Laptop for truck driving job

[Richard A. Franklin]

Jeffrey Martin wrote:

>What should I avoid when looking for a linux compatible laptop?
>Any other tips for being on the road with linux?
>Thank You. -Jeff
>  
>
I would start here:

http://tuxmobil.org/

and pay particular attention here:

http://tuxmobil.org/apm_linux.html

Then I would use (gasp) Windows XP anyway, perhaps in a dual-boot 
environment.

Will you be driving in 48 states? It is my experience that Microsoft 
Streets and Trips is an indispensable tool when traveling, as directions 
are often so bogus in the world of 18 wheel trucking that they should 
always be rechecked. This has saved me many times from driving 77 feet 
of truck into places it simply did not belong in, or just saved me from 
making a possibly disastrous wrong turn! Unfortunately, I know of no 
successful attempts to run this program in Linux. I look forward to 
being wrong about that, so if anyone knows how ...

Outdoor wireless in truck stops is another issue. It is a different 
animal at each truck stop ... different providers and equipment, 
different atmospheric and environmental factors  (wet leaves on trees 
can really scatter a signal) ... sometimes you cannot find an open 
parking place with a clear view of the antennae. Remember, the signal 
will not penetrate the metal on your semi. That, of course, has little 
to do with your choice of OS. ANYWAY, I think Linux wireless drivers and 
signal detection tools need a little more work, and in time, soon I 
hope, that will be a non-factor in my choice of an OS for travel.

I continue to use XP less and less, but I cannot lose functionality 
while traveling. When Linux can do everything on a laptop or desktop 
that XP can, and it will happen, then I will drop XP in a New York 
second ... or is it a New York minute?

I use Linux as much as possible and XP as little as possible, because 
(are you reading this Jim H.?) Open Source has better vibes than XP. The 
passion and dedication of the Linux, GNU/Linux, Open Source ... whatever 
you care to call it ... community has tremendous appeal. The short but 
highly eventful history of the movement is inspiring. I therefore choose 
to support it in my own small way, and look forward to a complete 
transition from the realm of intrusive EULAs and software that tries to 
spy on me (like Windows Media Player). I do value freedom ... free 
speech AND free beer. And I don't really mind paying a fair price for 
the beer if it is drinkable.

So why do I use Windows at all? I'm either a pragmatist or a whore ... 
perhaps a pragmatic whore ;-)  

I'll fully repent when it is convenient to do so.

Safe travels, and thanks for putting up with my $0.02!

Rick