GPS on a laptop...

[Randum]

Was looking at the microsoft one...what about garmin??
Any monthly fees involved? Currently I have GPS on my phone, and its a monthly charge...wish I could hook my phone up to the laptop and use it!

 

[Brainonska511]

I think there is an Asus laptop with GPS built in and has an external antenna that can plug in to help it pick up the GPS signal. I can't recall the model at the moment.

Edit:
Re-reading your question, I don't know if there are anyways to connect a GPS system to an existing computer.

 

[corkyg]

DeLorme Earthmate LT-20 can be installed on ANY laptop and then operated in conjunction with several DeLorme mapping packages such as Street Atlas. Current version is 2008.

I have used this for two years - had 9on a HP Pvsilion dv1000, and now on a Thinkpad T60. It works anywhere within the USA.

You buy it once - that's it. No monthly fees except your normal Internet access.

 

[Randum]

how is the accuracy on it? My phone is good but not great. I have to say its better than some lower garmin models my friends use. the phone at least reads the street name for you

 

[corkyg]

Accuracy is spec'd at 3 meters. Most of the reviews were done with SA2005 and 2006. SA2008 is much better, and in the right laptop, has voice alerts. For driving trips in strange areas it is quite adequate and fun. To really be most effective, it needs a co-pilot to run it while the driver drives.

If you want a totally portable unit, the PN-20 is a very capable handheld device that uses DeLormes superior maps. They are the best in that department.

If you want a more global device, then look seriously at the Garmin Etrex Vista HCX. It is capable of worldwide GPS on and off road.