Alternatives to the internal GPS mod??

Since this mod is going to be way over my head does anyone have any suggestions for something else? I saw a few GPS's that used the PCMCIA slot but I really don't know which ones would be any good or even is it's a viable alternative.

 

Microsoft Streets and Trips w/ GPS is the famous one.

 

I think usb gps is the best for you coz if you use bluetooth, you also need a bluetooth card. What i'm trying to say is just one dongle.

 

Well, there's always usb, or better yet an internal bluetooth with a bluetooth receiver. My recommendation, "Don't rush into anything". As developments are made they will undoubtedly be posted.
I'm a wannabe "electronician" and a wicked hack to boot, yet I managed to git 'er done. not really as bad as it seems. The site that's been referred to here a couple times Sparkfun Electronics has a good series of tutorials for soldering, de-soldering, surface mount soldering, and the like. If you take your time, and don't get too flustered I'm sure with a little practice you could handle anything shown on the board. Sparkfun has recently begun selling a practice kit for learning how to solder and do surface mount stuff. The current GPS mod. doesn't entail any surface mount stuff, just basic soldering. As it stands our respected member Modly is in the process of developing a pretty much plug and pray board for a few different add-ons relating to the CN-?? (40 or 18 , I suffer from CRS), so if you're unsure of yourself just hang in there, or take the initiative to learn how to do the stuff required. I hope the few (??) glasses of Shiraz don't make me seem demeaning, not my intention. but be patient, settle for less (extra stuff to lug around ie; bluetooth receiver, or usb mouse receiver), or make a move, and do some practice work. It's really not that hard and a decent thing to have a little knowledge in.
Otherwise I don't really have anything usefull to tell you, as it stands this is the one thing that will make your Toughbook trully a stand-alone, portable unit that will do what you need. Aside from the 600Mw Engenius WI-Fi card mentioned in the Group Purchase #2 thread that gives AMAZING!!! results as far as WI-Fi goes.
Stiffnecked, I wish you luck and knowledge. Stay tuned.
Duane

 

Stiffy

I would buy a BU-353 ( http://www.usglobalsat.com/p-62-bu-353.aspx ) and read here ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=187213 ) for software suggestions.

Jim

 

I'd agree. If it's over your head, you may have to wait until we have a screw-in unit for sale, and in the mean time just use a USB receiver.

I had a BU-353 and it works GREAT. Used it on an airplane with accurate results, and never had problems on the 2400 mile drive from Michigan to California. I gave it to my brother, and he uses it on his work laptop every day.

I've still got an MR-350p in my crown vic, but it doesn't get used much. However it is nice to have two units for war-driving.

 

For the price.. go to http://www.deluoelectronics.com/customer/home.php
....under $50 and they work great... I use a USB model connected to my Kodiak..
You can get a GPS & Mapping software for $70.... ( Microsoft Streets & Trips...)

 

Thanks for the tips. I'll follow the internal GPS thread and get a USB one for use now. Never hurts to have a few extra electronic items around.

 

I am going to be purchasing 1 of these cards tommorow. I will let everyone know how it fits as well as how well it works. I dont have a cost yet waiting for a quote as I write.
http://www.globalamericaninc.com/p1507606/1507606_-_Mini-PCI_Type-III_B_GPS_Module/product_info.html
I still plan on buying on from the group once they finish the product. Reps to Modly, Toughbook, and Gravitar.

 

The Commell Mini-PCI card... it'd be nice to see how well they work. The price tag (Over $100) was a setback with those, considering you still need an antenna.

Let me know how it works though. They are an easy option. Now if only we could get a combined wireless/ethernet card.

 

Hmmm...vertical pins under the HD caddy?....Hmmm...0.4" high?...Hmmm...