Personally, I think the ideal hardware is a 7-12" convertible UMPC mounted in tablet form. The software works great with mouse/keyboard but I prefer the touchscreen. A touchscreen "carputer" interface also works great and can look factory clean but is a very involved project. I've had a carputer in my truck and it was really nice, but the one thing I prefer about the removable computer is that I can store it in my lockable drawers if I'm parked someplace where I'm concerned about a smash and grab such as off hiking/snowshoeing or parked downtown Seattle. There are a variety of hardware installs displayed in the testimonials section of my website (
http://spatialminds.com). I'll include my standard, "What you need" reply that includes a few specific makes/models of computers at the end of this post.
It is tested to run on Windows Vista, Windows Vista 64, and Windows XP 32. Which OS is preferable is more a function of your hardware than Overland Navigator. Many of the smaller Netbook/UMPCs have lower powered processors and run better with a lighter weight OS like XP. I'd recommend 1gb of RAM with XP and more with Vista.
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You'll need:
- Netbook or other computer
- GPS either built in or a USB GPS
- RAM Mount
Netbook
I like the new ones that are coming out. In my opinion they hit the sweet spot of price, performance, screen size, and overall size. In particular, I like that they are either a laptop or a tablet (convertible). A tablet takes up much less room in the truck, but a keyboard is nice for email, annotating waypoints, etc.
I haven't used any of these, but the new models that I like are:
Gigabyte M912 (With XP instead of Vista) convertible in black
Asus t101h - Convertible between laptop and touchscreen tablet, integrated GPS, Atom N270 processor, 10" screen. Should sell for less than $1000 Hopefully close to $800.
Asus 91 - 8.9" screen same specs as T101h but a slower processor. I'm not sure if the processor will be fast enough for Overland Navigator yet. ~$500
GPS
The Asus units above have a high quality GPS built in. You may want an external antenna, but you shoud try it first. If you go with a current model such as an Asus EEPC where there isn't a GPS, then the Globalstat BU-353 is a very high quality GPS for about $35. I also like and personally use the MightyGPS Weatherproof GPS (Same innards, but mounts cleaner).
Mount
The easiest way to mount it is to use an off the shelf product. RAM makes very good products and has recently released a universal netbook mount. Pair that up with a vehicle specific arm and you are set.
Hope that helps,
Craig