I have looked into doing this as a backup to my dual Garmins, as well as to
add other functionality.

The Tablet PC would be awesome, and the software is reasonable. The problem
is tablet PDA's with all the extra toys are not cheap. You can end up over
3k real ez.

The PDA versions have lots of possibilities, but as you add functionality
you add cost quickly. Plus, it seemed to me that the software was actually
more expensive so that you end up not saving much over the tablet solution.
I think these start at about $1400 if you get charts included.

The only real advantage appears to me to be that you can use the device for
other things. Also, while it would seem cheaper to upgrade you have to
remember that the new improved software out in 3 years will likely require a
new hardware or OS upgrade that will cost you. The new software inevitably
requires things your existing hardware won't.

I am trying to wait for the new Garmin PDA due out this fall. I wanted the
tablet pc version, but for the money, I believe I will get a regular laptop
plus the Garmin PDA.







"picopirate" wrote in message
...
With the rate at which GPS technology changes, I was wondering if its
better
to go with a receiver interfaced with a laptop or palm so that the
software/maps can be updated more easily. Is that a misconception? What
solution provides the most functionality?