ee pc vs hema navigator 5

Curiosity question, does the EEPC have a touch screen?

hema navigator has the hema maps which cost close to $200 and also runs ozi explorer which is not free.

I too am interested in this issue. I would like a larger screen than the one I look at on my HP Travel companion (basically a turn by turn navigator, hacked to run Ozi CE). One issue that needs to be overcome is mounting the Netbook. Even though it is a small screen I am not aware of any commercial bracket available.
I like the idea of using my HP as the GPS device for Ozi Explorer on a Netbook, but you have to tell Ozi what the GPS is when setting up.

Also how do you get programs like Oziexplorer onto the Netbook seeing it does not have a disk drive? What is the advantage of a Touch Screen on a Netbook? Wouldn't the Moving Map in the full version of Ozi be OK?

I have fully licensed versions of Ozi and OziCE. I understand that it is legal to load Ozi onto a second computer for personal use.

Kingo
(Lots of questions I know. Apologies to the original poster "putrol")

By the time you set up a EEEpc it will actually cost a little more than a Hema Navigator. But as far as I'm concerned the extra cost is more than justified by the extra features:
Larger screen
Can play DVDs
MP3 Storage / playback
Internet connectivity / email
Full Windows operating systen so you can run Word / Excel / PDf etc.
160G of storage for pictures etc. when traveling.


Hema Navigator = $1000

The total ost of my EEEpc setup.

10" EEEpc = $ 400
Oziexplorer = $130
CD/DVD Drive = $120
Maps = $200
Ram mount = $150
12V power supply = $40
USB GPS reciever = $80
Total = $1120

Leachy

Hi

I don't have a Hema Navigator but I have an equivalent 5" GPS running OziExplorer CE. Its bright, easliy visible, easy to use and is so simple I can lend it to friends to take on trips. Cost about $70 for the hardware. Maps and Ozi load on SD card.

I also have an eeePC 900 with Ozi and Magellan Streets and Tracks. The main attraction is its compactness, and the SD card slot. The screen is OK but is much brighter running a little programme that enables brightness, fan speed, processor speed to be controlled. I've used this unit mounted on the dash on a few trips and it has been excellent. Using the mouse on rough tracks is a no no. It cost $430.

The other device that might interest you is an 8.9" remote touch screen that plugs into either a Toshiba laptop, or a Mac Mini. The brightness and clarity of the display is unsurpassed. Using the touch screen is difficult- the detail on the Ozi UI is so complex I need to use a stylus rather than my finger to tap the right spots. The display cost about $200.

When necessary I use GPS Gate to run more than one programme from a single GPS. Maps include the NatMap series, Hema, WestPrint, and bits downloaded from Google maps.

Some would say I have an obsession with GPSs. I probably own about 30, including my very first Magellan Meridian from 1994. The current setup, ready for a trip in April, is: Tom Tom Go 710, 5" Chinese GPS (1:250,000 maps), Mio 470 (Hema maps), 8.9" dsiplay with Toshiba laptop, Spot GPS and eeePC as backup.

I shouldn't get lost, but I can't see out the window.

In answer to your question, I'd find it hard to pay a grand for something I can set up for less than a hundred (given that I already own the software and the maps).

I have a PC based solution but consider this

Eepc $400
GPS $80
OziExplorer $130
Hema Maps $200
Memory Maps Vic, NSW, Qld, Tas $700 ( but there are other solutions for say $500)

Total about $1510

That doesn't include street by street mapping.

Plusses
Higher resolution
Bigger
Can use larger map files inc Jpeg etc
Can run other apps.

Minuses
Clunky
Needs bracket etc
few minutes start up
Auto shut down and start up complicated ( but can be done)

I have the EeePC running both Ozi and Trackranger. Admitadly I use a Panasonic Toughbook for primary Nav work and the EeePc as a redundant system or map creation and trip planning. For street by street, Trackranger will deliver that as well as the ability to customise point to point navigation. I find Trackranger much more user friendly than Ozi. Ozi though has a great deal more functionality and I'm sure I'll develop a passion for that as I learn its operation in more depth.

Only downside with any of these systems to my miond (and it's my opinion only) is screen size which is a major issue for those indulging in off track or uncharted navigation. The ability to know what lies ahead is crucial for appropriate placement in a sea of dunes for example. This however is an extreme example that won't apply to most users.

I'm a big plug for the EeePc over the small single purpose Nav systems as it has a 7 hour battery life and is light weight so it can be used out of the vehicle as well. You also have the ability to create maps from Google earth images or other sources which I'm not sure if Hema Navigator has facility for (sorry).

The bonus is that the Eeepc also has computer functionality for photographs, word processing, emails etc etc.

I really enjoyed my Eee PC 901, but it is now back at Asus for the fourth time not impressed. And the last time it was the indestructible solid state hard drive. Hope this time I get a new one

Eeepc, dont leave home without it.

Great setup, with solid state drive, perfect for touring.

Cheers Colin.

"most of the maps & programs you can download for free for the pc"

There is not as much free stuff around as you may think.

All the free stuff like the stuff from Festy is not very good for general use.