On Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 2:37 AM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@aol.com> wrote:

> In a message dated 28/09/2008 2:23:24 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

AND, my GPS systems, Streets & Trips, Garmin, Delorme and  MexicoMapsAtlas
are all on my 15.4" laptop on my dash so I can always  see the BIG picture
so I can make on the fly decisions about altering my course

Frank makes a very good point here about being able to see the 'Big
Picture'.  One of the very aggravating things about virtually all the dash
mounted vehicle travel oriented GPS units I've looked at (and the one I use)
won't give you a view of the overall area you are in.  If zoomed out to see
the whole area then the details (names, etc) are lost, not displayed.  When
I've used the laptop it was easy to zoom out to get the 'big picture'.  BTW,
unless you have a navigator in the passenger seat or can position the laptop
high and center of the dash it can be dangerous as hell to try to see the
laptop screen while driving.  And you may also need some kind of shroud
around the screen to see it clearly in the daylight.  But by far the best
solution I've found is a laptop running Street & Trips.  The USB GPS module
that comes with Street & Trips is an absolute jewel.  Small, compact and
really fast to lock in.

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