Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
GPS Total Solution - Not there yet! GPS Total Solution - Not there yet!
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!



Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Mar 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ron View Post
I do carry a laptop that i use for camera and video editing, but as someone posted befor, you can't see the screen in the sunlight anyway...the gps you can
If you get a laptop or a CarPC sunlight on the screen won't be a problem.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ron View Post
The GPS can take a tumble, the computer can't, and you will crash or fall over.
Hopefully won't crash or fall over in our LC - don't forget this is a 4WD section ;-)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ron View Post
Trust me, just try it and you'll be convinced
For me, in a car, a decent laptop setup or CarPC will always win hands down - you can do more with it and see more of the map atr a time on the screen, which is easier to read when driving along.

Yes there are security issues and you need to hide it away when you stop, which you most likely will have to do with the Garmin anyway.

As a portable backup, I have a PDA phone and a bluetooth GPS, running a cut down versions of the mapping software on the laptop.
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Mar 2007
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Red face
Quote:
Originally Posted by JulianVoelcker View Post
If you get a laptop or a CarPC sunlight on the screen won't be a problem.




Hopefully won't crash or fall over in our LC - don't forget this is a 4WD section ;-)



For me, in a car, a decent laptop setup or CarPC will always win hands down - you can do more with it and see more of the map atr a time on the screen, which is easier to read when driving along.

Yes there are security issues and you need to hide it away when you stop, which you most likely will have to do with the Garmin anyway.

As a portable backup, I have a PDA phone and a bluetooth GPS, running a cut down versions of the mapping software on the laptop.
My apologies to everybody! I didn't notice that this was the 4WD section! Wow, if i had the luxury of travelling in a cage (oops, easy there Ron! ) I would be taking advantage of the resources you speak of. Man, who carries an open laptop on a motorcycle??
...that being said, although Worldmap, well,sucks! It has become an ever important tool for me. Most of the cities i've discovered in C and S America have not even been closo, or do not exist at all. Oddly, what has been relevant info is rivers and major cities, along with major highways (give or take a kilometer or two ). With these i can always discover my placement on my trusty old paper map with minimal effort. I've never been through Africa, but will in the future and will be looking to all of you for advice when i do. For now, i feel over my head and will be backing out of this thread. Enjoy!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Wink
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ron View Post
My apologies to everybody! I didn't notice that this was the 4WD section! Wow, if i had the luxury of travelling in a cage (oops, easy there Ron! ) I would be taking advantage of the resources you speak of. Man, who carries an open laptop on a motorcycle??
Ha, ha I've seen weirder things on motorcycles - a lot of them on this site! But back to the cages, the temptation to fill them up with toys and gadgets can be hard to resist sometimes!
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
Different needs
As you see there are different opinions. Some people say Garmin Worldmap is great, some think it is useless (unless you get it for free in your GPS).

The reason is that people have different needs and they ask different things from a map. For basic overland traveller, Garmin Worldmap may be OK as are Michelin 4M regional maps. On my last trip in Africa most other travellers I met just used basic Michelin regional maps, they drove on main roads and were happy. If you travel main roads mostly then no need for sophiscated navigation systems and expensive maps. You can also do without a GPS as well.

On the other hand, I like *adventure* travel and for me that means I usually pick the smallest track that takes me there. Picking a small track can make you feel like an explorer, you find places less travelled, remote and unspoiled.

So it comes down to what one really wants to do.
Last edited by Rebaseonu; 22 Mar 2007 at 15:18. Reason: Fixed typo
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Mar 2007
Gipper's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Saltspring Island,Canada/Poole,UK
Posts: 1,081
Hey Ollie
How you getting on with the Tecra ?

Intersesting to see - as mentioned above - everyones different needs from mapping - I have thus far kept only Mapsource/Google Earth on the laptop and used dash mounted GPS(s), good paper maps and local knowledge to get about - even on some well out of the way routes, I dont like the laptop out all the time, but I see where people are coming from if thats the set up they like.

Whichever way you do it - dont forget to enjoy the Scenery and spend some time (and money) with the Locals - IMO that is what separates an Overlander from a Tourist......

Later
Grif
__________________
Cheers
Grif

'11 KTM 450 EXC
'09 Suzuki DR650
'00 Discovery Series 2 V8
'95 Defender 90 300 Tdi Overlander
http://gipperstravels.blogspot.ca
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Loving the Tecra
Hi Griff,

Loving the Tecra so far. Haven't really tested out its dropp/spilling ability (just as well!) but it is doing everything I won't fast. I am only using it for 'trip' related stuff, so not pushing it too hard so far. ONe thing has surprised me is the fingerprint scanning actually being useful. Really easy to swap between user sessions, or load up username/password combos. But I have noticed if I've been doing some manual work, or waashing up etc, it doesn't like that (on the fingerprint id'ing). I would defo recommend it for the price I paid, although haven't any toughbook/rugged laptop experience to compare it to.

As for the GPS setup, this thread has een incredibly helpful. It's amazing there are so many preferences, and what I have figured out is I need to understand what suits my eeds best.

Currently (and this is bound to change with the wind) I am thinking of using the garmin V for main navigation, with the maps etc all stored on the Tecra. I will also use the laptop for Oziexplorer when I get east of Poland. Also I'd like to get the main route in paper maps, so maybe a visit toStammfords is the order of the day.

Any thoughts or where to get world paper maps. What scale is the most appropriate?

Again - thanks everyone for contributions
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Mar 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
Any thoughts or where to get world paper maps. What scale is the most appropriate?
Ollie,

I've had good experience with The Map Shop
For route planing on main roads you may find useful single sheet maps at scales 1:1 500 000 and over.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Hybrid Mode Hybrid Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Total newbie wdamci Route Planning 4 1 Sep 2006 16:09
A helmet music solution that works while riding TerryMoto Equipment Reviews 0 20 May 2004 02:38
Jerrycan Rack on a XT600Z - whats the best solution? Fuchur Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 10 24 Mar 2004 02:51
Total packing weight for 650 GS Newbi Rudi BMW Tech 0 31 Jan 2003 20:37
finished solution fue_ll North Africa 0 12 Aug 2001 11:28

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
New York: October 9-12 NEW!
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

2026 Confirmed Dates:
(get your holidays booked!)

Virginia: April 23-26
Queensland: May 1-4
CanWest: July 9-12

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top