Using a Laptop as a GPS system

[WoodPeckr]

With the advances in wireless laptops are they good enough to be used as a handheld GPS. It seems a good GPS cost $500-700 and a good laptop only a couple hundred more. So it would seem a laptop can do all a GPS does plus you have a PC also, even though it's not as small as the portable GPS.
As long as you have acess to a wi-fi zone and plan accordingly, could a laptop replace a handheld GPS?

 

[ouzobc]

laptop gps

You do not need a wi-fi zone for GPS to work on your laptop. I have seen a laptop/GPS unit work together and it worked great. A simple antenna left on the dashboard and a connection to the laptop. I am sure there was some software involved as well.

 

[MarkII]

I had an installer for my ExpresVu 2 years ago show up and he had GPS on his laptop.

He used MS Maps as the software and he said the GPS unit was about 400.00.

Saved him all kinds of time trying to find loacations.

So it is possible.

 

[robert99]

A USB GPS antenna's around $100 or less now. It works great but obviously isn't as portable as a dedicated unit.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Nice tips

Interesting ideas so far.
Was thinking of getting a new PC (just not sure if I want a desktop or a laptop) and a handheld GPS.
I like desktops because you get the most power and options for the least overall cost.

However if a laptop can run GPS you end up with both and that saves you on costs.
If all you need is software added to the laptop that sounds like the best deal. I thought by using Google maps, Mapquest, or MS Maps you may not even need that USB antenna, if you just plan on doing just point A to point B travel.

 

[Larry_Fyne]

MS Streets and Trips with GPS - it is about $130 retail. It comes with the GPS locator with a USB connection. Install the software and you have a full featured GPS system (with voice cues). The maps are for USA and Canada only.

You can also buy the adaptor to connect the GPS locator to a MS PDA (like a iPac or Axim) - the Streets and Trips included the "Pocket Streets" software that makes the PDA a GPS system. It does not do voice cues however.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Thanks Larry,
That's what I was looking for.

Amazon.com has,
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 With GPS Locator for $99 USD.
Link

A full function GPS system with voice for under $100.

 

[l69norm]

Amazon.com has, Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 With GPS Locator for $99 USD./QUOTE]

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10066597&catid=21236

$149 cdn at Bestbuy

 

[WoodPeckr]

Buy a map! Costs what? 5 bucks?????? Hell of a lot easier to carry to!

One map will never do.
You end up needing several.
Besides I want a GPS system that will talk to me..........

What is involved here is getting the right 'software'.
Anyone who has been around the internet awhile will tell you no one has to pay for 'software' anymore!

On that premise I just now did a quick search on The Pirate Bay Bit Torrent site, and found that the entire "Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 With GPS Locator" is available for D/L for free there.

Don't you just love PC technology!

 

[WoodPeckr]

Seriously though, a laptop with GPS? Doesn't that kinda smack of tech overkill?

No such thing as tech overkill !

Besides with a laptop with GPS for $100 you don't have to buy another device like a portable GPS that will cost you another $500-700......

 

[very shy]

I've used a laptop with MS Streets and trips for the last 3 years ( always upgrading the software). It's very easy to use and much better for late night driving.

The voice prompts aren't as good as some other maps that you can get for laptop use, but I found a sale on the original antenna and the map for $75. Can't beat that. Updateing is about $35 per year which isn't neccessary because the maps are generaly good for many years, but the bells and whistles always improve.

 

[blackdog]

The new mac G5 plutonium titanium powerbook has gps and is a classic GFE extreme! It does BBBJ, DFK, all the digits 0-9, speaks Greek, RJ both ways, DATY till your bluetooth, BBFS (only with you) looks amazing and might even get you laid at starbucks! There is no picture of it on the mac site, just call and ask for it by name. If you are lucky you'll get one.
bd

 

[Larry_Fyne]

One map will never do.
You end up needing several.
Besides I want a GPS system that will talk to me..........

What is involved here is getting the right 'software'.
Anyone who has been around the internet awhile will tell you no one has to pay for 'software' anymore!

On that premise I just now did a quick search on The Pirate Bay Bit Torrent site, and found that the entire "Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 With GPS Locator" is available for D/L for free there.

Don't you just love PC technology!

How are you going to download the GPS locator? It is a 2 1/2" square piece of hardware with a USB cable.

 

[WoodPeckr]

How are you going to download the GPS locator? It is a 2 1/2" square piece of hardware with a USB cable.

Lol, was waiting for that!

Was sent this link.

Try www.gpscity.ca They have it all even usb or bluetooth GPS antennas and software.

They have antennas starting at $30 CAD, just didn't have time to check them out in detail.

Bet there are some US sites out there with even better prices.

 

[Larry_Fyne]

The GPS locator in the S & T is Pharos - http://pharosgps.com/ I ordered the cable for the Dell Axim from them.

 

[Tower]

I have a Garmin Streetpilot 2610 that I picked up at a good price on ebay. I bought the software for it separately and it's a real handy tool. Because it's dashboard mounted, I can watch the map on the screen and find out where to go on that as well as listen to the voice prompts.

I do a lot of travel these days into unfamiliar territory. It has been a lifesaver.

One negative about any gps, if you're in a city with lots of skyscrapers or in tunnels a lot, it will do you know good. It's best with a good unobstructed view of the sky.

 

[Fred Zed]

$5,199 99

The new mac G5 plutonium titanium powerbook has gps and is a classic GFE extreme! It does BBBJ, DFK, all the digits 0-9, speaks Greek, RJ both ways, DATY till your bluetooth, BBFS (only with you) looks amazing and might even get you laid at starbucks! There is no picture of it on the mac site, just call and ask for it by name. If you are lucky you'll get one.
bd

...........

Pricing and Availability
The following configurations of the new PowerBook line are available from Apple® Authorized Resellers:

* 14.1-inch TFT display/333MHz/512K L2 cache/64MB/4GB hard drive/24x-speed (max) CD ROM/Ethernet/ 56K modem CDN ERP $3,699;
* 14.1-inch TFT display/400MHz/1MB L2 cache/64MB/6GB hard drive/2x-speed DVD-ROM/Ethernet/56K modem CDN ERP $5,199.

 

[WoodPeckr]

$5199.99 is a bit steep even for a Mac!

Will most likely stick with a PC.

Checked the Dell site and noticed they offer the GPS option on all their laptops now.
Don't know how long Dell has offered this GPS option.
Here it is:

GPS Navigation
Turn your mobile PC into a travel guidance system by adding a GPS kit.


Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 with GPS Locator [add $99 or $3/month1]Product details
Dell Recommended


CoPilot Navigator 9 with Philips GPS Locator [add $59 or $1/month1]Product details

 

[fujiwfd]

http://www.inavcorp.com/index.html

Sells the software and hardware for laptop GPS. Although the price is more, the mapping is just as good as Streets and trips, as well, 3D views, POI, and Voice guidance.

Mounting your laptop in your vehicle is more of a challenge. Look at RAM-MOUNTS.....they offer generic and specific mounting options.....

 

[sexmeup]

Dammit!

I wish I saw this thread!! LOL
Darn, oh well!
I just started a thread regarding a GPS I just bought on Sat. Aug. 12,2006
asking about the street maps for my GPS!
It was 'Magellan' SportrakColor paid 249.99 clearance at Cdn Tire. It was a discontinue model.
I either spend the same money on the up to date version but no color or buy the one I bought that was one of the top of the line with color, I said what the hell, so I bought it!
Just need the software for the added detail streets. All in all GPS 249.99 + whatever cost for the software I'm looking for!!
Oh by the way the reason why I bought one is for more hiking, camping, etc, etc. I figure I might as well make use of it and try to buy the software or the streets!
So it all depends what you're going to use it for mostly! If you do hiking, camping etc., etc. then it's better to get a GPS but for anything your way is cheaper.