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Cellular forums Home > Archive > GPS > October 2005 > Query - cheap GPS setup on XP laptop
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Query - cheap GPS setup on XP laptop
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| R U Sure 2005-10-19, 5:48 pm |
| Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
I am driving?
I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
I have seen some sites about Garmin USB GPS receiver, but the
instructions are not very clear.
Is there free software I can download ?
Help - Thanks.
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| Andrew 2005-10-19, 5:48 pm |
| On 19 Oct 2005 08:53:35 -0700, "R U Sure" <nitin.blue@gmail.com>
wrote:
>I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
By using free or cheap software it will only give you a poor
impression of what GPS can do. Tomtom is excellent IMO.
--
Andrew, contact via interpleb.blogspot.com
Help make Usenet a better place: English is read downwards,
please don't top post. Trim replies to quote only relevant text.
Check groups.google.com before asking an obvious question.
| |
|
| On 19 Oct 2005 08:53:35 -0700, "R U Sure" <nitin.blue@gmail.com>
dropped the following oil-slick:
>Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
>I am driving?
>
You will also need to buy a GPS mouse.
--
gomez
Honda TransAlp,KTM 640LC Enduro (For Sale)
(not is hot to reply)
"The best tool for the job is the hammer thats nearest to hand"
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| dtong22@yahoo.com 2005-10-19, 5:48 pm |
| >Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
>I am driving?
>I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
Affirmative. It is the cheapest gps solution if you have a laptop
already
I use it as all the time
And you have no lack of choice none of them are free though
http://gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=137
>I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
FYI TomTom does not support any laptop at all. Most of Garmin handheld
need special link up cables for use as gps linkup to a laptop.
If you need a gps for occasional drive out of town , this is the best
solution .
Daniel
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| Garmin makes a nice GPS "mouse" both for USB and Serial. I have used one
with a laptop and works great. If you have Microsoft Works, you already
have software called "Streets and Trips". Works fine but no voice, unless
the later version has it. I had iGuidance GPS software on the laptop also
and it has voice and is probably one of the best GPS software packages.
I've been told that a laptop was the "original" GPS server before the others
methods became popular. Laptop is fine, but it is kind of bulky!
"R U Sure" <nitin.blue@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1129737215.072971.312910@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
> I am driving?
>
> I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
>
> I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
>
> I have seen some sites about Garmin USB GPS receiver, but the
> instructions are not very clear.
>
> Is there free software I can download ?
>
> Help - Thanks.
>
| |
|
| R U Sure wrote:
> Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
> I am driving?
>
> I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
>
> I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
>
> I have seen some sites about Garmin USB GPS receiver, but the
> instructions are not very clear.
>
> Is there free software I can download ?
>
> Help - Thanks.
>
Remember, you will get jusy what you pay for.
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| lostparts 2005-10-19, 5:48 pm |
|
"FJG" <nospam@xxx.com> wrote in message
news:y5x5f.11514$456.10279@trnddc08...
:R U Sure wrote:
: > Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
: > I am driving?
: >
: > I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
: >
: > I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
: >
: > I have seen some sites about Garmin USB GPS receiver, but the
: > instructions are not very clear.
: >
: > Is there free software I can download ?
: >
: > Help - Thanks.
: >
: Remember, you will get jusy what you pay for.
:
You could get the Garmin USB GPS receiver and download Nroute free from
Garmin and try it.
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| Nospam@nowhere.com 2005-10-19, 11:48 pm |
| Apparently on date 19 Oct 2005 08:53:35 -0700, "R U Sure"
<nitin.blue@gmail.com> said:
>Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
>I am driving?
>
>I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
>
>I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
>
>I have seen some sites about Garmin USB GPS receiver, but the
>instructions are not very clear.
>
>Is there free software I can download ?
You can cheat/grabie/emule/etc freebie software, but you'll always need a
receiver. Hardware.
Not pricey though.
TT won't support it.
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| it2smith@gmail.com 2005-10-19, 11:48 pm |
| Would you recommend this for trips around town? (as in finding a
restaurant at lunch where you have to take your laptop anyway)
| |
| dtong22@yahoo.com 2005-10-19, 11:48 pm |
| >Would you recommend this for trips around town? (as in finding a
>restaurant at lunch where you have to take your laptop anyway)
Sounds like you are a laptop road warrior. If that is so , get yourself
either a bt or cf gps which can also be used for a pda (in case you
find using laptop as a gps too bulky at time). USB mouse gps unit is
ok but it is limited for use for laptop only.
For software, Co-pilot, iguidance, S&T 2006 (with voice?) and garmin
gps10 are the option.
http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/...?TOPIC_ID=31517
Daniel
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| S. Cargo 2005-10-19, 11:48 pm |
| R U Sure wrote:
> Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
> I am driving?
Sure.. Where do you live ? If you live in the U.S. or Canada
you can install Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006.. It's ~40 bucks US
without a GPS receiver and ~130 US with a USB GPS mouse included.
You can copy it on your desktop and your laptop without silly unlocking
codes and if you have a pocket PC with GPS capabilities, Streets and Trips
includes software for you Pocket PC as well.
S&T provides HIGHLY detailed maps of the US and Canada. It lists
restaurants, service stations, points of interest etc.. It does route
planning, shows one-way streets, provides voice directions and will
recalculate the way to get back on track if you miss a turn. They
added a neat feature that zooms the display when it's near time to
make a turn so you can see the street layout better.
(You need Streets and Trips 2006 because it has many features the
previous versions lacked)..
Once you have the USB mouse, then yearly upgrades (software and maps) only
cost around 40 bucks.
http://www.microsoft.com/streets/Pr...ls.aspx?pid=002
| |
| dtong22@yahoo.com 2005-10-19, 11:48 pm |
| >S&T provides HIGHLY detailed maps of the US and Canada. It lists
>restaurants, service stations, points of interest etc.. It does route
>planning, shows one-way streets, provides voice directions and will
>recalculate the way to get back on track if you miss a turn. They
>added a neat feature that zooms the display when it's near time to
>make a turn so you can see the street layout better.
>(You need Streets and Trips 2006 because it has many features the
>previous versions lacked)..
Agreed. The only thing is about the quality of voice command as driving
with the help of a gpslaptop requires that. You have to rely on voice
command rather than visual. 2006 version is so new that there is very
little review about its quality. Price-wise it is a champ nonetheless.
Daniel
| |
| Mike Scott 2005-10-20, 5:48 pm |
| R U Sure wrote:
> Can I install GPS software on my XP laptop and use it to navigate while
> I am driving?
>
> I understand this is not an ideal solution, but is it possible ?
>
> I just want to try GPS, before I buy a Tom Tom or Garmin.
>
> I have seen some sites about Garmin USB GPS receiver, but the
> instructions are not very clear.
>
> Is there free software I can download ?
>
> Help - Thanks.
>
I sometimes use my gps72 in a car (a bit primitive, but still sometimes
useful). It seems to me it loses the sat signal quite a lot - under
trees, in tunnels, etc, which causes obvious problems. Likewise in
built-up areas, I've noticed the accuracy can degrade quite a lot,
possibly because of reflections, and with 3 or 4-storey buildings either
side even completely lose the signal.
This has made me wary of dedicated in-car gps navigators - at least here
in the UK, 30 feet error can move you from a motorway to a sideroad, or
past your next turning.
Just how good are these street navigation boxes at coping with signal
dropouts and accuracy degradation?
--
Please use the corrected version of the address below for replies.
Replies to the header address will be junked, as will mail from
various domains listed at www.scottsonline.org.uk
Mike Scott Harlow Essex England.(unet -a-t- scottsonline.org.uk)
| |
| Andrew 2005-10-20, 5:48 pm |
| On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 08:59:33 GMT, Mike Scott
<usenet.9@spam.stopper.scottsonline.org.uk> wrote:
>This has made me wary of dedicated in-car gps navigators - at least here
>in the UK, 30 feet error can move you from a motorway to a sideroad, or
>past your next turning.
>
>Just how good are these street navigation boxes at coping with signal
>dropouts and accuracy degradation?
My Tomtom Navigator 5 isn't perfect in that respect, but compared to
using a real map while driving on my own (which isn't remotely
practical when on a motorway), I wouldn't change it for all the world,
it takes all the stress out of driving for me.
--
Andrew, contact via interpleb.blogspot.com
Help make Usenet a better place: English is read downwards,
please don't top post. Trim replies to quote only relevant text.
Check groups.google.com before asking an obvious question.
| |
| Mike Scott 2005-10-20, 5:48 pm |
| Andrew wrote:
> On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 08:59:33 GMT, Mike Scott
> <usenet.9@spam.stopper.scottsonline.org.uk> wrote:
>
>
>
>
> My Tomtom Navigator 5 isn't perfect in that respect, but compared to
> using a real map while driving on my own (which isn't remotely
> practical when on a motorway), I wouldn't change it for all the world,
> it takes all the stress out of driving for me.
Glad you find it useful. Mine is mostly fine on country roads, but in
towns, where there are most turnings, and where driving requires the
most concentration, and so where it's most needed, - that's the very
place where it performs worst.
Then there was the PDA-based system (I forget which one) a friend was
very proud of and wanted to demonstrate. We drove out of the middle of
London with me navigating from a map - the gps took well over an hour
before it found a sat lock as we stopped in a car park (and then it
dropped out again within seconds once we started moving again).
I suppose I'm looking for an excuse for a proper in-car system of some
sort, but the thought of spending significant money, and then finding it
doesn't work when most needed...... well, it rather puts me off.
--
Please use the corrected version of the address below for replies.
Replies to the header address will be junked, as will mail from
various domains listed at www.scottsonline.org.uk
Mike Scott Harlow Essex England.(unet -a-t- scottsonline.org.uk)
| |
| Andrew 2005-10-20, 5:48 pm |
| On Thu, 20 Oct 2005 11:22:12 GMT, Mike Scott
<usenet.9@spam.stopper.scottsonline.org.uk> wrote:
>Glad you find it useful. Mine is mostly fine on country roads, but in
>towns, where there are most turnings, and where driving requires the
>most concentration, and so where it's most needed, - that's the very
>place where it performs worst.
Mine works fine in London, it has got me very nicely around some nasty
traffic jams.
>Then there was the PDA-based system (I forget which one) a friend was
>very proud of and wanted to demonstrate. We drove out of the middle of
>London with me navigating from a map - the gps took well over an hour
>before it found a sat lock as we stopped in a car park (and then it
>dropped out again within seconds once we started moving again).
It takes a while at the start of a journey for me to get a signal lock
on my Axim X5/Holux GM270 during which time it is better to remain
stationary, but once it is locked on, it normally keeps track
properly.
--
Andrew, contact via interpleb.blogspot.com
Help make Usenet a better place: English is read downwards,
please don't top post. Trim replies to quote only relevant text.
Check groups.google.com before asking an obvious question.
| |
| dtong22@yahoo.com 2005-10-20, 5:48 pm |
|
Mike Scott wrote:
>
>
> Glad you find it useful. Mine is mostly fine on country roads, but in
> towns, where there are most turnings, and where driving requires the
> most concentration, and so where it's most needed, - that's the very
> place where it performs worst.
>
> Then there was the PDA-based system (I forget which one) a friend was
> very proud of and wanted to demonstrate. We drove out of the middle of
> London with me navigating from a map - the gps took well over an hour
> before it found a sat lock as we stopped in a car park (and then it
> dropped out again within seconds once we started moving again).
Sounds like your friend has a hardware issue. Both dedicated and pda
based gps unit use either one of the following chipsets in
http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=143&page=2
Tomtom or Garmin or Magelan would not have the resource to make their
own chipset. All dedicated units are packaged units of individual
components (incl map details). If you choose dedicated single-purpose
unit, you choose the one that suits your need (like display, map
coverage, way of guidance.....)
>
> I suppose I'm looking for an excuse for a proper in-car system of some
> sort, but the thought of spending significant money, and then finding it
> doesn't work when most needed...... well, it rather puts me off.
Who else would not be put off in your friend's situation. In-car
dedicated single purpose unit are inherently pricier yet more
convenient to use.
Daniel
>
| |
| Mark Hewitt 2005-10-20, 5:48 pm |
|
"Mike Scott" <usenet.9@spam.stopper.scottsonline.org.uk> wrote in message
news:E5L5f.7413$cA4.3239@newsfe3-gui.ntli.net...
>
> Then there was the PDA-based system (I forget which one) a friend was very
> proud of and wanted to demonstrate. We drove out of the middle of London
> with me navigating from a map - the gps took well over an hour before it
> found a sat lock as we stopped in a car park (and then it dropped out
> again within seconds once we started moving again).
>
> I suppose I'm looking for an excuse for a proper in-car system of some
> sort, but the thought of spending significant money, and then finding it
> doesn't work when most needed...... well, it rather puts me off.
He must have had it set up wrong or the windscreen was blcoking the signal.
It should only take a few minutes for the GPS to get a signal. Even around
town I rarely have any problems.
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| R U Sure 2005-10-27, 5:48 pm |
| Thanks for all the advise. Very Useful.
I have decided to buy Holux GPSlim236 Wireless GPS Receiver with
SiRF-. Star-III chipset.
I can get it for =A380 on ebay.
Now what is a good software for my XP laptop to use with it for United
Kingdom ?
I do not want to buy a PDA yet.
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| dtong22@yahoo.com 2005-10-27, 5:48 pm |
| R U Sure
>I have decided to buy Holux GPSlim236 Wireless GPS Receiver with
>SiRF-. Star-III chipset.
Good choice on hardware.
For software, maybe you should look at the new new 2006 Autoroute from
Microsoft. 2006 S&T is just out in the States at around $30. Likely it
is not out yet in UK.
Daniel
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