Tablet PC vs notebook vs PDA vs GPS
Hey everyone,
I would like to gather some information about your experience with various navigation/GPS/computer systems. Advantages and disadvatages of each of them etc.
First, the GPS. I'm planning to install a Bluetooth and logging capable unit, like Earthmate BlueLogger that will be installed somewhere under dashboard (hidden) and has an external antenna connected. What about the idea of connecting the external antenna head to the air intake cover next to bonnet on a Defender and hide the wire in the engine compartment?
I need to buy a new notebook anyway (current is over 5 years old), so I'm weighting that tablet PC type of notebook with a touch screen may be better than an usual notebook from car usage/dash mounting point of view. However, their design seems not to be as robust as some notebooks, like IBM Thinkpad (T or X series). Is it a good idea at all to use a notebook for daily navigation on a long and probably rough trip (I think about reliability)? Anyone uses a tablet PC over notebook? Of course if you have pictures about dash mounts, then please post.
Or it may be better to use a PDA with mapping software for daily navigation? It is smaller, so maps will be tiny, less features, but it takes much less room and is easier to cover/remove for security purposes. Also, reliability is better because it has no hard disk.
Has anyones notebook hard disk ever *mechanically* failed on a rough car trip? Or it is basicaly safe to use it when driving (always on)?
Or to use both, a PC and a PDA for backup? The point is that I will be taking a notebook anyway, so the question is -- to use it as main navigation aid or not. I will be travelling solo, so no one will be reagind map for me.
Thanks!
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