My dad has a garmen numi gps and it pretty much sucks for directions. When I was with him it sent us in the wrong direction numerous times.
When we had an internet signal I used google maps and that worked very well. Since the internet is not availble everywhere he needs something run off gps.

What is the most popular or best program used by truckers that is affordable?

He wants a stand for his laptop as well. Is there a good site for laptop stands? Is there a stand which is better than the others? Should it be mounted on the air seat for the extra cushion?

Pros or cons to any system is appreciated. Thanks.

 

this is the mount we use and i have not found one better http://www.ram-mount.com/laptop_moun...ptop_desks.htm

as to mapping (gps) software the only trucking one is copilot (we have it on the company system and hate it) the one we use most is delorme 2009+ we also use M S Streets & trips, we like delorme better. we like the display setup better and it (for us) faster at setting up the route we are going to use.

some driver like streets & trips better and some will tell you that copilot is the way to go. it's a personnel choice and it comes down to what YOU like..

most of us (that use a laptop base gps routing software) use one of these
copilot 11 w/gps will run you $299
delorme 2009 w/gps $69
delorme 2009+ w/gps $99
M S Street & Trips 2008 w/gps $75

you my find them on ebay for less

 

Thanks for the info. I have seen the copilot and wondered why it cost so much more than the microsoft one.

 

I use Delorme 2009 plus, and I love it. It rarely steers me wrong. Many of those "all in one" GPS units are no good.

As far as the laptop stand, I suggest getting a music stand and shortening it to fit. A lot cheaper than one of those overpriced laptop stands.

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ghlight=laptop

 

That actually is a good idea for a stand. The best thing about it is it won't start his truck on fire.

 

copilot 11 is the newest and it is make FOR TRUCKS all the rest are made for cars but if you know what you are doing when you set up a route the others work just fine. also ALLWAYS check your route against a motorcarrier atlas. they ALL will mess up now and then.

the only thing i can tell you is i have ''heard'' that copilot 11 has some issues that they have not fixed yet.

 

I have an older version of copilot and I find the interface to be extremely clunky and hard to use.

Hell, on the map, there's no state names! There's absolutely no way to bring them up. Many other small irritants. I just use microsoft streets and trips most of the time.

 

I use Streets & Trips, just have to zoom in close and follow the route and make sure it isn't taking you thru town instead of the bypass as the shortest way. For a stand I went to Wally World and got a stack of plastic drawers, two deep and three at 3 inch that sits right here with the laptop sitting on top of it. Doesn't move or wander and I got extra storage in the cab.

 

I enjoy making Garmin say "recalculating!!"

Or


"drive point 2 miles, and make a sharp U-turn!!"

 

I use MS Streets & Trips and I'm mostly happy ... well, as happy as you can be with any MS program. :? As mentioned, double-check the routing. I look at each instruction to make sure it's not sending me somewhere I can't, or don't want to, go.

I also have a Ram mount and really like it. I can either have the computer right beside me when I'm driving, or I can quickly swing it back when I'm sitting on the bunk. It's a very well-made unit.