"LD" wrote in message
ink.net...
What kind of boating? lake or ocean? Keep in mind the Garmins will auto
shutdown in 30 sec. if the power cord is disconnected which, in my
opinion,
makes them of dubious value as a safety device. Any GPS will "show" you
the
straight line path to a pre entered point (known as a "waypoint"). The
Garmin map76 and the Magellan Meridian Marine both have pre entered buoy's
and other marine features in addition to a "roadmap". I don't think it's
practical to try to navigate in a vehicle using the 1 1/2 x 2 1/4" screens
on a handheld GPS however. I've been using my laptop with Street Atlas
and
a handheld for years though. And they talk to you, alerting you prior to
a
turn and other things
LD.



I don't think the iQue will shut off after 30 secs and most Garmin handhelds
such as the GPSMAP 76 series are designed to run off batteries so it
shouldn't be an issue.

I agree that small screen size is an issue with navigation, although I don't
think staring at any GPS screen while trying to drive is a good idea
Having voice prompts helps minimize this issue, IMHO.

The advantage of the new GPSMAP 76C is that it can do autorouting on the
handheld, as opposed to previous models. The 76C doesn't have voice
prompting, however, which brings us back to the small screen issue. There is
also the Garmin 276C that is coming out but I belive it will be more than
your $500 price point, but I don't know for sure. The 276C seems to be set
up for both Auto and Marine use.

Personally, I wouldn't bring a laptop onto a small boat such as the OP
described (21ft?).

Cheers
TC





SNIP