Hey guys I've got some questions about using my laptop for navigation. I have a handheld GPS, but I've seen where you can get a GPS receiver and plug it into, or use Bluetooth, to connect to a laptop. My question is... which software is the best for the buck. I've seen Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006, Delorme Earthmate Street Atlas, ALK CoPilot 9 (Navigator and Live), iNav iGuidance V3.0, and Garmin GPS 18. I'm sure there are others out there . I'll need the software and GPS receiver. I'm not a cross country traveler, I just like know where to turn and when, when I'm in unfamiliar territory. I just want one with the most features and is also user friendly. I like how a few of them tell you when to turn, and how some have the night screen. I'd just like you opinions fellas.

Thanks,
Nick

 

I have microsoft streets and trips on my laptop.What little bit I have used it,seems pretty cool.But the laptop screen is so big and bright at night I can't stand it.

 

I personally like Streets and Trips for planning a route and itinerary, and Delorme for actual use with a gps. Once you learn how to use it, Streets does a great job of planning a trip. Streets and Trips 2006 has got close to the look and feel of Delorme when using the gps, though, so probably gets my nod as best overall software.

You can use any number of programs simultanously with the serial imput of the gps by using a program called serial splitter. It is able to split the signal from a pyhsical serial port to several virtual ports, giving you the best of all worlds when using gps software.

 

I'm also using MS 2005 S&T. Works pretty good. Found out that the 2006 version has voice.
I'm using a Bluetooth GPS for my laptop.

MikeyB

 

Streets and trips here too works great with a GPS adapter as well

 

Hey thanks for the comments guys! Are any GPS receivers any better than others, or would the one that comes with S&T be as good as any?

Thanks,
Nick

 

Also, what do you guys put your laptop on? Just the center console, or do you get a cheap mount off eBay?

Thanks,
Nick

 

I have a notebook convertible that can sit either on the center armrest or down on the center console where the shifter is located. The panel can be rotated to different viewing positions or lay flat like a tablet.
My BT GPS is from HP and works really well. I haven't seen the USB GPS that comes in the MS S&T combo package but my guess it should be ok.

MikeyB

 

I use both Delorme Street Atlas 2005 and MS Streets and Trips, and agree, Steet and Trips is a better planning tool, Delorme better with the GPS. I use a Garmin Legend for my GPS receiver and just lay it up on the dash and a Panasonic Toughbook 72 for my laptop. The laptop is mounted to the truck by way of one of the new design RAM mounts made for the Dodge. With the 6 speed, the laptop is farther to the right than best for use, but can't have everything, but I can rotate the mount to over top the center armrest when necessary. I am trying to get work to get me a tablet to replace my laptop to try out.

 

The best gps recievers are based on the sirf III chipset. They can use up to 20 satelites/channels, which helps in accuracy and ability to recieve signal. You can find lots of them on eBay.

 

Hey guys thanks! I ended up winning S&T 2006 with receiver on eBay for $70, so I'll give it a try. I'll let you know what I think of it when it arrives. Thanks again!

Nick

 

I use Streets and trips with my Etrex attached to the laptop, works great and less than $150. the most expensive thing was the adapter for the Etrex.
the streets & trips syncs with the Etrex and shows realtime speed direction anything you want to know. I always used it in the motorhome, laptop velcroed to the dash within sight.

 

We use a Garmin MAPgps60CS and with a free download from the Garmin web site we now connect the GPS to the Laptop and have a full size GPS with voice commands. In case anyone wants to try this out the free download is called nRoute on the Garmin site. I can plan our routes on the laptop using the MapSource software and import it right into nRoute. It is really makes it nice having the route display on the laptop with voice commands and it did not cost a dime. Plus the GPS is still mobile to use for hiking and biking once we get to the campground.

 

I asked the same thing a while ago. Here is a little more reading.
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=101553