Chartplotter Vs. PC based set-up, questions???

[dustinp]

Hello, My name is Dustin, I am new to cruising and new to this forum. I am considering my options for my nav/entertainment sys. aboard my first yacht, 34ft mono-hull that I plan to sail in the Caribbean. I was planning a particuar set-up but would like some advice before I get too carried away with myself. . .wondering what I will need as far as navagational/electronic instuments. I have a PC with a 32" flat screen monitor that I intend to use for my entertainment system as well as for my PC/charts, etc.. I wanted to integrate a GPS, Radar and chart software into the PC, the video card I have will allow me to hook up another (smaller, hopefully waterproof type) monitor in the cockpit. I would like a system that would be able to notify me via some type of alarm if parameters, that I select, such as an object in my proximity, etc. are surpassed. Is this possible? I would have a handheld GPS unit as a back up, and was planning on getting paper charts as I have heard that would be wise. I am trying to find a 12V power supply for my PC, may have to switch to lap-top, but that is here nor there. Can I have set-up such as this, that will be able to interface with the autopilot/radar/depth sounder/wind inst. etc? By doing it this way what are the pro's and con's. I would really apprectiate input or advice on this, Thanks, Dustin