best laptop size for running oziexplorer in car

Submitted: Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 13:45
ThreadID: 70464 Views:7274 Replies:15 FollowUps:16
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i'm trying to work out what the best size laptop would be to run oziexplorer ect in the car... i was thinking of a 12 or 13 inch laptop becuas i thoght the 15 inch would be getting too big and just take up to much room...

went up to good guys and had a look at some netbooks and now i'm thinking that a 12 inch would be too big and maybe goa 10.8 inch or abouts...

who's running oziexplorer on laptops between 10 inch and 13 inch and how do you find that screen size?? is anything less than 12 inch too small.. btw i have young eyes.

cheers
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:01

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:01
Hi bigaz
I have various laptop computers, and at the moment using a Toshiba 8.9 on the arm rest in the centre consul of my Prado. Toshiba also make the 10.2 and are about to release an 11" new model as well. The 8.9 suits all my needs, and best of all running XP rather than Vista, but still take a 15.4" to download photos daily.

It will come down to what suits your need and space in your vehicle when travelling.

Cheers

Stephen
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Reply By: Member - The Bushwhackers -NSW - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:03

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:03
G'day Bigaz, been going through the same conundrum myself. I am leaning towards the netbooks for size, but I am still coming to terms with the fact that they don't have an optical drive (cd/dvd). I suppose the only way to use them is with SD cards etc, but I guess I am sorta old fashioned. I reckon the 10" screen would be fine, just my opinion, and certainly take up much less cabin space... my other problem, whether laptop or netbook, is the 2 airbags at the front, where to logically put the set-up, as it is a daily driver too.
Good luck, Dave
AnswerID: 373454

Follow Up By: tim_c - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 15:06

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 15:06
Can you get an optical drive (CD/DVD) that plugs into the USB?
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 18:56

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 18:56
Hi Tim
The answer is yes, Uniden have the Buffalo unit that sells for under $130

Cheers

Stephen
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Reply By: Isuzumu - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:16

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:16
Down a little to what size you put up, but I use a EeePC 901 8.9 inch screen. Use external H/D or SD card, solid state drive which is better in a vehicle as they are not prone to damage as a normal lap top. The only thing I have noticed is the power usage, I may have to change the set I have. Other than that great unit and a fair bit cheaper than a normal lap top, under $500.
AnswerID: 373455

Reply By: chisel - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:22

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:22
Do you need the PC version of oziexplorer in the car?
Perhaps buy a cheap gps unit that can run the CE version. You can get 7" wince gps units around $200-250 on ebay.
AnswerID: 373456

Follow Up By: Lex M (Brisbane) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 15:20

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 15:20
My cheap 7" wince gps on the dashboard is OK and (I don't have young eyes) so anything over 7" should be alright. Don't use it out of the car though as Internal batteries are low capacity. Carry a laptop as a backup.
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Follow Up By: KennyBWilson - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:39

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:39
I second that
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Follow Up By: Lex M (Brisbane) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 21:04

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 21:04
Another advantage of the cheap 7" gps is it has a touch screen and runs OZICE. I find CE much better to use in the car than OZI. The configurable screens make it much easier to use than OZI when on the move.
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FollowupID: 640644

Reply By: Member - Troll 81 (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:27

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:27
Thought about a touch screen in your existing radio DIN slots? I have that setup and the lappy lives under the seat neatly tucked away. It's not a 12inch screen but find if you zoom enough it's fine
AnswerID: 373457

Reply By: bigaz - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:28

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:28
yah kinda wanted a laptop so the mrs could watch dvd's ect, but i guess that would have to be off usb drive seeing as no dvd drive
AnswerID: 373458

Reply By: bigaz - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:32

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 14:32
yah have been through that thought process aswell. and if someone in asian ebay land didn't ripp me off actually sent the 10 inch touchscreen i paid for the i would have the exact same setup..

however since then dicided i want something that isn't fully fixed incar, that can take when camping too look at maps, watch dvd, interent ect and use aaround the house for internet ect..

hence at the point now where i have decided on a netbook that can be used in car with craddle and can be taken out and used externally from the car

plus remove effort of installing laptop and screen in car

cheers aaron
AnswerID: 373459

Reply By: Member - Andrew L (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:30

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:30
I currently use a 12" Toshiba Laptop for Ozi and as a computer when travelling.

It is mounted on a BOSS mount which does it's job, but still suffers some shake/vibration on more extreme travelling, even though it is mounted to the floor at 3 points.

I will be changing to a lighter 8.9" Toshie soon, (cheap as chips these days) and will mount that on a platform hard mounted to the dash frame from behind the DIN stereo recess.

The bigger laptops are a bit too heavy for any effective mounting to be had, and more chance they may impinge on airbag function or passengers in many newer vehicles.


AnswerID: 373465

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew L (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:32

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:32
photo for above..

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FollowupID: 640601

Reply By: bigaz - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:43

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 16:43
looks like the are a fair few people running with small net books (less than 10") with no probs. i take these small units have enough ram to run ozieplorer moving maps no drama.

found some pretty sweet mounts for netbooks.. so much better the those massive floor mounted units for full laptops

http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/NetbookMounts/tabid/1645/Default.aspx

aaron
AnswerID: 373467

Follow Up By: Member - Mary W NW VIC - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 18:11

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 18:11
Checked it out but can't find one for the Eee PC though,
Any ideas ?
Thanks,
mary
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Follow Up By: Member - John Baas (WA) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 19:05

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 19:05
Has anyone fitted the laptop model mount into a LC200?

Cheers.
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Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 16:22

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 16:22
Mary Johnny Appleseed has the Ram Mount for the Eeepc in stock Johnny Appleseed they can send you one. Thats where I got mine,Tripod and EeePC head unit, its great.
Colin.
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Follow Up By: bigaz - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 16:36

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 16:36
any pics of it insatlled colin?

aaron
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Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 17:05

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 17:05
Mary & bigaz

Here it is installed, Cheers Colin.

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Reply By: Bob of KAOS - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 18:18

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 18:18
I've used 15", 12" (remote displays) 14" and 12" (laptops) , 8.9" (EeePC), 8" touch screen, 7" Chinese GPS, 5" chinese GPS, 4.3 " Mio Moov 300.

Big is beautiful, but can be imposing. The Mio is good too but only one person gets a good look.

I reckon the 8.9" hits the sweet spot.

The 7" would be OK but resolution is below all the others.

I wish my eyes were as good as they used to be. It can be very frustrating needing glasses to even see the speedo. Better than being blind I guess.

I tend to run the Oz 1:250,000 on the EeePC and the the Hema maps on the 5" or Mio at the same time.

AnswerID: 373490

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:11

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:11
Bigaz & Bob
The NEW EeePC 8.9" now has a 19Gb "C" drive along with the 8Gb "D" drive and I added the 8Gb sd card "E" drive also, so this is a serious contender for most practical in car set up as it has NO hard drive disc to worry about, it's ALL solid state, so bring on the rough roads and corrugations, NO FEAR.
Colin.
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Follow Up By: Bob of KAOS - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 14:27

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 14:27
Colin,

thats what mine came with.

I also downloaded a programme called eeectl which allows better control of basic functions including increased display brightness. You can also control fan speed, processor speed etc

I'd recommend it for the additional brightness alone.

I think I will mod mine and fit an USB hub internally with GPS and Bluetooth hardwired.

Bob
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FollowupID: 640723

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 16:23

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 16:23
Thanks Bob I downloaded the eeectl programme and will install it later.
Cheers Colin.
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FollowupID: 640735

Reply By: Member - David T (SA) - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 19:59

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 19:59
Hi Bigaz
I have used a 15" laptop but found it too cumbersome. Then used a PDA and found it too small. I now have a 12" tablet (Acer) and it is perfect. I think 10 or 12 inches gives you a really good screen that is easy to read and shows you a decent size bit of map. Having a computer also allows downloads of pictures, web access when you can get a connection and heaps of space for all the maps you can ever need. I have found the touch screen on the tablet to be really worthwhile as the computer sits flat and all the mapping can be used without the need for a keyboard. I only wish I had got the tablet first as it would have saved me a lot of time and effort not to mention cash.
Good luck with your choice and happy travels.
Cheers

Dave
AnswerID: 373509

Reply By: Luke2 - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:23

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:23
i've just fitted a DIY little cradle in my Hilux for an ASUS eeePC with 9" screen. i've had it in for a few small trips but nothing big yet but it all fits nicely, runs Ozi no worries and the screen seems plenty big enough for the mapping. Although all i'm doing with the eeePC is running Ozi and a web browser and a couple of very small works programs so I don't bog it down. If you wanted to store photos etc it would struggle. I've got all the Ozi maps on a 16GB SD card to keep the main memory free and it runs fine that way without any noticeable slowing (when I drive the moving map is instantly updated and accurate). I found a 12 volt power source at Jayco suitable for the eeePC so it runs off that full time when driving. I like the solid state drive in the eeePC which in theory should be more robust. I'm off the SA for a few weeks on lots of bumpy roads so can give more feedback in late August :)
there's been a thread running on the 4WD action forum (GPS section) for a while on this topic too with some gopod info and pics of other adapted cradles.
if i get some time i'll upload some pics - the Hilux has a bit of a real estate issue on the dash and it was a challenge to find a spot that it fitted without getting in the way of the gears or the air vents but I got it sorted and it all works.
Lucas
AnswerID: 373510

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:51

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:51
Luke
The NEW EeePC 8.9" now has a 19Gb "C" drive along with the 8Gb "D" drive and I added the 8Gb sd card "E" drive also, so this is a serious contender for most practical in car set up as it has NO hard drive disc to worry about, it's ALL solid state, so bring on the rough roads and corrugations, NO FEAR.
Colin.
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FollowupID: 640641

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:53

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:53
Just and additional note on the EeePC, a NEW one would cost around $450-$490 depending on who you buy from, I got mine on E-bay for $450.00
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FollowupID: 640643

Reply By: Ozboc - Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:31

Tuesday, Jul 07, 2009 at 20:31
i use a 15" but thats not why i am replying ---

Ebay for your laptop - you dont need a brand new one at $700 - $2000 for bashing around in your car

buy a cheap one of ebay for $300 will properly only be 12 months old( they would have paid $1000 + ) - and wont hurt as much if it gets broken --- i do this and have no hesitation in just throwing it away after a few years if things go sour - or just give to the kids to destroy unless you have more money than you really need - you don't need to buy Brand new - and just remember -- you may buy the newest Laptop this week --- within 1 week its worth half of what you paid for it and probably outdated within 2 months

Boc
AnswerID: 373513

Reply By: DIO - Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 15:48

Wednesday, Jul 08, 2009 at 15:48
Installing/running am LCD scrren computer in a vehicle can result in problems realting to light (too much) and poor contrast on the screen making it almost impossible at times to read the contents of the screen.
AnswerID: 373621

Reply By: rodweb - Thursday, Jul 09, 2009 at 21:02

Thursday, Jul 09, 2009 at 21:02
I am surprised that nobody in this thread is using a Car PC for Ozie Explorer. this is my 7" Automotive grade touch screen in the dash of my Hilux. No problems reading it sunlight.



Runs Ozi just fine:


And also Street Nav.



I mounted the GPS receiver out under the plastic windscreen wiper cowling:




DVD Player



The PC I use is a Pentium M laptop monted behind the rear seat with a proper 12 volt Car PC Power supply.



Anyway, I find the 7" screen fine for OziExplorer, I have a lot of other features buit into this. Bluetooth, Wireless network but that is a bit off topic.

AnswerID: 373838

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