Tech.gadgets
Topic 19609 | Page 1
Trucker gps can be really helpful as a tool... just don't rely on it only. I for one am found of mcnallys. I started with a garmin and coined a new word because of it.... Cracid... combination of crack and acid... I swear my garmin was high on both 85% of the time, hence why they tell you not to rely solely on gps. need to know how or learn to read an atlas and carry a motor carriers atlas in your truck. My mcnally gives me much less headaches.
plenty of technology you can get for truck... including a dashcam... but how much you really need that's different.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
Matt holds on to stuff:
I still have my laptop.
You might consider moving into a tablet. Lighter & smaller than the laptop, charges on the 12v system. I made that move.
Tablets versus a (heavy) Laptop?
I'm somewhat of a geek (since I'm in IT).
Tablets (Android/iPad) run apps - versus laptops run programs (and windows or MacOS). I just upgraded my iPad Air for a 12.9" Ipad Pro. With keyboard case, it's heavier than my Surface Pro3 (Microsoft Tablet/Laptop that runs Windows 10 and regular Windows Applications).
A lot has to do with your BUDGET, and what you are willing to spend on gear. Aside from some "specific programs" (Quickbooks for example), I can pretty much do anything on my iPad, that I can do on a laptop. The main difference, is the lack of MOUSE on the iPad (touchscreen only) versus the Surface Pro (touchscreen AND mouse).
Rick
The only technology I bring on the road is my smartphone. I only follow the directions of my Qualcomm and deal with off duty entertainment through my smartphone, but of course I use it for utility as well, mainly the trucker path app. Although it's GPS function just takes it to Google maps, it does show potential parking locations which is great for trip planning.
Qualcomm:
Omnitracs (a.k.a. Qualcomm) is a satellite-based messaging system with built-in GPS capabilities built by Qualcomm. It has a small computer screen and keyboard and is tied into the truck’s computer. It allows trucking companies to track where the driver is at, monitor the truck, and send and receive messages with the driver – similar to email.
Although it's GPS function just takes it to Google maps, it does show potential parking locations which is great for trip planning.
Just a tip though, Google Maps is very inaccurate when it comes to it's GPS, from what I've found. I'll be in the Bronx and it'll still think I'm in the middle of the forest in Connecticut.
Best tech gadget I can suggest is a dash cam.
It's a personal thing. I bought a tablet and never use it because I like my "old man" laptop with the 17" screen, full keyboard and mouse better. Meanwhile the old men on here are using their tablets and iPads lol.
I did switch to an iPhone recently though and it has me thinking about getting a camera and getting into some of the video editing things that Apple has to offer.
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I'm not really up on technology much I still have my laptop, Bluetooth ,smartphone. I was wondering what else there is? Also what are some of the capabilitys and advantages of a tablet?