GPS interface to laptop?

[Full.Monte]

Hello,

I've started reading up on RV GPS units. One thing that I'd like to do is use a laptop screen to display a larger map. Our class A makes looking at small displays difficult. What have you done to make your GPS more usable?
Oh...we haven't bought the GPS yet, so any recommendations would be appreciated too. Thanks!

[OneRVer]

Look into ALK CoPilot. I have three GPS's and CoPilot is my favorite.

CoPilot Live v8 for Laptop

You enter in your height, weight and length. Copilot does the rest.

[DrScott]

I have a GPS sensor that plugs into my laptop (can't remember the brand but it USBs into the laptop) and shows where I am, speed, etc in MS streets and maps. It does not tell me where to turn next. mostly that is good..........I don't like the voices they use. They need Arnold, Gilbert Gotfried, etc to tell me where to turn.

A quick google search shows that Garmin has a laptop version with software and a GPS dongle that USBs to your laptop (the Garmin receiver is proprietary and only works with Garmin software, or so they say). There are other USB GPS receivers out there too, not a huge number but they are available. I'm not endorsing this link, I just found it and have never done business with them: http://www.thegpsstore.com/Laptop-PC-GPS-C11.aspx

[TXiceman]

Microsoft Streets and Trips with the GPS adapter works great with my Acer netbook.

Ken

[goldwingerx2]

Another vote for Microsoft Streets with GPS. Have used it for many years. If you want it will tell you where to go. I use it with a netbook on the dash, it is also easy to plan the trip. I also use a Garmin on the side window but do not have any directions on it, just use it for another information source.

[ronspradley]

I have an old Garmin GPS that I am still using and have also been thinking about a GPS app for a tablet. But wouldn't that mean you lose the touch-screen feature?...................ronspradley

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Microsoft Streets and Trips with the GPS adapter works great with my Acer netbook. Ken

EXACTLY the same setup I have except I also use the netbook to run my VMSpc software/hardware. Both can run at the same time too. Although I usually just run the VMSpc on the netbook and use a separate GPS.

[Possum]

Started with Streets and Trips 2006 and a Holux GR-213 Receiver via USB to my laptop. The Holux unit (with an extension USB cord) sits on top of the motorhome and does not lose signal as often as our Magellan or my buddies laptop with the plug in the laptop stick. He also runs a Garmin on the dash unit but in the mountains and thick Pacific Northwest forests the dash units tend to lose signal.

The little unit has routed us around floods during Katrina which was a boon to our marriage as my wife is a nervous Nelly when it comes to traveling in areas she is unfamiliar with. I am awaiting S & T 2011 which I just ordered as my 60 day trial period is up at the end of October. I keep upgrading S & T for some silly reason.

[OneRVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronspradley I have an old Garmin GPS that I am still using and have also been thinking about a GPS app for a tablet. But wouldn't that mean you lose the touch-screen feature?...................ronspradley

Depends on which GPS software you buy.

[OneRVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum The Holux unit (with an extension USB cord) sits on top of the motorhome and does not lose signal as often as our Magellan or my buddies laptop with the plug in the laptop stick. He also runs a Garmin on the dash unit but in the mountains and thick Pacific Northwest forests the dash units tend to lose signal.

I have been doing this GPS thing for over 12 years in the Pacific Northwest. There are three GPS receiver's that I have found that work very well. (1) Qstarz 818XT, 10Hz, BlueTooth and USB, I use this in my over head cabinet above the drivers seat in the blue tooth mode, cost is $75.00. So far I have not lost a signal. (2) Transystem iBlue GM2, USB only, sits on my dash, never lost signal, cost under $35.00 (3) USGlobal SAT BU-353, USB only, also sits on my dash, signal will get week in the trees and deep valley's, tall building in a large city's are not a problem, cost just over $35.00.

I must say that I am really impressed with the Transystem iBlue GM2. My son thinks I could close the curtains and drive just by watch my laptop. Don't think so but it does bring you in very close. In other words, if it says you are standing there, you are.

[targaboat]

Delorme works for us with the USB antenna attachment. Also Delorme also works with a small HP computer which has the antenna built in.

[LEMO]

I'll add on to TXiceman's vote for Microsoft streets and trips. On the internet you can down load the Microsoft POI Mega file, (Point of Interest). This file has thousands of POI's which you can down load into your maps. Quilt stores, rest stops, campgrounds, you name it, there's probable a POI for it. Very useful, while traveling.
Lemo

[OneRVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEMO I'll add on to TXiceman's vote for Microsoft streets and trips. On the internet you can down load the Microsoft POI Mega file, (Point of Interest). This file has thousands of POI's which you can down load into your maps. Quilt stores, rest stops, campgrounds, you name it, there's probable a POI for it. Very useful, while traveling. Lemo

Quilts stores!!!! You must know my wife. You can also do that with Copilot. Unmarked RR crossing, Firearm dealers, Red lights with camera's, Low Bridges and so. Copilot even has a Yellow Page feature that will direct you to what ever you need. Even Fuel stations with the lowest price in the area that you are in.

Here is a good site for POIs, POI Factory | new & interesting places for your GPS This site is safe and has more then you will want.

[Clay L]

We use Delorme Street Atlas and their hockey puck USB GPS unit. Cost is $49.95 and that includes the GPS unit. HERE

I tried the Microsoft Streets and trips and didn't care for it, using it was counter intuitive to me.
That was years ago though and both Microsoft and Delorme have have changed the way their software is configured.