Copilot

[Gage]

Any one know anything about the 'Copilot Navigator 9 Laptop GPS Navigation System'? Thinking about maybe getting a Laptop and also some navigation software for it.

[dmb90260]

Gage:
I have one of the Garmin's that works with my computer and have been with friends who had MS Streets & Roads that worked the same way. Both seem to do the job okay but neither is very good for a solo driver. If you have a navigator who can monitor the screen they work very well.
They are very helpful in planning and layout a trip but sort of impractical when in transit and trying to watch the road and that laptop on the passenger seat. .
I do have a cigarette lighter inverter to keep the laptop batttery going on the long trips and check the maps when I stop.

[Leon]

I've looked at that for my laptop but I'm not sure about the bulk of the laptop in the front seat. I have an older Magellan GPS that can be plugged into the laptop and without some type of mount to hold the laptop, it is a real pain to operate while driving. I was trying it in the pickup and there's not much room in there so in a larger vehicle it may not be as bad.

[asianflava]

I have a GPS that came bundled with Microsoft Streets and Maps. I've used it and agree that it is too bulky for one person to use.

It is possible to set it up and go but other than that, you'll have to stop and mess with it.

[MarksMG]

I used my brother in laws laptop with a navigation system on it buy also found it was kinda big and bulky in the front seat. I ended up purchasing a Garman and think it is the best thing since sliced bread.

[NightCap]

I'll have to ask my Brother where to get the laptop mounts they use in the NW cop cars. Bet they would do the trick.

[PaulC]

Hi Gage, Rather than carrying all the gear why not just purchase one of these.
http://www.navman.com/Navman/templates/BUHomepage____6313.aspx

I only use my laptop and the 1:250000 topo maps when I am well and truly offroad.

Cheers
Paul

[Jiminsav]

Gage|Gage, do we make a left turn here?

I think you'd be better off with a Tom Tom.

[PaulC]

Gage|Gage, do we make a left turn here?

I think you'd be better off with a Tom Tom.

Tom Tom, Navman, Garmin Street pilot. There's heaps available out there.

Jiminsav, that's what I was suggesting, KISS principle in action here

Cheers
Paul

[sjptak]

Gage,
I've got a Garmin 2610 and love it. It dscontinued, but there are many plug in the cig lighter dashtop units that are great. They'll even find you the nearest Dunkin Donuts. All you do is tell it to find one. Great little gadget. I can't imagine travelling without one anymore.

[Leon]

Gage|Gage, do we make a left turn here?

Now that's funny

[Gage]

or "make a U turn when possible" I hear that all the time. I have a Cobra NavOne now and I've had it just over a year now. It's just been acting up lately. Like I said, I'm thinking about getting either a Notebook or a Lap Top and thought I could kill two birds with one stone. From what I've read the 'Copilot Navigator 9' looked to be the best for what I wanted. From what I read, it acts about the same as the dedicated GPS Nav systems that are out there on the market. I'll be using it mostly in the big truck so room is not much of an issue.

[emiller]

I like my Iway 350 works great and has back up battery so when your on foot or broke down in some remote area. Plus all the neat features it has. http://www.lowrance.com/Automotive/

[Joseph]

Frankly, aside from the "gee whiz" factor, I just don't get GPS devices, let alone spending the kind of money they want for one. I like maps and get them free from AAA: with a map and a compass mounted on my dashboard (yeah, I'm geezin') I've never failed to find my way to where I'm going and back home again. But then, I don't wander of into the blank parts of the map where it says "Here there be dragons" the way Gage does...

Joseph

[Kurt (Indiana)]

My wife has a GPS on her Verison cell phone. (VZ Navigator). It works well for her and she has used it in situations when driving with the "girls".

It only cost $9.99 per month and is in a small device (cell phone) that is very convenient.

$9.99 seems like a lot of money, but compared to the others, it's a reasonable price to pay for peace of mind.

Now if I own it for 4- 5 years, it will cost as much or more than the other optional GPS units. Then again, in 5 years the technology might change and the others will be limited. Who knows.

I used it this past weekend. We where in bumper to bumper traffic on the NJ turnpike and I got off about 15 miles from our regular exit. I plugged in the address that we wanted and it talked me right to the door.

Seems like a good alternative to me.