I'm new to the laptop gps world. Grateful if you can help me learn whether and how I can use gps maps of waterways, like the Chesapeake Bay, with a vanilla type gps locator that comes with Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2008. I'm running a micro Fujitsu U810 (800 Mgh w/ 40 gigs, 5 inch screen) Many thanks.

Hi drlorax,

Welcome to Laptop GPS World forums!

Fugawi offers various GPS software programs for navigation on waterways. Look at their various PC programs: Fugawi GPS Navigation and Mapping Software Homepage

Marvin. Many thanks for reference to Fugawi.com. One aspect of my question is whether it's worth buying the Microsoft package (S and Trips 2008) with the Microsoft locator (specs not listed), or is it advisable to get a better locator for use on near-shore boating. Thanks in advance for your help.

I'd like to say yes, and in a way the Microsoft GPS-500 would be a good fit for your Fujitsu U810 Ultra-Mobile PC. No wire needed - it would just plug directly to the USB port. The GPS-500 is based on the excellent SiRFstarIII chipset, so you would be guaranteed to have an excellent GPS receiver. But as several users have commented, the adapter, which goes in-between the actual GPS receiver and your computer's USB port, is of rather flimsy design (it could break easily).

A few weeks ago I would had still recommended it, but since then I've seen Deluo NavStick -a unit that also just plugs directly to a USB port, it also is based on a SiRFstarIII chipset, but it looks of a better design.