GPS Software for a laptop or a Navigation System

Well, I'm about to head off to school soon, and know that I can't find my way out of a paper bag. I've used Mapquest maps so far to visit my Mom with good results. However, I'm interested in a navigation device so that I don't have to fiddle with the paper when I drive to school and other places in that area of the state. So far I've considered two choices:

1. GPS software like Microsoft's Streets and Trips for my laptop. I would think that the large screen would be to my advantage + I wouldn't have to worry about keeping track of both things. Also, it's cheaper. (which is always nice )

2. A PND like a Garmin or TomTom. I'd be able to walk around with it (yes i could do this with the laptop but it would be a bit unwieldy) but it's more expensive and has a smaller screen.

What do you all think?

 

I was just gonna get a ultra portable laptop like the MSI wind and use streets and trips on it as an ultimate gps system. Its small enough to fit on the dash of my car but big enough to see well.

Added benifits:

1.) You get one of the coolest/best ultra portable laptops
2.) No monthly cost for streets & trips

I am not sure how much good a PND would do you walking with it, its not like you can put room 223 at USF and it tells you how to walk to it, it only gives locations in general and driving is how you would get there.

You dont need a new laptop to use it but I want something like the Wind at some point down the road anyways for when the main laptop is too big or troublesome. You may also need a inverter for the car to power the laptop for an extended amount of time, but they are not too expensive.

 

Thanks That sounds like a good idea. No, I wasn't going to walk around campus with it, LOL- I meant for when I go downtown or something.

 

i use delorme street atlas usa 2008 to help me get around unfamiliar places it is very accurate i got mine as a kit with the gps receiver and another program called topo usa 7.0 it helps me find water falls for photographing , the one downside is it is a little expensive. but to me well worth it i find it to be far better than streets and trips it also lets you break down a large map into smaller sections to use on any device like a mp3 player or an ipod with a screen and u can view the pics on there so u wouldn't need to carry your lappy.

 

I think Streets & Trips is good, but I'm not sure about the idea of walking with a laptop .

I use a 12" smallish laptop, but I still think it is way too big for pedestrian use. Perhaps one of those tiny OQO2 or Sony UX would be OK, but then they are very expensive for most of us, and I'm not sure how bright their screen is .

For driving, that's a different story. A lappy + GPS software is fine. As long as you can safely mount it in your car.

If you haven't yet bought yourself a copy of Streets & Trips 2008, then don't. A new 2009 version will be in stores later this month. A 60-day free trial version is now available, so you can try before you buy. Download link and more info available at Streets & Trips 2009 »

The only issue with laptops in cars is the mounting. If you manage to mount your laptop well, than you will most likely be happy with it as a GPS solution. But if you just let it sit on a passenger seat, it may not be that great. Give it a try, and let us know if it works for you.

 

Im getting the EEE 1000H soon I think little 10" netbook, it should run it well. I am going to download the trail I think for 2009 S&T but with no gps receiver it wont do much good

 

I always wanted to build a super small SFF to make a nice navigation system for a car, and a netbook would be perfect! I would love to have an aspire one connect to an lcd display in the spot of the radio and be able to minimize and surf the web by just plug in my smart phone in. Would be nice if Im out in my car waiting for someone, or for a passenger in the car on top of being a sweet nav system. But alas dreams cost money I dont have and my smart phones navigation is by far better then the Garmin it replaced. So it looks like Ill be buying a mount and using that for now.

 

ViciousXUSMC, Streets & Trips without GPS will function just fine. You will be able to plan your trip, etc. The map will not move while driving, that's all. But USB GPS receivers for laptops are inexpensive - only about $35 (and up) for top-of-the-line stuff.

 

Yeah I already have the trial for 2009 installed and played with it, pretty neat.

You can snag some of the old versions of S&T w/ the gps on ebay cheap but I can not find any information on what gps reciver comes with what year to know if its worth having.

Also the other company I came across is Deluo they have usb thumb drive recievers all the way to bluetooth stuff.

Id rather not break a usb port with a wired one and I hate wires so bluetooth sounds the way to go, but then you have limited battery life and I wonder if performance is any worse. So what I need is a bluetooth one that has a power jack hook up of sorts. I think the deluo one only takes batteries and you have to replace the batteries or charge them in a charger. Not sure on that tho but they show no adapter with the product.

 

I think most Bluetooth GPS receivers come with a car charger. I've tried a few, and they all had it included. Battery life varies, so check the specifications. The ones I had lasted > 10 hours.

Deluo also sells what they call "Deluo NavStick USB GPS". I think you saw it already. I like the form factor, but it is around $65.

If you want to look for an inexpensive older S&T w/GPS on eBay, look for either 2007 or 2008 version. Older versions had a GPS unit based on an older, less sensitive, chip.

Microsoft has a new deal for GPS receivers with company called u-blox. However, it still seems uncertain if the new USB GPS stick will be sold with Streets & Trips 2009. The form factor resembles the Deluo model. I think it would look nice with your Eee PC . But I'm not sure if or when it will become available .

 

This GPS tracking software can track and control multiple vehicles from a fixed or mobile PC, by use of mobile 'phone, radio or satellite communications. The objects tracked may be many miles away, but seen on mapping for 163 countries - right down to "house level" maps. Gps Navigation System

GPSS can also be used in "chase" mode, guiding the driver to a mobile target.

GPSS has pioneered PC based navigation and remote tracking for the police, military, business and the public, since 1995.