On Sat, 03 Jan 2004 19:20:16 GMT, "spdevel" wrote:

The one word version of how it works is - GREAT!

I agree. It's a nice combination.


Get a 256 Meg Compact Flash card for the charts. Bolt down the suction
mount.

Agreed again. 256 MB gives you space for a lot of map data in your pocket.


I also got the CE version of Oziexplorer. In many ways I prefer it to
Pocket Navigator. Mainly because you can have sets of waypoints and
routes.

Disagree. I tried OziExplorer and didn't think that the user-interface was
good for a boat. It works OK at a desk...just not on a boat. After reading
all the review (there are a few comparisons - go find them) and checking out
all of the software, I selected Outdoor Navigator. Maptech sells it. For
$99 you get the software and EVERY NOAA chart for the US. Real map data
too - this isn't a demo. This saved me a lot of money for the map files. I
also get maps for areas I'd like to learn more about or plan on going next
year, etc.

After just finishing a 1,900 nm cruise I can tell you....it works great at
the helm or in the dinghy. It is really nice having a handheld
computer/chartplotter in your pocket when you're trying to find your mooring
in the dark while coming back from dinner! I had that happen a couple of
times...

My brother uses an iPAQ 3870 with a Fortuna GPS receiver and the
Maptech software and loves it. That's where I first got the idea to
buy the PDA for the soft brain cells and as a bonus, I get a spare GPS
unit. :)

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
----------
"I object to fishing tournaments less for
what they do to fish than what they do to
fishermen." Ted Williams - 1964