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Old 08-07-2007, 01:28 PM   #1
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computer

ok so I have a laptop I want to run on board does anybody know how many volts it will take to charge it and also I'm looking for some really really god map software so I can find my way when I have no connection

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Old 08-07-2007, 07:10 PM   #2
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Re: computer

Laptop batteries are all over the place in terms of voltage, but 14.4 seems to be the most common. Since a single lithium ion cell has a voltage of 3.6 you will find them in multiples of that. I know we sell DC power cords, but they're spendy (like in the $70 range). It would be best in my opinion to just plug into your 120 volt wiring. If you are not planning on running a big inverter and 120 volt wiring throughout I would atleast consider just picking up a 200-400 watt inverter for running the computer and put in a cigarette lighter style outlet where ever you might find yourself using it the most.

Microsoft Streets and Trips is the only mapping software I've used, but it really is just fantastic. It's not cheap, especially when you get the GPS receiver to go with it, but it is very good and generally very up to date on information like construction, fuel stops, etc (as long as you update it when you have a connection). The cool thing is that you can trace your route on the map and save it. You could trace each trip and save them or trace them all on a single map. Prevost owners have boring stickers for states they visit. Skoolie owners are high tech and can print you a report of exact mileage, stops, times, etc.
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Old 08-08-2007, 02:12 AM   #3
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Re: computer

Best software is coming with the Garmin products. City Navigator.
You can buy a USB antenna bundled with City Navigator for 149.95 Canadian $ herehttp://www.gpscentral.ca/products/garmin/18deluxe.htm
I bought City Navigator for a 276C Garmin GPS and paid $160 (just for the software) before I found GPS Central. I will buy the USB antenna for my Laptop but since I dont plan on traveling till next year I hold off on buying since CityNavigator is supposed to get an update in the near future, and if you have an older version the update would cost you around $80.
I used CityNavigator on my travels this summer in and around Calgary and never had a problem not finding an address. I talked to the people at GPS Central about software and which one to buy, they said that Garmin is defenetly the best outthere since they have the lagest selection of units and are regularly updating their software, where as others are not that quick.
I dont know how good MicroSoft system is or what mapping they use, but I know that COSTCO used to sell the USB antenna and software for around $129 Can. A little cheaper then Garmin but do you really trust something that comes from MicroSoft?
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Old 08-10-2007, 11:27 AM   #4
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Re: computer

on maps, looking for something more geared toward wilderness area's logging rds etc
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Old 08-10-2007, 01:48 PM   #5
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Re: computer

up here in the north (Northern BC) the topo maps are better when it comes to Backroads. However topo maps are not updated very often and depending on the location of your travels the maps might be 20 years old. For forestry maps and accurate roads it might still be the best to get them as paper maps from the local forest district. Use your GPS to pinpoint where on the map you are. GPS are great but maps are still more accurate (regarding roads) out in the woods.
I use Topo Maps from Garmin. 140 for Canada, or available on e-bay for around 120
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