laptop Computer in 4x4

Brian,

I have just installed my laptop set up ( see photo in my members profile)
Mine is a 12" compaq and is loaded with Raster Premium plus UBD street
directory for aus. and will have two more Map CD's installed soon all on the
hard drive. Vibration should not affect the hard drive as much as it would a CD drive.
Very pleased with this set up. I had a larger laptop but it took up so much room.

I used light alloy checker plate covered with marine carpet and mounted it to the passenger panic handle with a hose clamp.

Brian H,
I had ideas of taking the lappy on trips for picture downloads but instead chose the card option. 2G XD card for 90 odd oxfords landed at home. Ebay.
Cheers,
Bros

Hi Brian, I'm running a Toshiba 1.6 GHz Satelite A100 using wireless mouse connecting an 8" monitor for my OziExplorer/GPS moving map setup. It works great. Have not had any vibration problems as I have it positioned behind the drivers seat on a soft base (It has been used in the vehicle over the last 6 months) Prior to upgrading, I had a Highlander 1.2 GHZ laptop which ran trouble free for over 4 years. I run a Kerio 70 watt 12v power supply while the laptop is in the vehicle. If you're quick you can still pick up these laptops at Dick Smith for $849.00 while still in stock. The reason I picked the Toshiba was because I find it suitable for running my other programs. If you don't want to go to the expense you should be able to pick up a good second hand notebook with a CPU speed around the 1.6 GHz mark for the cost you have mentioned. Try to get one with wireless as it cuts down on the cable runs. You can see my setup on my webpage. Cheers.

Hi Brian,

I'm in the process of doing exactly what you are doing. My set-up will be similar to some described above.

I bought an IBM Certified Used Equipment "Thinkpad" from IBM (see their internet site) - three months warranty. The reason I went IBM is because they have inbuilt hard disc protection - if the computer senses a vibration problem, the hard disc stops instantly (well, nearly). The sensitivity is adjustable for different levels of background vibration. I haven't had it on a trip yet, but there may be other forumites with IBMs that could say if the system has worked. (Mind you, it might be like the man who throws salt over his shoulder when walking down Pitt St in order to keep elephants away. It always works.)

In addition, I've been advised that IBMs are more robustly built than most PCs, especially the new models that sell for about what I paid for the certified used IBM ($899). I decided a robust used machine, even if slower (1.5GHz), would be more appropriate in the bush than a flimsier new one for around the same money. (Toshibas are also said to be fairly robust).

I'll be carrying the laptop on a shelf above the heads of the driver and passenger (Troopy) - ventilation is an issue I am addressing, but I'm confident it'll be OK. Will be using a Xenarc 10.2" monitor and a bluetooth mouse (rather than the touchscreen version, because the Xenarc people confirm that there is a small but noticeable brightness loss when a touch overlay is used.)

BTW, if you're a computer enthusiast, try downloading Google Earth images (all at the same eye-alt), merging them together using Photoshop>Photomerge, then calibrating the big Google pic as a map in OziExplr. In Moving Map, you'll see yourself moving over the pic in real time.

Good luck!

I find my 15.2 inch screen is too big for car use if you are going to eventually connect to a GPS. I know you did not mention this but "forward planning" pays. a 12 inch screen would be better. PDA's are too small.
Richard

Hi Brian (good name )
I just sit my laptop on a pillow behind the seats, had no probs yet with vibration.
Cheers Brian

G'day Brian, Interestingly we have just bought a laptop(thursday night). I had been investigating brands, hardware, software for weeks.
We went to the PowerHouseDSE store for $2200 we got
Acer Aspire 5601ZWMLi/5611
XC3910 Lap Top
DSE USB 2.0 MicroDrive 1GB
PINNACLE PCTV Hybrid Pro Stick
Black Carry Case
The computer has CD/DVD drive and burner
Intel Core Dual Processor
(1.6 GHz, 533 MNz FSB, 2 MB L2 cache)
15.4" LCD Screen
512MB Hyper Memory
120GB HD
1GB DDR2
802.11a/b/g wireless LAN
Inbuilt Camera and Mic
Windows Vista Premium Ready
3 years warranty
We were not going to mount it in the car, our intention is to use it some communications, TV, to finish writting my book,lots of photographs and make films?(well try)

andy

Brian,

The specifications for the Toshiba Laptop you have given should set you with a unit that will run anything you wish.

Does it come with a DVD drive?

This is becoming more and more important now with a lot of software only coming on this medium. (eg NATMAP Raster Premium)

Just make sure you disable (turn off) the wireless network card while you have it in the car as even hidden, it will broadcast its presence to the thieving mongrels that want it more than you.

Brian,
We went up the laptop path for photo storage and OziExplorer. Works well, but (in a Troopy at least) has problems with space. An open laptop is big and awkward. Options include mounting somewhere behind the seats and using an extension screen mounted (somehow) on the dash, maybe wireless keyboard and mouse (or touchscreen). These weren't options for us because our Acer powers down if we close the lid, so still occupies big space.

Although we carry the laptop too, we've gone with a small desk style pc (about 25x25x7.5 cm) mounted in a case with lots of sponge rubber behind the seats and powered by a car laptop power supply. We have a 9" touch screen mounted on the dash and a miniature keyboard. We found using a mouse in a moving vehicle was virtually impossible, hence the touch screen which is slightly more possible! By running a 4 port USB hub to the dashboard we have all the connectivity we can use. Our setup (second hand HP e-pc computer) would fit within your budget, though there are smaller, higher performance, and more expensive, PCs available if you hunt for them. We used cabling throughout, though blue tooth is another option. Don't know of any miniature bluetooth keyboards.

A further use you might consider is internet access using a wirelss lan. I'm currently setting up for this, as I understand that caravan parks, fast food joints, public libraries and others are increasingly providing wireless lan style access to the internet. Costs less than $50 for a USB connected wireless port, and if your gear is semi-permanently mounted in the vehicle allows it too to talk to your home computer very easily.

HTH

John

Thanks for all the responses .......... If i was to go down the path of laptop i would most likely use my current Garmin 72 (from boat) run to the laptop to a touch screen. Of course this all sounds fine but i am not a computer person and one must wonder if I'm just adding a problem to the vehicle aprat from myself :) .

I take a lot of photo's so i figured it would be easier to download to a lappy and i could add a bit of a story to some of the photos so when i return I don't have to drag it from my memory bank, which has a very very poor storage capacity lol.

The reason for the GPS side of things was simple to give the co ords to some of the photo's as a better reference.

I assume you just need to config the laptop to run while closed or is that not an option in some?

Ahhh the world of gizmo's, once again thanks for the responses.

Brian