Whats the status on USB GPS recievers?

[natto fire]

The idea of having a GPS set up as I want now has been a LONG time coming. I know that the prices of stand-alone units has dropped considerably, but I am looking to cut down on the number of devices that I have, so I think just getting a receiver for the netbook I already have would be a better option for me. This one seems like a good option for my main goal of portability, but it does not say if it has the SiRF chip, which I understand to be the de facto architecture to look for. I do like the idea of having WAAS, and the compactness, however, I wonder if getting a receiver with a cable will be better for my application. This will mostly be used in a car, and maybe some light duty trail use.

My next question is about software. I thought Google earth had the capability to use these things, but I will mostly be using it when there is no internet access available, so I don't know how well that will work.

Any thoughts, or user experience would be great, thanks.

 

[Horsepower]

I used laptop GPS for years, starting with serial port receivers, and had many good experiences. You should see me use a mouse at 75MPH! The last setup was Microsoft Streets and Trips with GPS receiver and it worked fine. A year and a half ago, I bought a Garmin, and that made me realize I should have never considered the laptop.
<fwiw>

 

[mpilchfamily]

A GPS atachment for a netbook isn't a bad idea but the stand alone units are much better in the way of ease of use and interface. So whatever works for you is fine. But i do think you need to get one with a SiRF chip. They may cost more but like you've seen they are the defacto chip. Here is a compairison of several models.
http://www.maps-gps-info.com/usbgps.html

 

[Capt Caveman]

I used a laptop gps traveling cross-country a couple of times several years ago using Co-Pilot Live. Worked fine.

 

[natto fire]

Thanks all for the input. I am still considering a handheld one, as I do lots of hiking, and geocaching seems like a neat hobby, but I usually hike in areas I know for the most part. That makes me think I would only use it to see how far I hiked, and to check my altitude. If I go with the addon for the netbook, I would power that through the car and use it for all of my navigation, which would come in handy because New Mexico's roads don't always make the most sense. I also like the lower cost of this option, although I haven't really priced the software, and am going to assume these sub $50 add-ons don't include it.