We run ours below, but connect via remote desktop to a Panasonic Toughbook touch display in the cockpit. These are made for outdoor use and are sunlight readable and weatherproof. The PC below is controlled by the display in the cockpit. Both have dedicated DC power feeds to them.

All our navigation and AIS data feed into and integrate with the PC and it also talks to the autopilot. The only thing lacking is radar overlay, which is about the only thing we use our chartplotter for. But we hardly ever find radar overlay useful where we are cruising.

Our netbook PC and Toughbook display combo uses less amperage than our chartplotter (with radar off) and cost less money while providing a lot more functionality and flexibility and three generations worth of better user interface. I can't figure why chartplotter companies can't get near this.

Mark