

While doing a bit of traveling recently, I printed out some directions curteousy of Yahoo! Maps and placed them on the passanger seat. I found that looking over while driving probably wasn’t the safest option. I then decided what my Saturn LS needs is someway to project the text of the paper on my windsheild. Here is an extremely low tech way to avoid the dreaded reading while driving connundrum.

First: When you print your online directions (or anything you need while driving) be sure you use the available “Printer Freindly” option. This ensures big text and a big map.

Second: When you get the print friendly version on your browser scroll to the part you need. If you are using windows hit the print screen button, if you’re using a Mac, buy a new computer, or use Apple+Shift+4.

Third: Paste the text (as an image) into your favorite image editor.

Forth: Flip the image vertically. Different programs do this differently. In MS Paint hit Ctrl+R and then select “Flip vertically”.

Fifth: Print.

Sixth: When you get in your car place the paper on your dashboard. The reflection should make the directions visable in your windsheild.

I understand that not every car may be properly designed for this, and that the trick may have some problems when the sun goes down. But you’ll save big bucks from a navigation system, and get a decent alternative for the cost of some ink and paper.

(pictures soon)

[tags]HUD, MS Paint, travel tips[/tags]