Date: 08/07/05 (Computer Help)    Keywords: google

I'm 21, just about to get my class A license and do long haul trucking. I plan on setting up a computer system in the truck and I'd like your input.

• A 12v power inverter (So I can hook 110v devices to the truck battery) and a power strip (of course)


• A good laptop with a 17" screen. I would like to play new computer games on the coputer, is that possible on a laptop? Do some come with upgradable video cards?


• USB 2.0 video in so I can play console games on my laptop screen.


• Satellite Internet & Satellite TV (on the same dish)


• External hard drive(s) or one 3.5" enclosure and multiple "internal" hard drives. Going with the enclosure would be more cost effective, I think.


• I *plan* on downloading media while I'm driving, but I don't know how feasible this actually is. I've heard of people using satellite internet on a boat though, and I would think that would get a considerably poorer signal than driving. If anybody has some input on this point, I'd appreciate it.


• High quality computer speakers and sub woofer to put on the dash, as the speakers the truck comes with will probably be poor quality (I won't own the truck so I don't to go to the trouble of puting in panel speakers).


• I'd like to get satellite radio (Sirius or XM), which I'd like to run through the laptop and through the computer speakers, circumventing the truck's poor sound system altogether. Is this possible without additional hardware? If so, what would I need?


• While I'm driving, I'll put my laptop as close to the dash as I can and run a trackball mouse to my lap so I can change playlists while driving (would be safer than leaning over to adjust a radio).


• A cheap usb gps locator and google earth for directions and to keep a detailed map of where I've been.


• I'll probably pick up a large tv/monitor (around 24", I'm thinking) that is HD ready for xbox 360 coming out this fall. Any input you have on a really good tv/monitor would be appreciated.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computer_help/459359.html