Laptop performance

Does it tkae long to load the maps or change from map to map?

Not very long. One of the maps I run is the seamless Flinders Ranges 1:50k map which is over 500Mb and it runs fine.

The computers of that era had about 6 Mb HDDs, which I find adequate. I use the Auslig and Hema maps plus some scanned maps of other places. - The Auslig 250k maps (2 CDs) take up about 1.3 Gb, the Hema Great Desert maps take up very little. But I suppose if you get into it in a big way, and wanted to load all the 50k maps that are coming available, you'll fill the HDD. Alternatively, you just keep the little used maps on CD.

Well, I'm still struggling with an old IBM 486dx4-80 with 20MB RAM and Win95. Why? coz it was CHEAP. But it runs better than I expected, but takes about a minute and a half to load a full size 250k ecw map of about 4megs. After loading the map, the software keeps up ok. But I have to use the least resources-hungry method of scrolling the map (scroll when cursor is near the edge). But it's done fine work for the last 4 years, and the map load-time is the only issue I really have.
I'm expecting a lotto win next week, so I'll probably be upgrading.
Gerry

Paper maps are cheap so no reason not to have them as backup. Can also be used if the bog roll runs out and if rubbing two sticks wont start the fire :)

I may be mad but I'm not crazy
Hooroo
Ray

I'll wait for you at the campground with my bogroll and campfire

;)~~~~~~

Then you can "beat" me over the head with paper maps.
It's a dateI may be mad but I'm not crazy
Hooroo
Ray

Ive said it before and I'll say it a again...You CAN beat paper maps...for certain applications ...and actually I sometimes wonder why they keep cutting down trees to make them:) ...I find digital maps extremely useful. My paper map collection is...mmm..I think in the shed ...must check.
Cheers
Greg
PS One thing paper maps are good for is scanning into digital format!!!

Greg...
paper maps dont need power, Hard drive, Mobo, or Monitor which can all bleep themselves - and do...

Paper wont.. And when laminated, become so much more useful, throw them on the wet bonnet etc doesnt matter... They only charge $5 at Melb Map Cente rwhen I got mine laminated.

Truckster - look I understand what you're saying - I just find statements like "You can’t beat Paper Maps" ludicrous. I use Digital (and paper) maps and airphotos on a daily basis. Both have their uses and limitations. I find the digital variety extremely useful and would for no reason start using paper maps/airphotos instead to fulfil my requirements. For the work I do it would be one GIANT step backwards (maybe even two steps backwards...off a cliff:)). If you prefer paper maps and have no need/use for the digital variety….great. Just keep in mind the uses/requirements/interests other people have before passing comment.
Regards
Greg

Greg said (I just find statements like "You can’t beat Paper Maps" ludicrous. )

Simple.. Paper maps dont break down (I work in IT have done for 7 yrs, please dont say Laptops are reliable).

Also trying to save people LOTS of $$ on digital maps that arent any newer than paper in "MOST" cases...

Truckster - are we talking about the reliability of Laptops (dont actually have one… use an Ipaq and a PC and a printer. ..yes you can print out digital maps and make some old fashion paper ones) or the usefulness of Digital maps??

Again.. just keep in mind the uses/requirements/interests other people have before passing comment... And again I understand your comments on the need to have reliable tools in serious conditions. Besides using them on a professional level, a lot of people use digital maps for FUN....in far from "serious" conditions.

Cheers
Greg

Then what happens when ya mates laptop dies in middle of nowhere, like happened to us out Walhalla, Down along the Deep Creek track along the creek bed, theo's lappy fell off the seat and went Poo!

I had papers of the area anyway, that are always in my Aussie Post Tube..

Going with only the one option is sorta dangerous!

I dont have to take the laptop out as I can print off the area I am traveling in before I go this only costs a few cents I also down load enough waypoints into the GPS to get me home again .So if the laptop and maps and GPS all fall down a very deep well I also have HF radio .Born to drive a 4x4 , not a keyboard
Peter York 4x4

If you can get in and you can't remember how to get out you have a real memory problem. Use GPS as a tool and don't rely on it 100%. Keep your personal navigation and observation skills well practiced so that when the GPS does give up you will have some Idea where to go.

ACtually brett, the way we went in, you have 0 chance of getting out after the 15-20 mins of rain we had...

Wouldnt matter how good your car was... As per usual, same with Electonic maps they are out of date, adn instead of 3rd on the right as it was 5+ yrs ago, its now the 20th on the left...

YMMV