just read through the last few pages of this thread.
not sure if it has been covered here or not. but topomaps app does not require a internet connection for maps, you do have to download them before hand but you can download 20 at a time now when connected to wifi (recommended) or 3g (not so recommended but it works). its super simple to download huge areas at once. you can tile tons of maps together to see larger areas than a single quad.
i have been using that app with a jailbroken wifi ipad running btstack and getting internet connection in the field through my iphone running miwi app from cydia. it turns the phone into a wifi hotspot. i am using this bluetooth gps
Amazon.com: Qstarz BT-Q818 66-Channel Bluetooth GPS Receiver: Electronics
it connects to satellites in about 40 seconds from a cold start and the battery lasts 30-40 hours of use. i plug it into a 12v usb charger in the truck to recharge the battery (it comes with one).
its light years better than the gps in the iphone. and just about every other gps i have ever used.
the feature of what is visible from your current location is really fantastic for finding photo locations. the map is shaded red on all the areas that are not visible.
i have it mounted in my truck with this mount.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-Laptop...906?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0b625ffa
its not the best but its pretty nice for the amount it costs. it also doubles as a camera mount. the laptop platform mounts to a standard camera ball head with a quick release and the extendable arm can go virtually anywhere inside the cab. its really neat for mounting a camera inside the truck, take the quick release off the laptop plate and put it on a camera.
the stand will fold away so its not in the passengers way at all and mounts to the seat bolt (no drilling) you install a mounting bracket on the bolt and the arm connects with quick release levers. you can take the whole unit out in less than 30 seconds.
