[ale] [WAY THE HELL OFF TOPIC] -- but accurate

[Tom Freeman]

On Sun, 17 Aug 2014, JD wrote:

> On 08/17/2014 08:07 AM, Tom Freeman wrote:
>>>
>>
>> The netbook idea would work for my nominal use also. And so it simply becomes a
>> challenge finding the correct software to perform the job.
>
>
>
> There are laws in many states against the driver using a computer when the
> vehicle is on.
> http://www.ce.org/Consumer-Info/Car-Electronics/Got-It/State-Laws-for-Electronics-Use-in-the-Car.aspx
> Don't know how current that is.
>
> Heck - California has "video screen restriction" law - does that cover built-in
> GPS devices?
North Carolina has one also. Big Whoppie. A GPS, built in or not is a 
computer. A cell phone (smart or otherwise) is basically a specialized 
computer, albiet the older ones are not user programmable. The built in 
screen is a computer.

The usage I found most valuable was as a speedometer check, which needed 
to be deep in the car to avoid too much sunlight. I might do so once a 
month for chuckles and giggles, but really every six month was enough to 
remind me of the bias of the car's speedometer (usually about 2/3 mph 
low). The map function? You need to stop in order to properly read and 
orient yourself. I do have two bothers who love loudmouthed GPS units, but 
I for one would rather stop and ask for directions.

I used the GPS function to entertain the old children I got to transport. 
Said children (not my relatives) have matured to the point of living in a 
warehouse for the memory impaired.  I'm guessing that the tax payer can 
stop supporting them in another decade or so.