Tim
I suggest you go read the thread I started
Furuno NavNet 3d
I discuss the very same dilemma you are describing.
I'm installing a new Furuno system on my fly bridge and will use the laptop for those occassional times that I need to steer from down below. The Furuno MaxSea Time Zero laptop software allows me to have 100% access to everything the chart plotter has, including radar, routes, waypoints, weather data, etc.
R.