Is a laptop a must?

I think you guys are mis interpreting what I'm saying. I'm not down playing the uses of laptops or GPs's, I'm just merely stating that it isn't something that needs to be had right from the get go. If the original poster wants and can afford one than by all means do so, but remeber that others have done fine for many years without the modern day convencience's we all enjoy today. And yes I do use a GPS......................... everyday.



















I'd be lost without it.

 

ROTFLOL


im also a new driver, if you run a static route as a company then a computer is just an expensive toy, however if you run different routes a computer with gps and mapping software is very helpful but not quite a must. if you are an o/o then a computer is a must for getting new loads quickly online from the broker you are working for, and if you still have to call your broker for loads its time to find a new broker. so depending on what stage your in makes the computer a toy or a must need tool. however having a nice toy to play with makes the time away from home go by quicker so in that regard i say its a must but it can wait till you get a couple of pay checks.

 

things a pc are good for getting directions to and from, surting the forum,playing poker,and other misc. games, set-up web-cam so you can view momma @home,wink,wink or talk via messenger, do online banking ckeck out your investments, as others have stated ck. out the load boards if your o/o and much more i have'nt thought of...

 

i was joking
sorry it bombed
like no brain between the ears

 

Well with my laptop I don't need to carry a lot of other things like a TV (my laptop is my TV), DVD player, CD player, stereo, DVD's (I can rip them and store the movie on my hard drive), books, and game systems (ps2/3, xbox, etc). I agree with most that unless you are OTR you can probably do without it but my laptop can entertain me for years with movies/games/internet/pr0n (I know I'm a bad bad man).

-Reby

 

your gonna need a laptop if you want to check out The Truckers Report

 

for this geezer it along with a printer is a must.
often times i will only have the permit for the state i am starting in for the overweight/oversize load i am toating
i will run to the next state line hopeing that the permit gets issued before i hit the next states coops and have to wait (we all hate waiting)
beats waiting around the truck stop for a fax

 

it's not nessassary. i don't carry one or any kind of direction finder except a good map and cell phone. laptop is good if you have some time to play on it but you can function without one. the problem with one i see is people come too reliable on the direction finders and if they get lost or turned around they are in a big mess.

 

It's definitely not necessary. I preferred it because reading atlases was a lot harder for these old eyes than looking it up online. If you have a good, laminated road atlas and the ability to actually ask for directions if you find yourself lost, you'll be fine

 

i take my laptop with me no matter what. but always handy to make sure you have the atlas with you. laptops are great for communicating with the truckers report and getting some advise on the road, which is great. but dont leave home without that atlas.