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Robin

Both you and Mike don't appear to be in favour of a laptop, which does'nt surprise me. I can't figure out how you would protect a laptop over rough country.

You mentioned a "good quality GPS screen". Can you elaborate further?

Many thanks

Kim

Hi Kim

I have measured and designed many screens (there once even used to be a factory in melbourne that produced them).

Most laptops have less light output per unit area than some of the smaller screens
used on better GPS'es. They also tend to have a more limited viewing angle.

The above makes them harder to read in general even if you solve the mounting issues.

Always check any screen based system before you buy it.

Best way is to hold the unit with the sun in front of you and with light coloured clothing on (e.g. white business shirt). Turn the screen on an angle and ensure you can read it.

You need a consistent colour on the screen otherwise you will get false results.
E.G. A dark screen will show reflections more.

I also need to use those magnifying glasses for shorter distances, this shows up the lack of resolution (pixels) in some of the less costly units.

From the above I choose the 276c GPS as having the best available and most readable screen for viewing when driving. The unit was also not to big to be able to mount such that it could be viewed whilst not taking one's eyes off the road.

Robin Miller

Robin

You've turned me off the idea of using a laptop. As previously mentioned I can't see how these things would stand rough treatment. Back to Plan B...whatever that is.

Many thanks

Kim

I just wrote a speil that didn't post. No time to write it again. But basically don't be put off using a laptop with ozi. What do you think all the comp guys use? I've used mine for a few paj challenges etc and many trips. My passenger hangs onto mine or some like the comp guys make sturdy mounts. Never had an issue seeing the screen in the vehicle. Anything is difficult to see in direct sunlight. I say go for it but always ensure you have a paper map as a backup.

Leroy

"Sturdy mounts" Sounds like they could be nasty in an accident!

Hi Alan H,
I'm thinking of doing the same as you have done. Already have all the software and laptop. What brand of extension touch screen did you use?

Cheers
Kev

Wilgadene

It is a 8" touch screen I got from bitdistribution. It has no brand name on it. Similar to Lilliput and workd fine.

Cheers

Alan

Hi All,
I had a similar problem in that I want turn by turn for the city and The like of Discover Aus in the bush for track detail. So i made an in-car pc... yes sounds daunting doesn't it. Well it was easy and relatively in expensive (1500)
So now I have the best of both worlds, plus I store music and movies for the kids etc.
Here is what I have.
1 Dell laptop from ebay $600 mounted under the drivers seat in a cradle.
1 7" spring Loaded (like a motorised but no motor) in dash touch screen ($550)
1 Bluetooth GPS Puck ($99) another ebay item
1 Discover Aus on Cd ($299).
1 Freedrive - free from the web turn by turn navigation software maps are 4 years old but good for 99% of what I do, cause the screen size is 7" puts tomtoms etc to shame.

I added to this a reverse camera $89 - ebay
and a set of reversing sensors $49 - ebay

Now I have the best of all systems and have used it over rough terrain, I do expect the hard drive to give up due to the rough terrain at some stage and when it dose I will replace with a solid state no moving parts hard drive.

Now my 2003 GU is high teck I can see the kids when they walk behind the car and get an audible alarm as well. The use of my incar pc is endless, the software is freeware and is called Roadrunner, you can make it look like and do what ever you want. check out www.mp3car.com for the site and search roadrunner.

Ghosty