Volks,
  I have a couple of used laptops
that can run Windows 98 well and Windows XP poorly that I want to put to
good use.  One of the things I want to do is install one of these
into my LT 4x4 (it's almost a Vanagon - just bigger!) and the other in to
my Syncro Westfalia along with a Garmin GPS-II+ and the serial data cable
that I have for it.  Our Touareg has a nav system so I won't worry
about that! :-)  Each laptop has a serial connection - I am not
worried about OS loading times or really software loading times as the
hybernation mode works well.

Primary use will be for traveling
the back country in western Canada - mainly British Columbia.  I want
to be able to draw on the map and save the information of where I have
been.  I want to be able to see on a map where I am.  I would
like to be able to scan a scale topographical map in or import it from
somewhere on line and see where I am on the map as various zoom
levels.  Turn by turn voice navigation is not necessary, but would
like an option - even a 2nd program recommendation for this would be
great.

The other plan that I have for these laptops is to use
their 802.11 as a part of my home network - as each vehicle shows up at
home, the main network will see new computers in the workgroup.  I
would then be able to upload new music and videos to these laptops as well
as and new map data to be stored on my server.  Of course the use of
Skype when I am in town would be great too.  On my LT I don't think I
will install a radio - just a small Blaupunkt amp that I have and a
attenuator or pre-amp to act as a volume control.  Never listen to FM
any more and my Sirius radio can go into the input of my laptop...

Thanks in advance!

David Marshall