GPS will give accurate mileage. Reset "Trip" at fuel stops.
Just a tip.
Speaking of GPS units...
During my trip to the Ozarks, I quickly realized the importance and necessity of a reliable off-road navigation system. Originally, I planned on going with a Garmin 60CSx. The small screen size however, prompted me to keep looking. Similar units with larger screens were a lot more expensive. Likewise, the price of a rugged touch-screen UMPC was twice the cost of a standard netbook. The iPad looked promising, however, it wasn't designed to be compatible with software like Overland Navigator or Garmin MapSource.
A netbook configuration looked like my best option. My primary concern however, was durability. Since I didn't want to pay 3-4 grand for a rugged toughbook, I spent a lot of time researching different mounting solutions that might offer similar protection.
The biggest challenge with the netbooks was finding one with a matte screen. The Samsung NB30 was perfect! In addition to a matte screen, it has a freefall sensor to protect the HD, a scratch-resistant, texturized matte black finish, and incorporates a 'water-tight seal to prevent potential damage from contact with up to 50cc of spilled water (less than 2 ounces) if removed within 10 seconds'.
The GPS receiver I went with was the all too famous USB GlobalSat BU-353. It has the same chipset as the Garmin 60CSx (SiRF Star III) and works flawlessly w/Overland Navigator and Google Earth.
Finally, I found the mounting solution I was looking for from a company called, 'MINIMOUNT'. Their cases however, are designed specifically for certain models of manufacturers. The Samsung NC10/N110/N120 model looked extremely close to the NB30, so, I ordered it and hoped for the best.
I figured I could modify it if needed.
Well, of course it didn't fit and so I asked the company what it would take to design a model specifically for the NB30. They said it would require several thousand dollars for research & development costs.
Looking at the case carefully, however, together we identified a possible solution. They offered to send me a new case modified to fit! I was very impressed.
Ultimately, I couldn't use the top part of the case. However, additional modification with a Dremel allowed me to still use the bottom portion. This was still far superior, in my opinion, to the alternative RAM mount solution. The case was attached to a Manfrotto Magic Arm with a passenger seat rail mount. It's incredibly stable and has made-up for the computer not being officially 'ruggedized'.
Here's how it turned-out...
The case attaches to a shoe mount using a spring-loaded screw...
Visible wires are for power to an inverter (beneath the passenger seat) and USB connections to a USB hub (behind the dash)...
The case can be removed with the netbook and securely stored in the center console. It stays inside the truck.
Very minimal interference w/the Magic Arm hitting the leg of a front passenger...
