The Laptop is multi-purpose in its usage. Tied in with the
SSB or SAT comm you can do your emails and on
line Ordering of needed parts.
The
GPS you can only do Satellite navigation.
The Laptop: Balance chk book, keep inventories, store hundreds of books & games.
The
GPS? Sat nav only.
Laptop; Large screen.
GPS; Small screen.
Note: have my
GPS (Garminmap 76) tied into my laptop when working offshore. Nice to have Nobeltec chart desplayed when entering a port I've never been into before. Day or Night. But then with the laptop I can do so much more.
Yes you do need one or more secure places for the laptop and lash it down. But you also do this with all of you electronic tools on a vessel.
Of course when I look into the mirror, I do see an idiot who failed to lash the laptop down one time and ended up have to put out more bucks for a new one. Lesson learned... Oh! Take my word for it. Laptops do not survive any unplanned flights across a pilothouse of a vessel. Especially with hard landings. Lash it down!!!
Have fun.