Very interesting.

Unless I can find an older Mac laptop that will run similar (if not
the same) GPS software.....

This could be another smaller/not upset if lost of stolen, option for me.

Have you found the battery to be pretty good?

If not, were you able to find a new one or have the old one rebuilt?

TIA, and thanks for the info!

Neil.

On 1/17/08, Pensioner <al_knoll@pacbell.net> wrote:
> I use an anachronistic Garmin GPSV.  Seems like most GPS applications don't
> require constant attention so an inexpensive PC with a serial port and
> 600x800 resolution would provide just the magnification you seek.  A 12v
> power supply and W98 is all you need for Garmin software.  A 166Mhz 64MB 5GB
> HDD is plenty for the dedicated application.  Add sound (Garmin has this
> feature in it's software) and the anachronistic electro-nag will tell you
> where to go.  And even announce the turns as you go.  So will MS Streets and
> trips in later versions.  Most of the MS products that are new no longer
> support the W98SE platform because then you wouldn't need to upgrade your
> platform to the latest and greatest (??) Windows Vista at great expense.
>
> The garmin topo stuff and roads and recreation will get you along most of
> the Forest Roads and scenic byways.  The city select will do the rest and
> generally you don't need all of the applications/maps at once, unless you
> drive really fast.
>
> And for the GPSV it has the compass mode in which the device functions as a
> tracking compass without a map.  Very handy for GeoCacheing, almost dead
> reckoning, and other frivolities of that ilk.
>
> HP long ago designed and made a dandy little critter called the HP 800CT
> Laptop.  Way ahead of it's time.  Occasionally available on the used market.
>
> We should remember that the GPS system includes the device AND maps as
> separate entities for best results and updatability.  The PC acts as an
> 'intelligent' interface to the GPS and Mapset offering better control and
> visibility.
>
> However like Loren mentions, for the old fox among us, presbyopic assistance
> measures will eventually become necessary.
>
> Look into OPTX brand lenses.  They act as an attachment to your existing
> sunglasses.
>
> Al (tying on those size 24 flies to 6x leaders in twilight requires 3.5
> magnification, normal 'opteration' only needs 2x)
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
http://web.mac.com/tubaneil

Engine swap beginings: http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/