Thomas,
I'm a laptop user:
- I like the flexibility of mapping applications, and the availability of maps is unlimited, especially with software like OziExplorer. Great if you travel outside of your own backyard. If you stay in your own country, then most of the proprietary mapping that comes with the different gps units is fine.
- it took 6 months of overland travel to go through one standard laptop. I've upgraded to a toughbook now - vibration, dust, water, and actually reading the screen in the daytime are no longer issues.
- I hate the cable between the gps reciever and the laptop. I've converted my serial gps to a bluetooth unit.
- I prefer a stand with a docking station, but it takes a bit of room.
- I have a roof mounted GPS instead of a dash one. This gets rid of clutter, another thing I hate in a truck.
- I like the flexibility of having offline email, ability to store digital photos and movies I take without running out of flash card space, share music with other travellers, as well as the ability to maintain a website while on the road.
- I like the big screen of a laptop. Route planning with a handheld is next to impossible.
So once again, if you're staying close to home, handheld gps is probably simpler, cheaper, and more reliable. If you're planning an extended international trip, you probably want the flexibility and power of a full laptop.
Hope this helps!
