GPS question

[CurlyDave]

For what you describe, a labtop with a GPS reciever would be best and could serve as an internet connection as well but thats more $$$$.

I have done this and I can tell you that a laptop with a GPS receiver is a very poor substitute for a stand alone automotive unit.

With DW driving and me operating the computer it was a nightmare. You are trapped in a maze of wires, and trying to run the Windows operating system in a moving car is significantly less fun than a root canal. DW is quite skilled at computer use, but she wouldn't even attempt it.

If you do not have a driver and a navigator, using a laptop in a moving vehicle is going to cause an accident, sooner rather than later.

A stand alone automotive unit blends seamless into the driving experience, even giving voice prompts, a laptop & a receiver becomes your primary focus and driving is secondary.

Been there, done that, and I won't go back again.

 

[RayH]

I agree with you about the spider web of wires. Im not sure what program or GPS system you were using but depending on what navigation software you had installed, you shouldnt have to deal with Windows much. Once youre in navigation mode, it shouldve been pretty straight forward with voice prompts, screens and input requirements similar to any self contained GPS. The only time you would have to mess around with windows is at startup and if you are doing something outside of the navigation program functions.
Anyways, it doesnt really matter because a laptop is more expensive and more complicated than Steve is looking for and I really shouldve mentioned it in the first place.

 

[GaryM]

This presumes that the thief will read the sticker before breaking into the car...

The majority of the cost in our case was repairing the car.

Well yeah!

 

[KubotaSteve]

Thanks for all the replies. We settled on getting them a Garmin Nuvi 350. It has gotten good reviews from C-Net. It's probably a little more than they need but I'd rather get a little nicer one than going too cheap. Hopefully they can play with it a little before they leave on their trip.