Laptop GPS

bigwhite · 08-03-2005, 08:35 AM

After purchasing my new to me sled.
1997 21' Alumaweld Formual Vee
I am looking to get a GPS system for it.
My question is: Since I have a great laptop that fits on my winshield in great driving view is there a GPS software that is good?
I have been looking at Fugawi software on line and it looks pretty amazing. (dont know if I can post but I will try)
http://www.fugawi.com/docs/navframe.html

I already have a nice fishfinder but with the laptop and GPS chip in it I think this might be the way to go..

Thanks

blacktail519 · 08-03-2005, 09:21 AM

I think Using the laptop is great. I have done that as well, and was very pleased by the screen size and ease of viewing. The only downfall is the fact that they donnot like the least bit of moisture, wich can be a problem in any boat, even a hard top boat just from sweat. So keep that in mind.

I used a Garmin hand held Map76 that i connected to the lap top, wich basicaly just used the antenna of the unit, and i ran the Garmin GPS software that worked great.

McBaine · 08-03-2005, 09:24 AM

If you want to run your laptop as a GPS then you could get the Garmin GPS 18. Basicly it's an external antenna with software. I would highly recommend getting a separate unit though. Primarily because your laptop isn't going to be waterproof.

MacEFL · 08-03-2005, 01:47 PM

We have the Garmin 18 and it works pretty good for what it is meant for. I wouldnot use it in the boat though as said b4 laptops do not like moisture.

gryz · 08-03-2005, 02:35 PM

Laptops also do not like the pounding when you are up on plane in the chop. :grin: :grin:

:whazzup:

Gus Orviston · 08-03-2005, 02:40 PM

I design mobile computers aka laptops, for about 10 years now, and while I am a huge fan of this sort of application.. the smaller boats are pretty abusive. The jarring will surely introduce your seek heads to the platter in a bad way at some point. There are notebooks that have motion detection that do not allow the head to come in contact with the platter but those are high end IBM machines.. you can drop one while it is seeking the drive and the heads will be parked by the time the NB hits the ground.

Also the moisture issue is a concern...and salt water would kill the gut of the NB in a couple years. I have several NBs and would use one for play.. but if I had only one I wouldn't.

Larger boats that have little felt jarring, you know just that slow motion push, range of 30+ and a dry cabin would get by ok. Smaller boats.. I wouldn't do it..or rely on it.

gus