> There are many sources of off-grid power. Solar, wind, hydro being the big three.

Agreed, but that's the kind of thing that should be one of the first things you think about in these scenarios with powered electronics, and it wasn't treated here at all.

>> 2. If there's no power grid or internet, you probably have much bigger problems than "how can I browse an offline copy of Wikipedia." Those problems would probably last longer than you want to schlep around and item like this.

> s/Wikipedia/GIS

So let's say you have a reasonable doomsday requirement for maps. Why this thing, and not some paper maps? Or a kindle loaded with a bunch of street atlases?

I feel like you're looking at this from wrong perspective. It's not "how can this <thing> meet a requirement, but "what (combination of) things can best meet my requirements." The former will weigh you down with lot of albatrosses, the later may give you a usable toolkit.

>Agreed, but that's the kind of thing that should be one of the first things you think about in these scenarios with powered electronics, and it wasn't treated here at all.

If you wish to bake an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.

Of course, any discussion involving off grid power would involve a symposium on the chemistry of photovoltaic cells, an introduction to EM physics and silicon manufacturing.

Or just assume someone will figure out they need a solar pack from REI.

> from REI.

Sure, if you want to pay 3x higher for it than else where. I love REI, but my wallet hates it when I visit.

Yeah, if there are equivalents for cheaper elsewhere, I understand. But I trust the brands that are sold there, and the return policy, so the premium is worth it for someone who can (a) afford it and (b) will use the product.

Have tried to buy paper maps lately? I have and was surprise how hard they are to get for many places. On the other hand I had copies to google screen shots for most places I want.

I still have my Thomas Guide from the 90s in my car. Looks like Thomas Guides are limited to LA and San Diego only nowadays, but it's not going away soon: "California state legislation says that every police and fire vehicle must have a Thomas Guide on board. Fire roads often aren’t on GPS, and ambulances can’t get lost, as every second could be life-saving. They often buy laminated copies too, as they get so beat up.” (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-12-07/...)

> Have tried to buy paper maps lately? I have and was surprise how hard they are to get for many places. On the other hand I had copies to google screen shots for most places I want.

Actually, yeah. You can send away for them for free for most US states. Though it does seem like city street atlases aren't much of a thing anymore.

I can't think of the last time I thought about a Mapsco book. Actually, the most recent reference was a few weeks ago when I was rewatching The Wire which the particular episode was shot in 2006 or 2007. Mapsco was probably on it's way out by then. GoogMaps was out in 2005, so MapQuest and others were even available before then. (wow, mapquest was available online in '96)

Whole of the UK is trivially purchasable: https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/maps/paper-maps/