DownAndOutNYC Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I've been looking for something of an upgrade to my current Garmin nuvi, but haven't found anything I like so far. After just doing some browsing, I realized how cheap the price of MS Streets & Trips with the GPS module is, and got to thinking about using or making a "car PC" type device, but for the motorcycle. With such a device, I can have it work exactly how I wish it to work, with all the features I'm looking for, and not have to deal with the shortcomings of all-in-one devices (stand alone GPS or smart phones). So has anyone ever dabbled into this realm of farkles for thier two wheels? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer jeremy77 Posted November 23, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted November 23, 2011 I've never heard of anyone doing this, but it seems like an interesting project. I could see it with a small netbook or a small android tablet might be another option... it's much easier to write your own apps for droid than iOS. What are you thinking? Would you tap into the bikes computer to get data or just use GPS data for speed and location and such? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer YoshiHNS Posted November 23, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted November 23, 2011 The GPS is probably going to have more capabilities. I had the Streets and Trips GPS module before we had a real GPS. It was an awesome upgrade from my palm m500 with GPS module. Route customization would be absolutely wonderful. But now you have to worry if your bike can provide enough juice to keep the laptop running (11V-19V @ 2-5A), need to figure out where to store it, need to figure out where to put a screen, waterproofing, and so on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NakedViffer Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I like my TomTom XL, but a tablet mounted in the map slot of a tank bag would be a sweet setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BonusVFR Posted November 23, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted November 23, 2011 I used Streets and Trips with GPS ant on my last truck trip with my 13 inch laptop. I navigated with it but I had my trusty Zumo mounted as well. The S&T remote GPS receiver works great. While I am a big fan of S&T on the destop/laptop it was no contest as the Zumo is so much easier to use in a vehicle....on a Motorcycle S&T would be a PITA.. Years ago there used to be version for PDAs and I suspect eventually there may be a smartphone app downstream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viffer88 Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 I'm with BonusVFR, laptop would be difficult to mount on a bike. Take a look at the Dual XGPS150 Univerasal Bluetooth GPS Receiver. I don't know anyone who has tried it, but seems more plausible in terms of power usage, form factor, etc. http://store.androidcentral.com/dual-xgps150-universal-bluetooth-gps-receiver/184A95A8414.htm You'll be limited in ability to customize, but if it can get you from A to B where cellphone signal drops off, it would be worth considering. At US$89.95, it's a bit more than the US$69.95 2011 MS Street & Trips w/ GPS Locator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer YoshiHNS Posted November 23, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted November 23, 2011 If you're really set on trying this, I'm pretty sure Panasonic made a wireless miniature monitor in their toughbook line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestOfBen Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 I am a reasonable techie. Don't get me wrong, not having a go at anyone here but I don't understand the need of/fascination with GPS units. I have my trusty iPhone. Can download software for it and can mount it to bike if I want to. If I am planning a ride then I am more likely to print a Google map and stick it to the tank - or memorise and use road signs. To each his own, I realise that. If you're touring Europe then I can see a definite benefit. In my mind if you're paying too much attention to a GPS then you're not watching the road, and you're not exploring with abandonment. If you take a wrong turn, you figure out a way back/forward and enjoy the detour you were destined to make! If I am missing something, please enlighten me Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BonusVFR Posted November 24, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted November 24, 2011 WestofBen no englightment here but ..................I use the GPS voice directions which actually makes it safer for me. Indeed I have found that while riding a motorcycle it is often more dangerous when you are constantly looking for a sign or a street name for miles and miles. Did I miss it???? Dunno??????????? With GPS the device tells you when you should look for the signs. You still explore with GPS ..........really! On tour I use both Maps and a GPS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestOfBen Posted November 24, 2011 Share Posted November 24, 2011 That's a fair call and yes you have enlightened me. I think the reason I have not considered it is because I am not interested in having a BT headset or another form of earpiece going on, or at least I haven't been on any major tour. I am now the wiser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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