Handheld plotter/laptop, same charts?

[majdrew]

Hi Folks!

[sorry if this has been done to death..]

I'm looking to buy a handheld chartplotter, and for planning etc, use nav software on a laptop.
Is there a handheld that I could interchange charts with the laptop, so that I only need to buy the one set?
I like Maptech charts, there a handheld chartplotter that is compatible with them?

I'm just looking for a nice simple system, one set of charts to use with both, with no scanning or changing of chart types or
any of that malarcky.. is it possible?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Ceejay]

I've uploaded way points and routes from Maptech on my PC to my Garmin 72 handheld GPS, so I would think it's not a problem.
CJ

 

[CPD]

A Mitac Mio 168 pocket pc with maptech charts got me to the azores and back just fine. Its a fairly flimsy design but Otterbox do an outer bomb/waterproof cover that works a treat.

 

[matelot]

with a garmin handheld and blue charts you can use mapsource software supplied foc by garmin with some of the plotters.

its not exactly a sophisticated PC program but it will allow basic passage planning

 

[majdrew]

Thanks for those tips!

The pocket pc sounds like a good option.

All the best!

 

[Searush]

I have a Garmin GPSmap 76 with bluechart that works on laptop & h/held. H/held has a jolly small screen tho'.

 

[alahol2]

I use a package I bought from Memory-Map that includes the PC version of their software, a handheld version that runs under windows mobile, Maptech marine charts, Ordnance Survey mapping etc. Mine runs on a Navman PiN handheld with integrated GPS, they no longer sell this handheld but there are other, more recent, handhelds.
I can setup waypoints, routes etc on the PC and and send them to the handheld. The same charts are used on both machines. Tracks etc can be loaded back to the PC from the handheld.
It's a great toy that we use for walking and sailing. Well recommended.

 

[majdrew]

Wow! excellent thanks! I'll check out those suggestions.

All the best!

 

[majdrew]

This sounds like a dumb question.. maybe it is!
I've been looking at the Garmin Bluecharts.. it looks like their coverage doesn't include the mid-atlantic.. just the areas around the islands.. can that be right? or am I missing something.. i want to get to the caribbean so..