After doing a lot of research on possible replacements for my very old Garmin V I have decided to just build my own...  Ultimately the topo maps of all the available GPS's just don't suit my needs as they are at least 1:100k which seems like too little detail!

I've always been jealous of the guys with the full size laptops mounted in their cars.  However the shear size and the fact that my wife might be pissed if I made her sit by that thing have kept me at bay.  Now since I've discovered the UMPC's I think I can make something work, finally.

Specifically looking at the Samsung Q1 with Windows XP.  My main concern is how well it will hold up with the slightly dusty environment of a truck.  And also of good high quality mapping software available for it.

Any advice?

Edit:  The mispelled advice in the title is driving me crazy, just thought I would mention that I know I mispelled it...

I saw the Asus, didn't realize the built-in GPS was a sirf III chipset.  Curious if you'll still need an external or if the internal works find.  Also, how bright is that screen?  Any problems viewing it inside the truck?

Actually the RAM mounts are what sealed the deal for me.  They enable me to mount it on the dash and out of the passengers way.

Regarding Overland Navigator, does he have much for Oregon yet?

It has one SD slot  on the top

2 full size USB 2.0 and 1 mini USB
1 wired ethernet port and an expansion bus port under a little cover
1/8" mini plugs for microphone, headphones, and a/v out too
Built-in 1.3 M camera and mic
The GPS has a "flip-up paddle" but no reception unless you plug in the external antenna.

The front panel around the screen also has various buttons for joystick navigation, scrolling, mouse buttons, fingerprint scanner for logging in, etc.

In most reviews I read they mentioned slow processor (900mhz Celeron), heat and short battery life as negatives. For what I've messed with so far, none of this has been a problem. The battery goes for a couple of hours at full tilt usage (it has options for slowing speed and dimming display). The screen is daylight readable though not especially great when wearing sunglasses with polarizing lenses.
I am concerned about dust getting sucked in though. I'm thinking about this issue and might rig up a tiny 12v CPU fan/prefilter for it. 

The GPS comes with a nice voice guided street map. I like being able to scroll and zoom the map around to see where I am (like Overland Navigator which I need to buy ASAP) and with one tap on the screen button I'm back seeing my location on the 2D or 3D map. The voice gives PLENTY of warning for upcoming turns.

I'll let you know how well my iTunes install goes

It has one SD slot  on the top

2 full size USB 2.0 and 1 mini USB
1 wired ethernet port and an expansion bus port under a little cover
1/8" mini plugs for microphone, headphones, and a/v out too
Built-in 1.3 M camera and mic
The GPS has a "flip-up paddle" but no reception unless you plug in the external antenna.

The front panel around the screen also has various buttons for joystick navigation, scrolling, mouse buttons, fingerprint scanner for logging in, etc.

In most reviews I read they mentioned slow processor (900mhz Celeron), heat and short battery life as negatives. For what I've messed with so far, none of this has been a problem. The battery goes for a couple of hours at full tilt usage (it has options for slowing speed and dimming display). The screen is daylight readable though not especially great when wearing sunglasses with polarizing lenses.
I am concerned about dust getting sucked in though. I'm thinking about this issue and might rig up a tiny 12v CPU fan/prefilter for it. 

The GPS comes with a nice voice guided street map. I like being able to scroll and zoom the map around to see where I am (like Overland Navigator which I need to buy ASAP) and with one tap on the screen button I'm back seeing my location on the 2D or 3D map. The voice gives PLENTY of warning for upcoming turns.

I'll let you know how well my iTunes install goes

Mine has Windows XP tablet edition (extra touchscreen goodies). I don't see a reason for running Vista on it. Only negatives right now. By the time Vista is ready for primetime I'll be getting a newer piece of hardware anyway.

As far as overheating, it might be a concern. I would think it is similar to having any notebook in a car. I plan on taking it out of the Ram Mount anyway if I was out of the car for several hours hiking or shopping. Nevertheless, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can get extreme. I wouldn't leave it overnight at 20 degrees to often either.

For me it's a value that's hard to beat. It really is about getting a form factor with the features you want that fits your budget and goals. 

Mine has Windows XP tablet edition (extra touchscreen goodies). I don't see a reason for running Vista on it. Only negatives right now. By the time Vista is ready for primetime I'll be getting a newer piece of hardware anyway.

As far as overheating, it might be a concern. I would think it is similar to having any notebook in a car. I plan on taking it out of the Ram Mount anyway if I was out of the car for several hours hiking or shopping. Nevertheless, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can get extreme. I wouldn't leave it overnight at 20 degrees to often either.

For me it's a value that's hard to beat. It really is about getting a form factor with the features you want that fits your budget and goals. 

I'd say $500 is very good. If it's much lower than that it probably has issues. I am very happy with mine for $582 which included the extra RAM, keyboard, and shipping. My max bid was $700 though. I hope that info helps.  

I'd say $500 is very good. If it's much lower than that it probably has issues. I am very happy with mine for $582 which included the extra RAM, keyboard, and shipping. My max bid was $700 though. I hope that info helps.  

I'm sure you weren't lost but I know trying to determine whether or not you are on the right road can be a frustrating time waster. I'm glad you made it back ok though. 

I think $450 would have been a pretty good deal. Before I went this route I was looking at a Garmin 760 CSx for about $350. Then I decided to spend a couple hundred more and get something more capable and better suited to what I planned to use it for.

I'm sure you weren't lost but I know trying to determine whether or not you are on the right road can be a frustrating time waster. I'm glad you made it back ok though. 

I think $450 would have been a pretty good deal. Before I went this route I was looking at a Garmin 760 CSx for about $350. Then I decided to spend a couple hundred more and get something more capable and better suited to what I planned to use it for.