Laptop/Netbook GPS

[mumstruk]

Hello All.

Need some help.

I am looking at using a netbook or laptop for in-car navigation when we do our Flinders/ Lake Eyre trip in September. I like the idea of using something with a ten or twelve inch screen, detailed topographic maps with the ability to over-lay satellite images and to create our own maps and to also load photos taken on our journeys linked to locations.
I am looking at using a net book with a USB GPS antenna plugged in the side and running oziexplorer. I have read that the HEMA maps are a little light on detail so would like some advice on this. We spend a lot of time exploring the New England and Clarence Valley areas and have fun tracking down abandoned mines and fossicking for gemstones (that's what the kids call them any way).
I would like to know what set-up works well, which are the easiest to use and the problems that we may encounter. Has anybody had experience with the cheap GPS dongles for sale on Ebay?

[JamesC]

I use a 9 inch eee pc as it fits snugly into the little square space in the glove box. i also use ozi explorer as my mapping software hooked up to my garmin gps which mount onto my a pillar. as for maps, i mostly create my own. for this i use nonimapview, sas planet and sometimes gmap maker. i then use mapmerge to create larger and hybrid maps from downloaded tiles.

[leachy_9]

I use a 10" eeePC on a Ram Mount with a Transystem iGPS Pro Mouse GPS (USB connection) see here: http://www.octapc.com.au/category732_1.htm
I have five other GPS units and in terms of speed to lock onto satelites and coverage in the bush /hills this unit is by far the best.
Note: I have heard good reviews of the GlobalSat BU-353 SiRF III GPS Mouse also shown on the linked page.

The HEMA maps are OK for touring but lack datail for 4WDing. There are specialist maps avaialble for certian areas, such as Roof Top Maps for the Vic High Country or you can make your own using some of the software packages already metioned.

Leachy

[JamesC]

I use a 10" eeePC on a Ram Mount...

Mate, can you post a pic of this?

[leachy_9]

Mate, can you post a pic of this?

Here are a couple of pics of my eeePC installed. I just put it in the car to take the pics so there are no cables - and I just noticed the PC wasn't clipped in properly but you get the idea. The cable and device on the back of the eeePC you can see is a USB DAC amplifer that I use to get good sound out of the eeePC for watching movies.





I only put the eeePC in when we are goin gon a trip. Here is what is left of the mount when the eeePC is not installed.



Leachy

[mumstruk]

Thanks All.
Looks like Oziexplorer is the way to go for software and a decent GPS antenna is not much more expensive than an el cheapo. I'll hunt around for some 1:25k topo maps for the detail that we need. I like the mount and what I dont want is something loose and heavy rolling around in the cab.

The best thing is that my wife will have control of the navigation and she wont be able to turn this map upside down so easily (insanely frustrating)!

[LiveFreeAndRoam]

The best thing is that my wife will have control of the navigation and she wont be able to turn this map upside down so easily (insanely frustrating)!

Hehe...

Though, maybe not such a bad habit...

It would be more frustrating being directed to turn left when it should be right... Some people prefer to navigate with map-to-ground. Correct me someone, if I'm wrong, but I believe the army teach map-to-ground navigation? If it's good enough for our grunts, then...

At the end of the day, as long as you get there by the navigators direction... or instincts .

LFaR.

[Crisp Image]

I use an EEEPC too with GlobalSat BU-353 SiRF III GPS Mouse. However I can also connect my Garmin Etrex HCX to it as well. This gives me the ability to go for a walk as well as drive as i also Geocache.
They both work as well as each other.
I was once in the police station (Official SES Duties) which is a brick construction with a tin roof and still had a fix on the usb gps connected to the laptop. Shows how good it is
Tip to remember is that OZI is not a TomTom and will not give you turn by turn directions.
Regards
Crisp Image

[JamesC]

Here are a couple of pics of my eeePC installed....Leachy

Thanks mate, not sure how that setup would go with my manual though, I may have to consider something else. One other thing though, what's the digital display just above you analogue gauge in the centre console area?

[Chippy]

One other thing though, what's the digital display just above you analogue gauge in the centre console area?

That would be the electric brake controller.

Cheers
Chippy

[JGD]

Leachy,

How much did the RAM mount cost and where did you get it? I've got the same eeepc and have been looking at a decent mount for a while now.

I bought one of these from the States - http://www.netbookmounts.com , but have yet to find a decent way to mount it properly - the RAM gear looks like the goods.