My very old but great IBM Thinkpad 15" laptop died while underway. The power supply brick is good but the computer is totally dead, no lights, no anything.
I use it, as my Navigation Computer, to run VMSpc and MS Streets & Trips. I use S&T in the center with VMSpc on the left and right borders. Thus I have minimal requirements, the primary one being a nice bright screen.
I also have the Rand McNally 7710 (which I love) for actual on-the-road routing, campgrounds, fuel stops, etc. The Nav computer gives me the Silverleaf data and a great big picture map that I can scroll in and out, etc. I do my pre-trip planning on my primary semi-desktop computer at my desk.
I am consider another nice laptop that would also be a backup for my primary system and perhaps also a media pc for the TV (a hopefully soon upgrade).
However, I'm also curious about maybe using one or two netbooks, one for each program. Has anyone used netbooks for this purpose? (Someone, someplace, did show me something like that that set right in front of his analog gauges for a poor mans glass dash.)
Appreciate your thoughts,
Harvey,
I have the Silverleaf running on an Acer netbook. Works OK. One thing make sure that the screen (lid) is a firm fit as mine will tend to vibrate closed on rough roads. I believe that many others use laptops/netbooks so I am sure you will get a few replies.
keith
We have a Dell Mini 9 netbook. Works well but has a couple of keys in hard to learn places. Will pick up a Dell Mini 10V (1011) as it is only slightly larger and still will easily fit in a purse. Dell makes other netbooks but these two allow Mac OS to easily be installed along with XP or MS7. Other model/brand netbooks will work well for Windows users.
Upside is they are inexpensive, extremely light, good Wi-Fi range, can plug in to most any external monitor or HDTV with the VGA port so you can navigate, watch movies, camera above screen for video Skype, etc. We have taken it outside the US and used it for email and Skype were we had Wi-Fi. They have plastic cases so one does not have to worry about scratching them as any kind of compound will take scratches out unlike my aluminum MacBook.
Down side is netbooks don't have a optical (CD/DVD) drive so you have to pick one (powered off of USB port) up to load some applications or watch movies. Video is also part of the motherboard so you can't do video editing or use it for a lot of games. Stronger eye glasses recommended for the smaller screen.
With a monitor, external keyboard and mouse plugged in, you can cover most average needs nicely and have a ultra portable computer to take with you almost without noticing it.
I use a Holux M-1000 bluetooth GPS with my netbook. Works really well with signal inside house or with tall buildings around.
Prices are from $125 to $280 for a used or even new Dell netbook. I found mine on Craigslist.
Pierce
Take a look at the acer 1830T I7. Size of a net book with an I7 cpu and 11.6" display with full keyboard. 4gb ram and Win7 Home Premium 64 bit make this a serious laptop in a small handy package. Add a bigger monitor and run VMS on the small one and streets and trips on the other!
I'm using an low end Acer netbook running MS 2011 S&T with a BU-353 gps receiver. I works very well but not very good for sunlight readable. I also use a descreet wired mouse for quicker screen travel
Rick: Do you have to download the ms streets & maps program from a web site? I do not have a reader on my netbook. DAN
Thanks a bunch for the great suggestions. I MAY (I have to anguish over the options :-\) just order a netbook from Amazon and pick it up in Quartzsite. Then I'll have VMSpc. (I left my S&T disk at home.) I really like Dave's idea of a 2nd monitor.
Dan,
I downloaded it from the MS site and all went smoothly. Same with the Bu-353 software. I was shocked that both downloads went so smoothly. It took a while (overnight, but not sure of actual time req'd) to download S&T so I would advise to do it before you go to bed. I have DSL. My netbook does not have a disc drive. You can try MS S&T 30 days and then if you want to buy you purchase the activation code and off you go. I was able to get S&T for 19.99 from Amazon, it comes with a disc and the activation code (no need for the disc). They have at that price from time to time. good luck