Oh sure, I have three docks myself.  I was just saying he didn't need a dock
to make this work, in case he's strapped for money.

True, but there are advantages to a dock, like now having to plug/unplug
everything if he needs to or when he uses the laptop in his Ram.  Either
way, a laptop can be used for your needs.

You don't need the docking station, you can plug all of that and more
directly into the back or sides of laptop.

That's is very true Roy, if you really wanted the laptop for the navigation
use, you should be able to get the optional docking station for the laptop
you buy.  That would allow you to use a standard keyboard, mouse setup, and
give to the ability to use a conventional monitor or even TV unit if you
have one that has DMI or VGA inputs.

You can plug any size monitor you want in the back of the Laptop.  You don't
have to use the LCD when your at home or the office.

When I get my a.s to FL I'm going to need a 'putor for the house. I want to
leave this one here in MA for Sue to use and the time's when I come up. I
don't do a bunch of gaming but I might. I do a lot of reading on the net. I
like a BIG monitor for all the pink bunny pic's. I thought about a laptop
even more when I was trying to figure out the navigation question but have
pretty much settled on a garmin. Thanks to all for your help and info on
that. Anyway a laptop will limit the size of the monitor.

So let's hear what ya think especially you folks in the field. Brand, reason
why and price they go for if ya have the info.
tia

Roy