GPS

[Liver]

Gents,

I have a Dell 700m laptop and a Dell x50v PDA. I would like to get GPS navigation for my car using either one of those platforms.

What do I need to get? I know I need a GPS receiver, but what software do you recommend? Does the receiver come with software? What receiver do you recommend? I really don't care if it is bluetooth or USB.

I am completely new to GPS, but I get lost easily (and I have lived here for 4 years).

Any help is appreciated.

Liver

 

[corkyg]

I have used DeLorme's software and Earthmate GPS receiver for two years. Now I upgraded to the smaller and better Earthmate II. It works very easily with DeLorme software, but can also be used with others. It plugs into a USB port - has a fairly long wire and a suction cup so you can stick it on your windshield when moving in the car.

Not a good idea to try and drive and run it at the same time. That is a job for your navigator. (Or you run it and let your friend drive.)

For significantly more money, you can get a Garmin or Magellan unit that just sits on the dash in front of you - much better for a solo driver. It is the laptop that is incompatible with safe driving.

 

[Liver]

Corkyg,

That is very good advice about the dangers of these units and driving.

What I am looking for is a GPS unit that I can use to find m way home, circumvent traffic jams (i.e. if a known collision is up coming, what other roads can I take).

Voice navigation would be nice.

Having a contrant updating map would also be great, that I can look over and see where I am and where I should be going.

The feature of restaurants and other attractions do not excite me.

Liver

 

[bwnv]

GPScity
They have tons of stuff, and a couple forums. Only reason I know this is my son works there.

Edited 'cause I forgot they also have a Canadian website. Just use .ca instead of .com

 

[corkyg]

For what you want, get a stand alone unit that sits on the dash - Garmin or Magellan. Best yet - get a new car with one built in.

 

[Valkerie]

Originally posted by: corkyg
For what you want, get a stand alone unit that sits on the dash - Garmin or Magellan. Best yet - get a new car with one built in.

lol yeah, built in within car, but will your laptop receive it, is the question.

 

[drifter106]

fOR WHAT ITS WORTH...I JUST RECENTLY PICKED UP A LOWRANCE GPS AT A BASS PRO SHOP FOR ABOUT $200. I AM USING IT FOR THE LAKE AND WILL USE IT FOR TRIPS... BATTERY LIFE IS LIKE 12 HRS BUT YOU CAN PLUG IT INTO YOUR ACC OR CIG LIGHTER. IT ACCEPTS MEMORY CARDS AS WELL...NEAT LIKE GADGET AND IM SURE IT IS LIKE THE REST OF THEM (GARMIN MAGELLAN, ETC)...CAPABLE OF DOING A LOT...ONE REASON I BOUGHT THIS PARTICUALAR MODEL WAS THE FACT THAT IT HAD ONE OF THE LARGER DISPLAY SCREENS...

IT WAS THE H2O model

good luck

 

[Liver]

Originally posted by: corkyg
For what you want, get a stand alone unit that sits on the dash - Garmin or Magellan. Best yet - get a new car with one built in.

Would like an in dash solution, but I just bought a new car. Sports cars don't come with GPS or cup holders!