GPS/Computer users

[Unicycle52]

I'm looking for recommendations for a laptop that I can carry in the GIVI tailbox or in a saddlebag. Do I need to drop down to a 14.1" diag screen or will a 15.4" diag screen laptop fit in a protective carrying case in the bike luggage? The laptop would be primarily used for Mapping with Mapsource (for the Zumo) and internet browsing. I've never had a laptop.

Bill

 

[sgoat]

I'm looking for recommendations for a laptop that I can carry in the GIVI tailbox or in a saddlebag. Do I need to drop down to a 14.1" diag screen or will a 15.4" diag screen laptop fit in a protective carrying case in the bike luggage? The laptop would be primarily used for Mapping with Mapsource (for the Zumo) and internet browsing. I've never had a laptop.
Bill

Well that certainly depends on which Givi topbox you choose. I've got an E36 Givi topbox and my 15.4" laptop w/case fits just fine. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[UberKul]

You probably already know this but Garmin does not make Mac compatible City Navigator.

 

[Wild72]

My 15.4" Toshiba does not fit in the saddlebags, even out of it's protective carrying case.

I have taken to using the MobileEdge SecurePack which is a backpack that holds my laptop and some other junk, and it works great. (At least until such times as I get a tailbox).

 

[Jackson]

This summer I rode the FJR on a 2 1/2 week, 6,000 mile trip. I carried my 8-pound Dell laptop with the 15" screen in the Givi 52L. topcase. But it took up a significant portion of the topcase--space I could have used to carry other stuff.

Since then, primarily for traveling on the bike and by air, I bought a MUCH smaller computer, an OQO Model 2.

It has a 5" screen, and the overall size is 5.6" x 3.3" x 1.0". It weighs 1.0 pound. It will fit in a pocket, such as a Levi's rear pocket, a jacket, or cargo pants pocket.

This is a full-featured computer that comes with Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems. You can type on the keyboard with your thumbs and use the pointing stick as a mouse, but for extended use I have a portable, folding bluetooth keyboard and bluetooth mouse. The 5" screen is very readable. Some people use it at home as their main computer and hook up a large monitor and standard keyboard. Then when they leave the house, they throw the computer with all of their programs and files into their pocket.

You can order it with a hard drive as large as 120 GB, or a 32 GB solid state drive (SSD). It comes with bluetooth and standard wireless 802.11 a/b/g. Optional, is EV-DO mobile broadband (Sprint or Verizon) so you can connect with the internet anywhere you have cell phone coverage.

And, I have no affiliation with OQO.

I travel a lot, both on the bike and other modes of transportation, and this is a lot easier to carry around than that damn 8 pound, 15" laptop. A computer with a 5" screen may not be for everyone, but if you are going to be hauling the notebook computer around much, I would not get a screen any larger than 12".

 

[Grumpy]

WOW

 

[red2kcbr]

The OQO looks very interesting. I travel some on the bike with my laptop. I use the backpack method to carry the laptop. For an extended trip I put the backpack in a nylon drawstring bag then strapped it to the back seat with a rachet strap. No problems for 2,400 miles.

 

[Geezer]

WOW

Looks like Grumpy is reaching for his credit card.....

 

[mdisher]

I carry a big *** Dell D830, and it uses up *most* of the top case for my commute in the backpack it's currently in. If I need to go lighter I do have a 'sleve' that I use and it works fine.

For trips, I load up a Dell D430 (the smaller one).

I've been considering a UPC or OQO for a while now but currently think the D430 is too friggin slow so I've stayed away.

 

[user 10407]

The OQO looks pretty. :clapping: But then I see the pricing and it doesn't looks fine.

I've an old 12" Subnote of '99 that fits with bussinescase into the hardbags. But it's only usable to adjust the PCIII or receive mails.

This year I got an 15,4" Satellite that doesn't fits into the hardbags, but nearly perfect into the K42 topcase by Givi (with bussinescase or collegebag). It fills out the topcase nearly half.

An 15" Thinkpad R/T61 in neoprenecase will fit into the hardcase diagonal. (tested today)

Attention: Garmin and DynoJet only provide software and support vor M$ OS. :angry2: Actual MapSource supports neither W98 nor Me nor NT OS. MapSource v6.11.5 is the latest version that support these OS but don't support gdb3-routes.

 

[jwilly]

I personally use an IBM T43 and it will fit in either one of the side bags, my tank bag or my top case.

If you looking for a cheaper alternative to the OQO take a look at the Asus Eee PC

Note: Word to the wise, always shut down your laptop before transporting on a bike. If a pc is on standby and your riding and it decides it's time to boot up and go into hibernation you run the risk of damaging the hard drive because of the vibration. YMMV

JW

 

[Scab]

If you looking for a cheaper alternative to the OQO take a look at the Asus Eee PC

On sale now...computer-thingy-jwilly-was-talking-about

 

[BugR]

yah but the Eee PC is linux no support for garmin on that.

Chris

 

[jwilly]

You can load Windows XP on it with no problem. In fact they include the necessary drivers to do so.

Asus Eee Pc Super Mobile Internet Device, Color: Galaxy Black. 7" Wide Lcd. 800 X 480 Wvga. 512mb Ddr2 Memory On Board. 4gb Solid State Disk Storage. Preloaded With Linux- Intel UMA Mobile Chipset (Windows Xp Compatible, Drivers Included)