Best laptop display for a in vehicle use

[Rob Wadsworth]

I realize that we've come a long way since our grandfather's day when people made their own soap (etc.) but still it seems strange to me that people would feel compelled to buy something as simple as a laptop sun-shade when a perfectly functional one could be cobbled together from three black paper presentation folders, some tape (or staples) and some velcro tabs to hold the thing to the back of the screen.**

**Oh, gee. I guess you can't cause it's patented.

I like DIY. But in this case, I was away from my shop and home. The need was there, so I needed to solve it directly w/o tools/materials.

But this PC Shade unit is better than any plastc black taped/stapled construction paper homemade unit. It has a fourth panel built in; not a three-panel jobby. It is definitely built for the long haul, probably outlast the laptop! Good stuff...

 

[Mark Blue]

Stuart hit the nail on the head about size. I bought a 17" laptop for chasing and found that it's a bit large, but it really depends on the size of your vehicle. If I had to do it over, I'd probably get something in the 13" - 14" range as the ideal size for mobile use. We just bought a new SUV, so now the 17" doesn't seem as large as it once did in a VW GTI.

I'm not sure about looking for a model with a serial port. That's an aging technology IMHO. I'd opt for a model with Bluetooth as the wireless route seems to work just fine for me as it pertains to configuring your GPS, which includes GPSGate. I agree that USB can be a pain when it comes to Delorme, but it's all in your perspective. I'd also look for a unit with an Expresscard Slot, eSATA, HDMI, and Displayport connections since those are options that are becoming easier to find nowadays and the technology is moving in that direction. I subscribe to Laptop Magazine and they have a website that includes reviews on most of the current models as well as a wealth of other information at: http://www.laptopmag.com. It's always fun to look for a new laptop, so enjoy it!

 

[Jason Foster]

.....but still it seems strange to me that people would feel compelled to buy something as simple as a laptop sun-shade when a perfectly functional one could be cobbled together from three black paper presentation folders, some tape (or staples) and some velcro tabs to hold the thing to the back of the screen.....

Unless you're really good at the fabrication....might look a little ghetto. Many like to have things look more professional. Of course I say this without actually seeing the retail product.