Tablet/Laptop + GPS for Search and Rescue

[offroad_nomad]

Well I searched this site for any current suggestions for combining a tablet or laptop with GPS for navigation purposes in my vehicle while on search and rescue tasks. I think the one post that was similar to mine is about 2 years old.

Basically I would like to buy a tablet or laptop and connect it to my GPS for navigation. My problem, due to a lack of knowledge regarding tablets and laptops, is what to get.

1. It will be mounted in my 4Runner with a RAM-type mount.
2. Prefer to buy used to keep costs down.
3. Trying to keep costs around $500 (if possible).
4. Run GPS mapping software (Delorme Topo USA or similar)
5. Also have search and rescue operational forms and logs
6. Bonus capabilities would include Bluetooth, Wifi

I've been searching eBay and found several models, such as:

• Toshiba Portege 3500
• Fujitsu Stylistic LP P600
• Fujitsu Stylistic 3500
• Motion Computing Tablet M1300 or M1400
• Itronix GoBook II IX260
• Xplore II Tablet
• EliteGroup EZ-Tablet V300

So, am I dreaming or is the above possible? Any input, suggestions or advice is appreciated.

[P8RSON]

Actually nomad, you missed one machine that is ideal for vehicle mounting and that is the ASUS R2H.
It may not be a full blown tablet pc but an UMPC.
However, it's 7" screen does make it ideal for vehicle mounting that can be taken with you when you stop.

Built in it has GPS (SurfStarIII), Bluetooth 2.0 and WiFi.
I have the R2H with Memory Map 3 Ordinance Survey and it works a treat.

The US version comes with Streets & Trips which is not ideal for offroad mapping so you need to check the topo mapping software of your choice.

Other than that, if you go for a full-blown tablet, bear in mind you will need either a PCMCIA or USB mapping hardware.

[offroad_nomad]

How would you rate the above mentioned tablets or laptops? No. 1 being your first choice, 2 your second and so forth.

[P8RSON]

The scenario...
You are in a room, sat at a table full of people discussing something and you ask a question...
Suddenly someone speaks up and gives an answer that may help or give further food for thought!
However, you totally ignore their reply but again ask another question based on your first answer.

How do think the person who gave the reply would feel?

[offroad_nomad]

Originally Posted by P8RSON

you totally ignore their reply [you mean your reply]but again ask another question based on your first answer.

How do think the person who gave the reply would feel?

What do you base this on?

I simply inquired "how would you rate the above mentioned tablets or laptops?" "Above mentioned" includes the ASUS R2H that you referred to in your post.

I took a look at the ASUS R2H after you posted. It's overpriced (new or used) and therefore outside the parameters I posted.

Don't take it personally. I just asked for folks to rate "the above mentioned tablets or laptops" and again that includes your ASUS. Just because you mention one model doesn't mean there are others here who would recommend something else. If there are other recommendations, I'd like to hear them.

[SpaceDust]

Originally Posted by P8RSON

Other than that, if you go for a full-blown tablet, bear in mind you will need either a PCMCIA or USB mapping hardware.

If your tablet has built-in Bluetooth, there is Bluetooth compatible GPS hardware as well, and I can attest to it working pretty well with my PDA.

It all depends on what you're comfortable with and what makes sense for you!

[jroosth]

If all you need is GPS, why not simply get a stand alone unit or get one of the many newer Pocket PC devices that have built in GPS? I realize that totally does NOT answer your specific question. I have an ETEN G500 Plus and the GPS on it works flawlessly. The newer ETEN X500 and M700 glowfishes and the HTC Atremis also have built in GPS in a pocket pc type device that is a lot easier to carry in a vehicle than a laptop.

But while I have absolutely NO experience with GPS on a laptop to know if a tablet pc adds to the functionality of the experience, ANY laptop can be attached to a GPS solution either via Bluetooth if the device supports it or USB and there are many inexpensive GPS USB recievers that can plug into laptops. You can pick up a much more powerful laptop sans tablet pc functionality in your price range and it will work like a champ with GPS. You are not going to be writing on the tablet and be out driving I imagine.