For a couple of years we have tried using Delorme Street Atlas with our Dell 15" lap top computer. We found that the 15" screen didn't have the contrast needed to be seen in ambient light coming in from the windows.
Our solution: We purchased a HP Mini "net book" with a 10" screen ($350) and Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2009 with GPS receiver ($69). We have tried it out in the car so far and the wife loves it. The screen contrast seems to be very good and no problems reading it. The GPS program is very intuitive to operate.
I have no financial interest in Microsoft, but my son works for them; so there is my disclosure!!
The relatively large screen compared to a dash/windshield mounted GPS unit is really neat. With ageing eyes we can read the lettering!
We also use this little HP Mini "net book" for connecting to the internet while on the road. So it serves two purposes.
Just our way of doing it.
Thanks for listening.
Gary D
Gary,
How do get to connect to the internet?
Richard
Just remember to stow it when you get to California, where a laptop anywhere in the front seat area will get you a ~$400+ ticket. Other states have similar laws when the screen is visible to the driver. Dedicated GPS devices are allowed (although California also makes it illegal to fasten them to the window in any way, including those popular suction cup mounts), but real computers, even if they are running a GPS app, are treated differently.
Just FYI.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com (http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com)
Gary , We also have the microsoft streets and trips and love it, I also got the truck routes and low bridges while we were otr and now I have to use the GPS part brcause my speedo is to old to calabrate lol or at least can't seem to find anyone that knows . 8)
rd, you can connect to the internet using a mbr 1000 cradlepoint router, with a verizon internet card connected to it.Unlimited use, and can connect several computers, etc to it wirelessly at the same time. Eagle, what kind of gps did you use for truck routes, and low bridges? We wish we could find something that works for that.
Ruthi, I got ours on line at Truck stops plus. try that .
We have the Garmin nuvi 885T, has all trucker info.
I looked at those little GPS screens and thought no way! Befor taking a little trip I bought an Acer Netbook, refurbished for $219 added my Streets&Trips 2006 and off I went. It worked great. Till the GPS antenna died. I do not know how something as simple as an antenna can die, but it did. The netbook with an aircard and S&T is still a good way to go.
My friend told me to take his TomTom and try it. I was amazed at how well the TomTom works I had many misconceptions about them. They have some flaws but are very helpful when traveling. I am now the proud owner of a TomTom $69, refurbished of course.
JIm
We have Streets and Trips and a cheaper Tom Tom. The TomTom is much better. User friendly, simple to use and easy to read in spite of the smaller size.
JC