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Enigma

Enigma

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So the :princess: bought herself a netbook, an HP mini 110 ($340 incl taxes from Costco), for some classes she will be taking.
Now let's say, hypothetically speaking, that if I was to borrow it on occasion for gps/mapping type stuff, what do I need?
 
I was just dreaming about this last night so looked into it. You need a GPS antenna/reciever ($45-$70) and software like Garmin Mobile PC ($100 plus). Now I just have to see if I can get computer servies to approve and pay for this addition to my work lap-top. Me thinks this will be their response: :flipoff2:.
 
John, you noob.

Forgiveness is easier to ask for than approval, or however that goes.

Buy the stuff, submit the receipts for your expense cheque. You drive lots for work, so it's a necessary evil.
 
Now I wonder why Kim took the permission side. :rolleyes:

Actually, I am kind of stuck with the permission side as we have a policy than no software other than that approved by computer services can be on our computers. Got in trouble the last time they found out I had installed Flight Simulator on it. A person has got to do something to unwind. They didn't agree. :mad:
 
I didn't, John, just ribbin' Jeff on his phrase.

I would imagine that in a job like yours, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to state that you require a good GPS system, especially in a province like BC where there are many remote areas. Probably a good communication system as well.

For safety's sake. :)
 
since a couple people keep asking me this here is the info you need for GPS-laptop set ups:
The antenna, this will work and many of us are running it:
GlobalSat Waterproof GPS Receiver BU-353 GPS CENTRAL Canada
or you can go all out with this unit:
Garmin GPS 18x LVC OEM (010-00321-36) at GPS Central
or
GlobalSat MR-350 Waterproof GPS Receiver 15' Cable
just make sure you have the right end on it or adaptor cable.
Then you need this: (and you have to buy it!)
GpsGate for Windows, Pocket PC, Mobile Tracking - Nokia
you can get it direct from the manufacturer as well at:
GPS Tracking and Vehicle Tracking: Home
this allows your other software (or several) that you use for the maps to talk to the GPS/USB antenna. Many systems will not work without it and you can't hack the damn thing so just pay your $30 and forget it.

Then you need the maps, software for it, etc. That can be arranged in several ways and you have options from the actual Garmin MapSend, to Magellan Topo, to Ozi, Memory Map, etc, etc. The last two utilize maps like the digital Back Roads from Mussio Ventures or others. That is a separe deal and things can be worked out for it....
 
Ozi Explorer. It is shareware so free. I have a navroute external gps antenna that included the driver software, bought from Best buy / futureshop (around $70 i remember).

I see cantire has a super-cheap netbook for $199 right now! At that price is might be worth trying pulling it to pieces and hard-mounting the screen and keyboard separately. I wonder how easy that would be? I wouldnt want to try it with my $400 eepc.

One nice thing about my eeepc is that it has a solid-state flash-ram HD = much less likely to crap out on bumpy shaky roads than rotating Hard drives.
 
Just had a look at Crappy Tire's website, it only has a 4G HD, no specs on the OS though. Mght be better to look on eay for a tear apart project and get something nicer. I've been running my eeepc with a solid state drive for over a year with no issues, the guys that are running the regular drives haven't had isues either, guess time will tell.
 
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