Maps on CD

Lynette, The Auslig CD's 1:250K will work on pretty much all Windows based PC's. Th only problem with the laptops are they get hot on your lap, and are subject to component failure in rough conditions. I would still take a paper Hema map as a backup ... but a laptop, with AUSLIG cd's, OZIexplorer and a GPS is what I use to get around.

Lyn,
How do you power the laptop whilst away from civilisation on an extended trip? I have heard that you can damage a laptop simply using a 12volt adaptor into the cig lighter, is this true? Cheers Jono.

If you get the correct power adaptor for your laptop to run it off 12v then you should have no problems. That would be a better option than an inverter that changes 12 DC to 240 AC and then convert it back to low voltage on DC to run your laptop. Not very efficient and bulky too.

I have used the Auslig 1:250,000 maps with Ozieplorer and a Garmin
GPS38 on a Fujitsu laptop.

Conclusions...

The Auslig maps are a real mixed bunch. Some up to date with good
graphics. Others obviously poor scans of older maps. Generally the
end result is useful, however older maps may well be out of date and
sometimes its difficult to see detail - like tracks on the Simpson desert
series - they are there - just hard to see.

Ozieplorer - a real Gem.

Garmin GPS 38 - make sure you get something with and external antenna. Inside the windscreen is just too hit and miss.

Laptop - no failure so far - just keep it away from the dust and try not to run it while on bumpy roads as the hard disk may suffer. I started to run this off a Dick Smith 300 watt inverter - but found it works (but wont charge) when plugged straight into the 12V car supply. The inverter is relatively inefficient and eats the 2nd car battery when the engine is not running.

Rob

Lynnette,

I have been using laptops in the car for several years now, I have always plug them straight to the 12 V supply in the car, I normally have one laptop on the front running Oziexplorer (connected to the GPS) and another laptop at the back of the car playing DVD movies for the kids.

I did the Cape trip in 2000 and the laptop did not have any problems with corrugations, I have also taken the laptops throug the vic high country.
Be aware that some laptops will not run on 12 V, check first.

Mine are Toshiba and work fine.

For maps I choose to buy the paper versions and scan/calibrate them to use with Oziexplorer, that way I have both versions just in case of technology failure.


Will

Do not use your LAPTOP on long 4WD trips with serious corragation, you will regret it.
I did use a Toshiba laptop (only switch on at stops) and I regretted so much.
Because the erros on the hard drive do not appear immediatly but a few months later.
If you want to use a hard drive use a flash drive for tooshiba, but the price is not cheap. around $AUS 4000-00 per flash drive 2 GB.
Guy

You might like to check out TRACKRANGER from ADVANTECHDESIGN.COM.AU it beats anything else handsdown.Very easy to load and calibrate all sorts of maps off paper or CD.