From: Jerry Hines [jhines@eskimo.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2004 11:57 PM
To: jhines@seattletimes.com
Subject: RE: Alcan Winter Rally (no laptops in SOP)

Thanks for feedback, everyone!  This is to confirm we'll leave CLASS III as is, with NO laptops.  Laptops may be carried by anyone, but NOT used in CLASS III vehicles during TSD sections.  Per the posted regs:
  "CLASS III - Any type vehicle, limited to SOP equipment.  This will be defined as original equipment odometers in the stock location, plus a slide rule, Stevens wheel, and/or electronic calculator.  A GPS unit is also acceptable, laptop computers and Curta calculators are NOT allowed."

Speaking of laptops, here's more on Internet access and general long distance service:  
   1) Most locations, as usual, offer only dialup access.  If you're not sure about Canadian access, make sure your provider offers a number that works there! (many 800 numbers are only US).  If all else fails, get a prepaid phone card!  Canadian versions are sold at most BC gas stations, long distance to anywhere in the US & Canada is 5 cents/minute if dialed from BC and 13 cents/minute if dialed from the Yukon, NWT, or Alaska.  These work great, and you'd probably spend 10 times as much with a telco calling card if it worked at all.
   2) Yes, you WILL see some high speed access.  Our 2nd and 3rd hotels have this in some rooms, but we'll add wireless access in the lobby (Ft St John) or bar (Whitehorse) so you aren't left out.  If you're interested bring an 802.11b wireless card.  We're also using an HP printer/copier, it will be on the same wireless network at some locations (when the scoring crew isn't monopolizing it...).

Regards,
Jerry 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry Hines [mailto:jhines@eskimo.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2004 10:28 PM
Subject: Alcan Winter Rally, one more question..

All,

Some quick notes, more very soon...
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* REGULATIONS will be final this week, with one remaining problem to solve:  We added GPS to CLASS III in July, but have had numerous questions and staff discussions on laptops.  We're proposing the following change:
  "Class III - Any type vehicle, limited to SOP mileage input.  This will be defined as original equipment odometers in the stock location, with NO connection between such "wheel driven" input and any non-OEM device.  Calculators, GPS units and laptops are also allowed, but these may NOT be interconnected."  
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