I am seriously trying to get rid of my powerhogging onboard laptops as well as the tape- and/or CD-players that keep breaking down eternally. Perhaps, the Garmin iQue M5 might be an excellent solution. Besides being a handheld GPS with brilliant 3.5" TFT color display, built-in US maps (plus voice navigation option), it also functions as an MP3 player, a voice recorder and -last but not least - a full-fledged Pocket PC with a Windows operating system that can handle all the wordprocessing, spreadsheet and presentation tasks I need on board. Finally, my Garmin Bluechart software runs on it. Moreover, it appears to have lots of connectivity options, e.g. USB, IR, SD/MC and Bluetooth. So, combined with a few standard pocket PC add-ons, such as a keyboard, gigabyte flashcards, wireless speakers, printer and perhaps even a small LCD screen to watch the occasional video, I should be all set. Lowest price on the internet is approx. US $ 550; i.e. barely more than what one would expect to pay for a GPS with color chartplotter. Naturally, with so many important on-board functions tied up into a single unit, it goes without saying that one would be wise to have a backup unit (preferably stored in a small, lightning-proof metal box). What doth thou all say? Have I gone stark-raving mad or is this the way to go for cruising sailors? Flying Dutchman