately been looking here
http://www.powernotebooks.com/index.php3 .
Along with a sterling reputation, they seem to have some pretty interesting
machines at good prices. Last week Best Buy had a Toshiba A15-S127 Satellite
on sale for $699. I almost went for it but it has no serial port and old USB
1.1 ports so I decided to keep looking.


"John Nagy" wrote in message
...
I'm looking for advice on laptop computers/configurations that seem to
work for folks. We will be doing some blue water cruising and want to
use it for weatherfax and charting as well as email. Any help
experiences would be appreciated! Also any web sites that deal with the
subject would be helpful. Thanks in advance. Best Regards, John

S/V Lionheart