Thread: Newbie ready to cheat. Tight time frame.

Originally Posted by widower

Ok. I'm ready for the flamming.

I've been sorting this carputer thing out for a few days now. I have a big trip across North America in a few weeks with an Avalanche and camper in tow.

It's come down to selecting the best display. Because of the time crunch, I'm stuck between the Lilliput 619GL or the Xenarc 700TSV. Quite a price difference. I need help from you to determind the advantages of the Xenarc over the Lilliput.

Because of my time crunch, I'm not going to go with an in-dash unit until later. Probably purchase an empty in-dash once I'm back.

I'm going to cheat by using a laptop/docking station combo. Docking station gives me remote power on access (without opening the laptop) and using MS Streets with the Pharos GPS. I'll also look at mapmonkey. MS Streets is the best for planning a trip but not for navigating. Also, probably just use an inverter to power the system. Won't have to worry about cranking spikes etc. Already have the wifi & bluetooth in the laptop. I may look at finding an external usb cdrom just to provide remote access to the cd/dvd.

So I hope I'm in line with a working system, and mainly need help selecting the display.

I will probably look into running roadrunner and maybe add mapmonkey. I've only played a bit with mediacruiser and I was impressed but it sounds like support is on hold. I've been waiting a long time for a front end application. I can't believe I didn't find this website earlier.

Please be gentle with your replies. I'm getting to old to learn new tricks.

The Xenarc is supposed to be of a higher quality, but you pay for it.

Truth is though, if it is a temporary setup for the trip, the screen makes little difference, unless you plan on taking the screen out of the housing and installing it in the dash when you get to that point. Then go with the better screen if you can afford it.

As for your NAV program. I believe there are better for routing and Nav. I like the IG/Routis family, with IG2.1.1 being a great product, especially with the upgraded maps, and some other nice functions. But, Nav programs are a personal preference. It depends on what you like to use.

Michael

I do plan on removing the screen from its housing and placing it a motorized or non-motorized unit in the future. What would be really nice is a motorized unit with a cd/dvd slot.