GPS/ Laptop Mapping

[shoveljunk]

I am using a IBM ThinkPad, Garmin E-Trex GPS receiver, windshield suction cup mount, Interface connector with cigarette light adapter, adapter splitter, and a D/C converter adapter by Fellowes (purchased at Staples). If your computer doesn't have a serial port you will need a USB adapter which is suppose to be a faster stream anyway. Mine is by Belkin for $60. 00 at BestBuy. To mount the laptop I use a Jotto desk (www.jottodesk.com) mounted on the right side of the floorboard hump between the center seat and the cup holder close to the passenger seat. I am using the Delorme Street Atlas USA 7. 0 that uses voice navigation. Your computer will need to have Multi-Media for this to work. I did have a problem with starting my GPS before the computer. The computer thinks the GPS NMEA stream information is a mouse control and causes erratic behavior and an error message. Now I make all connections, boot up the computer, start Delorme program, initialize GPS, and when I get the "No GPS Fix" message I turn on the GPS receiver. The only problem now is that the voice navigation is difficult to hear while traveling. External speakers may correct this. If anyone has a fix let me know. Last thing is the map software does have errors that I can live with and the maps that use the USGS (United States Geological Survay) info are suppose to be the most accurate.

 

[shaft]

As a long time GPS user on a daily basis who travels a LOT I have a couple things to add.



I am a cable contractor and work in about 6 different states. I QC from 20 to 30 jobs (addresses) a day and need the most accurate and uptodate software I can find.



I own a copy of -every- publically available piece of GPS software and to date Delorme Street Atlas 2003 is about the best thing going. I have a copy of v 7. 0 that you mentioned and it doesnt hold a candle to the latest release. I have one commercial GPS package that is awesome on accuracy and content being based on actual aerial photographs. However, the user interface is so cumbersome as to render it all but useless.



As for being able to hear the directions I have found the voice to be more of an aggravation than anything else. However like you I fought that battle and about the only cure is to pipe the sound out to external amp and speaker(s). I did this only to finally reach the conclusion that I prefer to turn the voice off and just glance at the screen when I need to take a bearing... ...

 

[CoreyPerez]

I thought I was high tech, but I guess not. I'm just running a Garmin V. I've got the DC Adapter, and a windshield mount. The mount was due to using it in the over head area on my 94, but I don't use it there on my 02. It doesn't have voice, but it does beep at a pre-determined time due to speed before your next action is prompted. I rarely have a hard time hearing it, unless I'm buzzing down the highway with the windows down and the radio up loud enough to hear over the road/engine noise.



I've only had a few instances of which it was a problem, and most of the time, it gets me to the address I'm looking for. I'm using software that is about 2 years old, and the newer address is where it poses a problem. As well as phone numbers for address (stores/food area/fuel)



Corey

 

[dsather]

Laptop Mount

Is anyone with an auto using a laptop on a center mount (mounted on the drivetrain tunnel)? I'm curious if you can use the factory cup holder on the dash. Are these mounts clumsy or do they work well?



Dennis

 

[TowPro]

Re: Laptop Mount

I also 2nd the notion on Delorme 2003 being the best one yet I have used.



I mount mine on the floor on top of the trans hump, with a bungee cord hooked to the plastic piece at the dash/floor junction. The bungee wraps around the base of the screen.



I use voice commands to zoom in, zoom out, next turn, etc.



I do have to run External Amplified speakers so I can here anything. Dells don't have the bests speakers in them.

Originally posted by dsather

Is anyone with an auto using a laptop on a center mount (mounted on the drivetrain tunnel)? I'm curious if you can use the factory cup holder on the dash. Are these mounts clumsy or do they work well?



Dennis

 

[shaft]

Re: Laptop Mount

Originally posted by dsather

Is anyone with an auto using a laptop on a center mount (mounted on the drivetrain tunnel)? I'm curious if you can use the factory cup holder on the dash. Are these mounts clumsy or do they work well?



Dennis

I have a mount like you are asking about and it works great. Does not interfere with the cup holder and the base mounts to the side of the drivetrain tunnel. Instantly removable leaving only the base mount. These holders are made by a TDR member from Florence KY and the price is WAY WAY less expensive than any others I have found. The only drawback is you must drill holes for the mount in the transmission hump unlike some others that bolt to the seat rails. It is however about $125 cheaper and a whole lot more sturdy.



Follow this link for further info... ... Laptop Mount

 

[TowPro]

Re: Re: Laptop Mount

anybody got a bigger picture? Price sure is right

Originally posted by shaft

I have a mount like you are asking about and it works great. Does not interfere with the cup holder and the base mounts to the side of the drivetrain tunnel. Instantly removable leaving only the base mount. These holders are made by a TDR member from Florence KY and the price is WAY WAY less expensive than any others I have found. The only drawback is you must drill holes for the mount in the transmission hump unlike some others that bolt to the seat rails. It is however about $125 cheaper and a whole lot more sturdy.



Follow this link for further info... ... Laptop Mount

 

[shaft]

Send Mike Burke (who makes the stand) an email... ... . He will send you pics I am sure... ... .

 

[shoveljunk]

SoftWare.

My wife and I like Delorme 7. 0 The accuracy is'nt perfect but it has many points of interest that we use. Super markets laundry mats and fast food can all be found easily. I tried the Delorme 2003 and was over whelmed. To many bells and whistles. Also there are many less point of interest in towns. 2003 is more difficult to read. Such as service exit! Lets do some software analysis with the understanding that it is mostly opinion. Delorme Street atlas is the only program I have used on a regular basis.

 

[FJfonda]

I've become a Junkie

Started with DeLorme Map-n-Go and have almost all versions up to the current Street Atlas 2003. There is a BIG thought process change in going from versions 7, 8 or 9 to either the older Road Warrior or the new Street Atlas 2003. The current set up is using a DeLorme Earthmate receiver and a home built lap top mount. The mount is a piece of Lexan that snaps over the center console, mounted to it is a port replicator that allows the quick removal of the lap top. The lexan mount is light weight and doesn't interfere with the console usage once the PC is removed. I have heard the new Earthmate offering is much better than others in the speed it takes to find it's fix. We stopped in the DeLorme showroom this spring outside Portland Me and checked out the Topo Street Atlas 2003. It will actually map out the elevation changes for a trip!! One feature I need but have not found is bridge height data. We were recently in Long Island attempting to fit a 13'3" height boat under a 13'2" RR bridge.

 

[Boondocker]

GPS laptop

I have a similar setup, same software different hardware.

I also have a problem booting the laptop with the GPS plugged in, pretty easy workaround.



I use a boom mike headset to converse with the program. Background noise is a problem, so voice recognition training in cab with the engine running might be a good idea.



Mounting is a problem. I can set it on the center console but have no way to secure it, not good. With the stick shift, I can't locate my bigass 8. 5-lb laptop in the ideal viewing location, I have to rely on my navigator anyway.



I've been looking PDAs, of course I want the top of the line IPAQ. But mounting is better, the screen is big and colorful enough and there are lots of GPS-related offering. The latest issue of Pocket PC Magazine http://www.pocketpcmag.com is dedicated to the subject



Let's see, my birthday is coming up... and Christmas too.

Neil

 

[shaft]

Something I did for months before I bought a stand was sit the laptop on the console... ... Go by Autozone or similar place and buy a small roll of that foam stuff that mechanics use in toolbox trays to keep wrenches from sliding around. You will be amazed at how well it works... ... . I have slammed on brakes as hard as I could with the laptop sitting there open and running... ... it didnt budge a bit.

 

[mbaston]

I am using the Dell Axim PDA and Pharos GPS system. So far, It seems to work well but not perfect. The mileage is off at times. I have a laptop but it takes too much room. I wanted something smaller. I already have the PDA so the logical choice was just to add the GPS to it.

What is neat is that you can choose an address in your address book and it will find a route to there.

 

[Josparkz]

TTT

 

[dsather]

Display

Has anyone found that a smaller notebook computer is an advantage for using in a truck for GPS purposes? I wonder if te 12" would be a little better and not so cumbersome as a 14 or 15 incher... ... or is the increased display size a big advantage. I plan on using Delorme Street Atlas 2003.



I don't like the built in units like street pilot due to its small screen size. But that doesn't mean I would want something overwhelming unless it wasn't.



Opinions???



Dennis

 

[Huntmastr1]

Regarding hearing the voice notifications!



I purchased an FM Modulator that plugs into the sound output of the computer. When tuned to a matching channel on your vehicle stereo you will be able to hear perfectly.

I actually purchased the device so the kids could watch and hear DVD's. I was startled when the map program spoke up!!:--)