How good are navi systems with laptops?

[Syringer]

Say I got an old P2 laptop and want to put it in my car and set up a navigation system for it. How much would the accessories cost, what's the minimum amount of power the laptop needs, and is it practical to have a laptop on the driver's seat to refer to every few minutes?

And how is the software for navigation systems? Would they offer all that a standard in-dash navigation would offer, like hot points, voice directions, etc.?

 

[Helixate1]

I use the Delorme earthmate. It is pretty good GPS receiver and it comes with its own mapping software for $130. It has hot points, voice recognition, and all that stuff that most in-dash navi systems have.

It kinda depends on if you want to make this a permanent install. For power, you will need an inverter. You can get a cheap one from walmart for $20-30. As for praticality, it depends on the length of your trip. The boot times are what suck. It may not be worth a minute boot time just for a five minute drive.