Looking for a gps to go with my laptop

So I ordered my X6000 today, got it for 2123.80 before tax/warranty, 2500 after. Fully loaded with pretty much everything maxed out, cant wait to get it in.

Now I need to get a GPS system, perferably USB and one that will talk to me as im driving (incase im alone). Its hard to drive a manual, and look at a laptop screen at the same time to make sure im turning or getting on the right freeway etc etc.

I travel a decent amount and this would make my life much easier.

Right now im debating between:

Earthmate GPS Receiver

and

Streets & Trips 2005 with GPS Locator
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I have zero experiance in this field so im hoping someone who has a usb gps system on their laptop and uses it for traveling can answer, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

if you will be alone I recommmend the Delorme Earthmate as their software will speak to you and gives you large arrows to show what your next turn will be.

zx5000 :: 2.4M :: 512 DDR :: 40gb 4200 RPM HD :: 15.4" :: Radeon 9600 Mobilty M10 :: Aquamark3 22,856

 

I've thought about getting a GPS for my laptop but decided against it. What makes more sense to me is to get a portable GPS for driving. It will cost more than adding a USB GPS to the laptop but I think it would be a lot safer and more convenient to use than using a laptop.

Some of the brands I've been looking at are:

Tom Tom
Garmin
Navman
Magellan

I like the Tom Tom the most and will probably get this one. This has a touch screen for input and has voice output for driving. It can be plugged into the cig lighter and can run off batteries. Uses SD memory so you can load as much data as your card holds.

 

using a laptop in the car for this wouldn't be optimal, the Navman PiN is $435 or maybe the Garmin iQue 3600 / Garmin M5 PDAs that are a little more expensive are worth a look....these devices would provide a heads up display and mounting on your dashboard would be easy.

Navman Pin: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000299RYY/qid=1107837963/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-electronics/103-1095186-6143057?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282

M5: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00079V9XG/qid=1107837825/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1_etk-electronics/103-1095186-6143057?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282

Just weigh the cost of these against an accessory for the laptop and see if it's worth just getting a dedicated GPS like device.

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Well im just looking for a usb gps for my laptop because its the cheaper route and only I only intend on using it in my car.

If I wanted a real GPS, I would blow 800 on a nice garmin car navigation but, I cant afford that right now, hence the usb gps.

I rarely travel alone so, its ok if it doesnt have voice but it would be perfered.

 

for the voice I like delorme's but if you don't need it Microsoft has more POIs

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How about a Pocket pc or palm GPS system?
Smaller, safer....and you won't lose $2123.80 If it gets 'jacked' at a gas station.

http://www.pharosgps.com/

http://www.pocketgps.co.uk/menu_gpsstreetrouting.php

Warning: some of these prices are just....[:0]

And....As far as laptops go:
Streets & Trips is the best software as far as I've tested.... 2005 with GPS Locator Is a pretty good deal. There is a pocket pc version as well, but It's not so much for on-road routing. Earthmate is ok too...just not as nice to look at...But hey, that's just me.

http://www.microsoft.com/streets/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=001

Also:
Rand McNally StreetFinder

http://www.randmcnally.com/rmc/store/strProductDetail.jsp?OID=1073843117&POID=-1073752737&BV_SessionID=@@@@2124872984.1108138440@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdadddkjdhmfgcefecggfdffhdgjk.0&cmty=0

And:

Street Atlas USA® 2005
"Not only does the software provide spoken prompts about upcoming turns and services, but you can also issue spoken commands and receive spoken responses. “Where am I”? “How Far to the Next Turn” and “Map Zoom In or Out” are just a few of the included responses." (This might be more...you?)

http://www.delorme.com/streetatlasusa/

Well...I hope this helped[ ]

 

It all boils down to;

1) Using GPS only on holidays with your friends/partners -- use cheap laptop based Microsoft Streets & trips or delorme --80$

2) Use alone or on a daily basis for your livelihood -- 800$ Garmin/Travelmate

As simple as that.





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Get the Belkin Bluetooth GPS... it comes with an OEM version of iguidance, which is top notch.

You can get it off their web site for $400 - 50% (use coupon code 12345)

 

Personally, I'm a big fan of BlueTooth GPS. Been using the Socket model for some time and couldn't be happier. Obviously having no cords is a blessing and BlueTooth in the laptop is no big deal. I use the Fujitsu P7010D as my main travel laptop and just leave the Socket CF BT adapter in as it's the only CF card I use. The other positive is that I can also use it with my pda (Audiovox XV6600). In the car, out of the car..you're covered.