GPS through laptop

[wierdbeard]

I use mapsource in conjuction with one of my garmin handhelds run through a laptop. What kind of laptops are you using? processor speed etc. I'm only going to be using the laptop for the cruiser so maps, manuals, and other cruiser related stuff. I've found some great reconditioned toughbooks but haven't decided on the processor speed. Any suggestions?

[Grolar]

More than the processor speed I would focus on the RAM. 2 GB with Win XP will get any 1,5 GHz computer flying.
BTW, did you consider Fujitsu mini laptops? They're quite easy to fit on the center console with a proper mount.

[wierdbeard]

I'm not familiar with Fujitsu Laptops, my main reason for going with the Toughbook is they are pretty rugged, as far as the case as well as shockproof, water resistant and hold up to the dust pretty well. I've used some pretty tiny laptops while overseas and just didn't like the fact everything is too small. Is there a particular Fujitsu model you recommend i take a look at?
-thanks

[Grolar]

I think it's called the Lifebook, "ultra portable" category, such as the T2010 (Amazon that). I'm sure it's not as rugged as a toughbook, but my company buys them for some of my colleagues who travel a lot and need something handy and compact: they're very satisfied with those.

[wierdbeard]

thanks for the info, once i finalize my choice and have everything i will post up.

[brownbear]

IBM thinkpads reconditioned are good way to go for a vehicle. They are very rugged. Generally have a titanium in their case I have been told.

IBM English Canadian IBM - Certified Used Equipment™- Notebooks - Canada

[sseaman]

We use IBM thinkpads for our work laptops, and they hold up very well for abuse from daily use, in and out of vehicles

[brownbear]

they are or were the corporate standard notebook. very rugged.

[re_guderian]

I bought a used IBM Thinkpad T40 off of craigslist for GPS. Works great. I also (ab)use one on a regular basis for work. They hold up well. I use my old MS Streets and Trips USB antenna and USA Photomaps (free!). So far, so good...

[bigassbike]

I have been looking at these. When you add the AT stuff they get pretty expensive. Dell Outlet is probably the only place I could afford one from.

I have one of these coming for work. Not sure when it is going to get here but would be happy to review when it does.

Good luck!

[alia176]

All HDDs these days are built to handle various G loads so I'd put emphasis on the actual weight of the laptop and how large the screen/monitor is. The heavier the unit, the beefier the laptop mount needs to be. Furthermore, you don't need a gigantic screen for vehicle applications; they just use up precious space too quickly. Large screens will weaken the hinges quickly for normal offroad type activities.

Also, it's a good idea to use a laptop whose power plug can be easily found in most DC to DC converters such as Targas, I-go, etc. It's not efficient to use DC to AC inverter and then back to DC for laptop power IMHO. Too much wire clutter gets in the way. Most laptops these days are consuming around 90 watts of power.

If you go with a mini laptop (no peripherals on board), they tend to be very light with a 13" or smaller size screens. Once you've loaded up the GPS data onto the HDD, no need to for a CD/DVD player anyway so why carry the extra dead weight? A Bluetooth capable laptop can be handy should you ever want to go the BT GPS route in the future.

Good luck with your purchase!

[GLTHFJ60]

I am probably one of the only computer geeks out there, but I believe that the gps programs out there don't need too much processing power to work well, so why not use one of the smallest computers out there? the EEEpc:

CybertronPC – Asus Eee PC Based Mini-PC - Intel Celeron M Processor, 802.11bg Wireless, 512MB DDR2, 2GB SOLID STATE DISK, Intel GMA 900, 7" WVGA LCD, Linux TPCMPCM900BK at TigerDirect.com

It's probably just as cheap as you guys are going to spend on a refurb, has a solid state drive so vibrations won't affect it, and it's so small that you would probably only need a Velcro strap to secure it to your center console. I know that this is the route that I'm going to go.

Just figured that I'd throw my opinion out there.....

[alia176]

Originally Posted by GLTHFJ60

I am probably one of the only computer geeks out there, but I believe that the gps programs out there don't need too much processing power to work well, so why not use one of the smallest computers out there? the EEEpc:

CybertronPC – Asus Eee PC Based Mini-PC - Intel Celeron M Processor, 802.11bg Wireless, 512MB DDR2, 2GB SOLID STATE DISK, Intel GMA 900, 7" WVGA LCD, Linux TPCMPCM900BK at TigerDirect.com

It's probably just as cheap as you guys are going to spend on a refurb, has a solid state drive so vibrations won't affect it, and it's so small that you would probably only need a Velcro strap to secure it to your center console. I know that this is the route that I'm going to go.

Just figured that I'd throw my opinion out there.....

That's a very interesting option. I wonder if the memory can be expanded by much? Very nice option indeedy!

[GLTHFJ60]

Originally Posted by alia176

That's a very interesting option. I wonder if the memory can be expanded by much? Very nice option indeedy!

Ram or hard disk space? Ram can be expanded up to 2 gigs, I believe, as it uses standard laptop dimms. The hard disk space internally is 4 gigs, and can accept SD cards which I believe come up to 16 gigs.

I wish I had the $500 laying around to buy one!

[nspctr1]

I am into gadgets as much as the next guy but, why not just use a GPS? I picked up a Tom-Tom one 3rd generation off of the AAFEES website last week for a hundred bux. No shipping and no tax. It's small, portable and ready to roll. JMHO of course..

[FJ40_owner]

I run a re furbished Dell Lattitude P2 running Win2000 and a Garmin Gp18 hockey puck. The garmin came with nice topo/map software as well. The PC has held up for two years now and I still do not have a permanent mount. I just bungee it to the passenger seat facing me.

[wierdbeard]

i have thought about using a automotive GPS unit, but it doesn't have everything that i want, i have tons of digital maps from all over the place that i'd want in there not just road maps, also a digital version of my FSM, as well as service spreadsheets etc. basically anything thats related to my Cruiser. I did look at the cybertronPC it looks pretty good, i think that i will go with the Toughbook as they are pretty rugged, i'd like to stay away from a plastic case simply because offroad - bad bounce-dropped, knocked over etc. I do see the issue of hinges on a laptop used in a vehicle, but from personal experience the toughbook does hold up, to some very serious abuse. thanks for all the input

[alia176]

Originally Posted by nspctr1

I am into gadgets as much as the next guy but, why not just use a GPS? I picked up a Tom-Tom one 3rd generation off of the AAFEES website last week for a hundred bux. No shipping and no tax. It's small, portable and ready to roll. JMHO of course..

I suppose the same reason why we drive super luxo yachts vs horse carts

It's a good question, really.

Some of the reasons why I use a laptop with a USB GPS receiver:
-street maps with restaurants, hotels, POIs
-various Topo software for varying degree of drill down
-ability to interact with a keyboard is MUCH easier than a dinky touch screen and look for the A, B, C, keys
-Double duty as internet access during the trip or when you get to the destination. Check the email at Burger King while eating lunch.
-Able to download pics from camera cards on the fly.
-USB ports to charge phones, cameras, etc
-a 13" screen is much easier to see than a 3.5' screen. Especially topo mapping.
-Much easier to insert Waypoints using keyboard. For example: Great camping spot, next to the brook on the west side, vs C_spot_1
-Passenger can watch movies to past the time.

I'm sure there are more but these come to mind right now...

[Mace]

Panasonic toughbook..

Works F'n great..

[MSGGrunt]

As far as ruggedness goes, IMHO, you can't beat the Itronix brand. I am currently running their IX250 and am looking to purchase an IX260 in the near future. With the Itronix you get the added benefit of a touch screen and with the IX260 model an optional back-lit keyboard. Not sure about the toughbooks, dells, etc, but the Itronix is built to take the day-to-day vibrations of being in a vehicle as everything is shock mounted, dustproof, waterproof, and a case made out of magnesium. They are not light, but are built like a tank.

[Waorani]

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 with Delorme Earthmate GPS. Typically run ArcView 9.2 but often also run Delorme Topo USA with state specific USGS quad data. Nice thing about the Topo USA is I can turn current road data on/off over quad imagery. Recently also figured out how to convert shapefiles to display in Topo USA so I'm using it even more frequently.

[GLTHFJ60]

Originally Posted by Waorani

Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 with Delorme Earthmate GPS. Typically run ArcView 9.2 but often also run Delorme Topo USA with state specific USGS quad data. Nice thing about the Topo USA is I can turn current road data on/off over quad imagery. Recently also figured out how to convert shapefiles to display in Topo USA so I'm using it even more frequently.

How do you like the Earthmate GPS? I was looking at it online and it looked like a good deal.

[Waorani]

I've several of the earthmates over the years. Early ones were a little difficult to use with batteries and serial interface but the current USP and Bluetooth Earthmates are great and have integrated WAAS. The BT can run all day on a charge and both run pretty much automatically with Delorme software. Takes a little tweaking to run with ArcView though.

You can get the LT-20 w/ Street Atlas 2008 for $50 on Amazon.

[bhmmapping]

I also use a bluetooth earthmate with arcview on a thinkpad tablet. I have been using the earthmate for several years now and have never had any complaints. I wedge it between the sunroof and sunroof cover and it gets great reception.