Laptop GPS

[AZTaco]

I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.

[Matt]

I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.

Well you don't have to worry about limited space that handhelds have for maps, waypoins, trails, etc. with a laptop. I have a Garmin GPS V and although it's cool for the truck since it mounts in a landscape position it's only got 8MB of memory. I have to skip maps a lot of the times on longer trips. It's annoying because it will get confused, auto-routing, when you go into an area that you don't have the detailed map downloaded to it.

There are better handhelds for sure but I like this one because it's car oriented but not a full blown $1k street pilot unit. If I could afford a laptop for GPS I'd probably use it for the truck then have a handheld for hiking.

Check out the PDAs that are GPS capable as well.

[Dyingyak]

I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.

My buddy used to have the DeLorme Earthmate that he let me borrow a couple of times, it was a lot easier to follow where you were and see where you were going because of the larger screen. The only problem is positioning, it's much easier/safer for me to drive and glance at my SporTrak mounted to the a-arm handle than to turn and look at the passenger seat for directions.

[KRYPTO(dale)]

if i had a laptop,i would definatly use it in the rig.bigger,color screen,all the options,bigger map area.Mike(antibling) runs one and it is a cool toy.:cool: I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.

[canopypilot]

You might want to look at Microsoft Streets and Trips. You can get it with or without a USB antenna, or you can use it with your handhelds existing interface. I've used it with the USB antenna and my garmin etrex vista. Works well. Autorouting and other features. I like that it displays altitude as well. Check it out.

C

[peekay331]

I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.
check out the garmin 2610. awesome awesome unit and very cheap, i got mine for 520 shipped. best 500 bucks i've ever spent.

i used to run the laptop with my old etrex legend but the whole unit is pretty bulky unless you hardmount it to your truck, e.g. laptop mount, power source, etc.

also, the laptop is not as vibration resistant as a regular gps. lastly, a laptop has to power up, find the satellite signal, then load the software. kind of a pain.

[shorttaco]

I use an old laptop for GPS and music in my work truck. I have both MS Streets and Trips and CoPilot. Both are great in different situations. IMO, the laptop is hard/impossible to use alone while driving. That is why I permanently mounted it under the seat and run a 8" touchscreen monitor mounted on the dash.

[4xClover]

8" touchscreen monitor....NICE!!!

[scottnmos]

I use an old laptop for GPS and music in my work truck. I have both MS Streets and Trips and CoPilot. Both are great in different situations. IMO, the laptop is hard/impossible to use alone while driving. That is why I permanently mounted it under the seat and run a 8" touchscreen monitor mounted on the dash.
Interesting. You have any pictures of that?
-Scott

[shorttaco]

Interesting. You have any pictures of that?
-Scott
Nope, not yet. I'll try to remember my camera tomorrow.

[Ted]

I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.


I have a streetpilot, you can push maps, and waypoints to the GPS. I'd rather have a stand alone GPS then a laptop. I think the offroading would be hell on a laptops harddrive.

Just get a GPS that you download waypoints, and tracks to your harddrive.

[BOOBANELLI21]

I have a laptop and Microsoft Street and Trips, what do I need to use the GPS??

-maybe a dumb question?

[Tankota]

I have a laptop and Microsoft Street and Trips, what do I need to use the GPS??

-maybe a dumb question?

Depends on the GPS you have - most you can get either a serial or USB cable to connect to the laptop (sold seperate), then all you have to do is set the software to which one you used, and the type of GPS or just generic NEMA.. but the settings on the GPS and the software have to match.

I use a wireless bluetooth GPS with my laptop, and with my Pocket PC.. no cables at all.. :D

[Tankota]

I recently acquired a second laptop and was thinking about using it for GPS. Anyone else use a laptop or is a handheld a better way to go? I figure laptop based would be easier to upload new maps and upgrade. Right? Wrong? :confused: I've done some searching but I'm more familiar with handheld units. I figure the biggest thing against the laptop would be portability (taking hiking, camping, etc.). Thanks in advance.

The big advantage of a laptop is the type of mapping software you can use - I use Maptech Topo software on mine, which is way cool and very detailed and accurate - this level of detail would never fit on a hand held (does export to a PDA though!). Plus I can do 3-D views, routes, profiles, etc, etc, using the full power of a laptop.. Down size is the size and weight, and power requirments.. I have an AC adapter for my truck, and then dual batteries which would give me about 6 hours real world usage. I can connect it to any of my GPS's, including my Bluetooth wireless one.

Next is a PDA, I use an IPAQ HX4700, it will run mini versions of most of the popular software, including Maptech.. It's much smaller and easier to cary around, but not as easy to work on and use, or to view as a laptop. For these I'd only pretty much get a unit that has bluetooth, and use a bluetooth GPS with it. The unit is a bit more fragil than a true GPS unit, you might not want to be dropping it or stuff out on the trails.

Then there is the GPS units themselves, they are the smallest and easiest to carry around (car mounted units not included) , but then can be limited on map detail.. I have a Garmin GPSMap 60cs, Garmin has some topo software that can be loaded onto it but it's not as detailed as the full laptop, and it's limited on how much it can hold, but does pretty good for a handheld pocketable unit..

In the end, I find I use the laptop for big trips and trip planning, or trying to find hard to find spots in the field where I need real detailed live updates on where I'm at and going.. the PDA make a nice toy but does neither well, and for everything else I use the GPS unit.

[Blinkin2000]

I have the Magellan Meridian Color and it is fantastic. According to many reviews it is one of the best handheld that works for street navigation. the only thing that it doesn't have compared to the bigger GPS models is it doesn't speak to you, it just beeps. I use it all the time to check my speed because my larger tires. The menus and navigation of the software on the handled is easy to use while driving. I think Costco has a very good deal with their coupon. I think $350 (orig. $500) with car adapter, software, and car mounting kit & additional memory chip (32mb i think). Hope this helps. oh and it floats :D

[peekay331]

The big advantage of a laptop is the type of mapping software you can use - I use Maptech Topo software on mine, which is way cool and very detailed and accurate - this level of detail would never fit on a hand held (does export to a PDA though!). Plus I can do 3-D views, routes, profiles, etc, etc, using the full power of a laptop.. Down size is the size and weight, and power requirments.. I have an AC adapter for my truck, and then dual batteries which would give me about 6 hours real world usage. I can connect it to any of my GPS's, including my Bluetooth wireless one.

Next is a PDA, I use an IPAQ HX4700, it will run mini versions of most of the popular software, including Maptech.. It's much smaller and easier to cary around, but not as easy to work on and use, or to view as a laptop. For these I'd only pretty much get a unit that has bluetooth, and use a bluetooth GPS with it. The unit is a bit more fragil than a true GPS unit, you might not want to be dropping it or stuff out on the trails.

Then there is the GPS units themselves, they are the smallest and easiest to carry around (car mounted units not included) , but then can be limited on map detail.. I have a Garmin GPSMap 60cs, Garmin has some topo software that can be loaded onto it but it's not as detailed as the full laptop, and it's limited on how much it can hold, but does pretty good for a handheld pocketable unit..

In the end, I find I use the laptop for big trips and trip planning, or trying to find hard to find spots in the field where I need real detailed live updates on where I'm at and going.. the PDA make a nice toy but does neither well, and for everything else I use the GPS unit.
if you have so many gps units, why didn't you take one out that one time we were lost in ocotillo?????????

[AZTaco]

I use an old laptop for GPS and music in my work truck. I have both MS Streets and Trips and CoPilot. Both are great in different situations. IMO, the laptop is hard/impossible to use alone while driving. That is why I permanently mounted it under the seat and run a 8" touchscreen monitor mounted on the dash.
Nice!!! :cool:

[AZTaco]

I have a laptop and Microsoft Street and Trips, what do I need to use the GPS??

-maybe a dumb question?
This may work. Just a GPS antenna.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002ZFVB6/qid=1102481267/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl23/104-1459007-3082358?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846 :confused:

[AZTaco]

I have the Magellan Meridian Color and it is fantastic. According to many reviews it is one of the best handheld that works for street navigation. the only thing that it doesn't have compared to the bigger GPS models is it doesn't speak to you, it just beeps. I use it all the time to check my speed because my larger tires. The menus and navigation of the software on the handled is easy to use while driving. I think Costco has a very good deal with their coupon. I think $350 (orig. $500) with car adapter, software, and car mounting kit & additional memory chip (32mb i think). Hope this helps. oh and it floats :D
So does shit! :D Thanks, I'll take a look. The more I think about it a $50 antenna and my laptop may be the best fix for now until I really feel the need for a truely portable option. $300+ is kinda steep right now for something I'll use on occasion. Plus I want to lift the truck so that may take most the GPS money. Thanks again.

[ArmAssassin]

I second what Peekay331 said about the Garmin 2610. He recommended it to me and I love it. Very easy to use. Although it seems like it may be out of your price range ($520), you might want to think about it and start saving up.

[Tankota]

if you have so many gps units, why didn't you take one out that one time we were lost in ocotillo?????????
Ahh.. Remember? I did have mine hooked to the laptop.. It just didn't show that it was a gunner range we drove accross.. 8-)

[shorttaco]

Okay, I got some pictures this morning...

The touchscreen mounts to the upper half of the double-din slot. I forgot to get pics of how it actually mounts. The Sony head unit is just below.
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0001.JPG

[shorttaco]

This is the main menu. It is a free front-end program called Media Engine.
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0005.JPG

[shorttaco]

Browsing music...
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0007.JPG

[shorttaco]

Browsing Applications...
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0004.JPG

[shorttaco]

Using Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005 w/ GPS...
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0002.JPG

[shorttaco]

Using CoPilot Live...
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0008.JPG

[shorttaco]

I also have a Verizon AirCard for internet connection anywhere I get digital coverage. :D
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0009.JPG



Sorry for the fuzzy pics. The Laptop/GPS/Touchscreen combo works awesome for the type of travel I do, both in and out of town. The laptop is connected to the head unit though a USB connection, so I'm getting a full digital quality.

I would tend to agree that travelling offroad with a laptop might be a bit hard on it. Maybe if it was cushioned it could work?

[Dyingyak]

Thats an incredible looking setup! How do you have the monitor mounted there?

[nastynate]

I would tend to agree that travelling offroad with a laptop might be a bit hard on it. Maybe if it was cushioned it could work?

way cool! i've always wanted to do a setup like that. tried a long time ago with an "internet appliance" but ended up breaking it :(

where did you get the LCD?
i found some nice ones (7 in) for less than $400

[nastynate]

check it:

http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/products_id/242

http://www.logicsupply.com/product_info.php/products_id/243


i MUST do this!

[Tankota]

Okay, I got some pictures this morning...

The touchscreen mounts to the upper half of the double-din slot. I forgot to get pics of how it actually mounts. The Sony head unit is just below.

SWEEEET!! Damn I got to get me one of those!! :D

How much does the screen run, and what type of computer are you using to run it?

[Crash]

Bling!!!!!!! Cool bling though. Now you just need to get some spinners and criuse the mall. :xbeer1:

[peekay331]

SWEEEET!! Damn I got to get me one of those!! :D

How much does the screen run, and what type of computer are you using to run it?
david, check out this store:
http://www.mp3playerstore.com/stuff_you_need/special/IN-121.htm

[nastynate]

david, check out this store:
http://www.mp3playerstore.com/stuff_you_need/special/IN-121.htm

that's NTSC/PAL only (no VGA), so it won't work with a computer setup

it would work for *displaying* what's on your computer monitor, but there would be no feedback (touchscreen)

[shorttaco]

Here is where I got the screen from... http://www.digitalww.com

And here is the model I have... http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_TM_810VGT.htm

They were on sale last month for $300 shipped.


The laptop is a 4-5 year old Dell Inspiron that was sitting around gathering dust at work. The battery won't hold a charge, so it's useless as a laptop, but perfect for the truck.

For more Carputer info, check out http://www.mp3car.com

[shorttaco]

Bling!!!!!!! Cool bling though. Now you just need to get some spinners and criuse the mall. :xbeer1:Actually, the GPS works very well for navigating the mall. I was in Albuquerque last week and was looking for a place to eat near the mall. Just a couple button clicks will give me the name, location and phone number of every restaraunt within a given radius or drive time. :xpimp:

[nastynate]

Here is where I got the screen from... http://www.digitalww.com

And here is the model I have... http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_TM_810VGT.htm

They were on sale last month for $300 shipped.


The laptop is a 4-5 year old Dell Inspiron that was sitting around gathering dust at work. The battery won't hold a charge, so it's useless as a laptop, but perfect for the truck.

For more Carputer info, check out http://www.mp3car.com


it's retractable??? SWEEET! that's way better!

now i just have to figure out what goes to make room for this:
my head unit or my cb :)

[shorttaco]

it's retractable??? SWEEET! that's way better!

now i just have to figure out what goes to make room for this:
my head unit or my cb :)
Actually, mine isn't retractable, but there are ones that are.

[BOOBANELLI21]

This may work. Just a GPS antenna.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002ZFVB6/qid=1102481267/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl23/104-1459007-3082358?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846 :confused:

Cool...thanks!

[Tankota]

Here is where I got the screen from... http://www.digitalww.com (http://www.digitalww.com/)

And here is the model I have... http://www.digitalww.com/VGA_TM_810VGT.htm

They were on sale last month for $300 shipped.


The laptop is a 4-5 year old Dell Inspiron that was sitting around gathering dust at work. The battery won't hold a charge, so it's useless as a laptop, but perfect for the truck.

For more Carputer info, check out http://www.mp3car.com
Hmm... now you have me thinking.. I have an old Dell Latitude 500Mhz sitting around... and it will fit under the passanger seat.. :D

[shorttaco]

Hmm... now you have me thinking.. I have an old Dell Latitude 500Mhz sitting around... and it will fit under the passanger seat.. :D
That's what mine is, 500mhz, and a useless 12" screen. If you don't have a docking station, get one off ebay. The docking station is the key. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42176&item=6728315872&rd=1

[Reckelhoff]

I am using the Garmin V alos, but if i am going on trips by myself, i usually hook up the laptop to the gps to give me a bigger picture. It works really well and I can download maps if it is a real long trip.

Brian

[Reckelhoff]

Hey shorttaco, I got quick question. So if i buy this screen and mount it up in the truck, all I have to is connect it to the laptop and it can play all my mp3s and most anything that the computer can do?

Brian

[shorttaco]

Hey shorttaco, I got quick question. So if i buy this screen and mount it up in the truck, all I have to is connect it to the laptop and it can play all my mp3s and most anything that the computer can do?

Brian
Your laptop will need to have vga output and a usb port for the touchscreen functions. You will also need a way to connect the computer to your vehicle sound system. My Sony head unit has an optional accessory that allows me to connect the computer via USB cord. It sounds good. If you are not fortunate enough to have a compatible Sony head unit, other sound options include an FM modulator(crappy), or an external USB soundcard that connects via stereo cords to an aux input in your head unit(better).

[nastynate]

...external USB soundcard that connects via stereo cords to an aux input in your head unit(better).

Edit: this was really to Reckelhoff, not short taco

All you need for sound is a line in (aux in) on your head unit. Most aftermarket ones have this for a CD changer/MD player, etc.

Then you'll need a 1/4" stereo to RCA splitter
(http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=12-2057)
as most radios use RCA vs mini connectors.

The RCA goes into radio, the mini goes into computer's sound card, line out. All done.

[Reckelhoff]

SO with the usb plugged in and vga output on the laptop can i just shut the lid on the laptop and put it under the seat? Also does it come with the free program to run the stuff of your computer?

Brian

[shorttaco]

SO with the usb plugged in and vga output on the laptop can i just shut the lid on the laptop and put it under the seat? Also does it come with the free program to run the stuff of your computer?

Brian
That depends on your laptop. I have a docking station which allows me to keep the lid shut and turn the laptop on. Your experience may vary. What kind of laptop is it?

You may have to disable the Standby or Hibernation when you close the lid in your Power properties.

There are many free programs designed for in-car entertainment and navigation. You can find out all about them at http://www.mp3car.com

[Reckelhoff]

It is a 2004 Dell Inspiron 5100. Where do you get the docking station from? I think i can change my settings to get it to stay on but just in case. ALso is thier any way to take the screen off like a quick release so when i park i can hid it or something, dont feel like having people break in to steal the tv. Also where can you get microsoft streets for a good price. thanks for all the help man.


Brian

[shorttaco]

It is a 2004 Dell Inspiron 5100. Where do you get the docking station from? I think i can change my settings to get it to stay on but just in case. ALso is thier any way to take the screen off like a quick release so when i park i can hid it or something, dont feel like having people break in to steal the tv. Also where can you get microsoft streets for a good price. thanks for all the help man.


Brian
I don't know if there is a docking station for the 5100. Check on ebay if there is. The screen does have a quick release. I took some more pictures...

Bottom view...
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0057.JPG

[shorttaco]

The mount rotates up and down also...

http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0058.JPG

[shorttaco]

removed...
http://members.cox.net/shorttaco/images/IMG_0060.JPG

[shorttaco]

It is a 2004 Dell Inspiron 5100. Where do you get the docking station from? I think i can change my settings to get it to stay on but just in case. ALso is thier any way to take the screen off like a quick release so when i park i can hid it or something, dont feel like having people break in to steal the tv. Also where can you get microsoft streets for a good price. thanks for all the help man.


Brian
Oh, and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002DODZ8/002-6881452-3624022) has Streets and Trips 2005 WITH the GPS locator on sale for $96.99 right now. That is a pretty good price.

[mgyver1]

I've got a laptop w/ the earthmate GPS. I just seatbelt it into the pssenger seat. I look like a cop at night! BTW, I love the laptop setup. It's a big screen so you can see what's going on a lot better compared to a PDA or handheld GPS.