Laptop GPS Navigation Systems

[mattb5150]

The wife and I got a Sony VAIO from Santa for Xmas. One use will be as a dvd player for our son who will be born in early Feb. I currently have a Garmin Etrex Vista GPS but was interested in Laptop GPS setups. I have checked the net and found a couple of systems. A really nice one seems to be the Trav Route CoPilot it even plots routes for RV's and trailers avoiding u-turns, narrow roads, etc. Has anyone had any experience with any of these systems?

Matt B.

[Cobra One]

Hi Matt

I have a Compaq PII 333 that I bought just for the DMax. I keep it under the back seat plugged into an outlet I put in the back of the center consel. The computer video is sent to a 10.5" monitor/tv mounted below the ac controls. On the dash, under the dashmat is a Copilot gps antenna with the power and serial cable running under the consel and carpet to the computer.

I can take the computer into the house or leave it in the truck to program it. I now have copilot 2003 installed and it's great. To program it the easy way, just tell it you want to go from say Great Falls, MT to Norfolk Va(RV quickest route) and it will give you the best route in a few seconds. Now when I leave, I turn "HAL" on and bring up my saved trip. He tells me which direction to turn after backing out of the driveway and every upcoming turn till we hit Norfolk. On the way if I miss a turn, even at 85mph HAL will give me new directions within 15 sec.!!! So far me and the better half have made 6 cross country trips with NO paper maps, nothing but HAL. AND while the better half is on a prolonged visit to the rest stop, I can play games on the computer!!

Keep in mind that unless you put in a monitor and put the computer in the back, that the computer will take up a lot of space, even if it is on someones lap. One option is to look on ebay for a used computer. Copilot requires at least a PII 300 I believe and they can be picked up for as low as $200.00. For about 3 times that figure I have a complete system for sale. If there is any interest, just ask.

If you have more ??? or want some pictures of the setup, you can email me at the address below.

Good luck, John

[bryantch]

Co-Pilot is the best laptop gps on the market...but it is not as easy to use as a true nav system like alpines. I have my laptop mounted in my truck and figured i would use for a dvd for my daughter (2 1/2) but you cant use the copilot at the same time. bought her a portable dvd theater and that was the ticket.

by the way, the voice feature of the copilot is about worthless in a truck...to much noise to hear the laptop or to use the voice recognition without a headset micro. and definately get the usb version or you will have to plug in the gps receiver to 12v port. the usb version is powered by the computer...only one cord.

you may want to try a garmin street pilot...nice machine, easy to use and you can download different maps (more detail).

hope this helps

[bmoeller]

I use the Delorme Earthmate coupled to a Gateway Solo 9300. With the Street Atlas software it will do a good job. Ebay is a good source as there always seem to be several available at around $90-100. Have fun!! tongue.gif

[David Utz]

I have an Earthmate that I used with my Palm Pilot. It started giving me some problems and finally quit completely. I think it's a cracked circuit run or a bad solder joint. DeLorme doesn't have a repair facility for these units, but will exchange for $75.00. The problem is they are out of stock due to a re-design. They have been unavailable for at least three months and aren't expected until mid February. My laptop is new (used) and hasn't had an operating Earthmate to try it on. I do like the Street Atlas program and the laptop will give me the ability to update the route and scale on the fly that I can't do on the Palm. For now I'm just waiting for the new-improved Earthmate to come in.

[Budz]

Matt, I have had a Garmin E-Map for some time, similar to your E-Trex. I bought Garmin Mapsource MetroGuide USA and a serial cable to connect my E-Map to the laptop. I can click on the 'keep position centered' option and watch the map move by in any scale that I choose. It is excellent for navigating while moving. I have used Delorme Street Atlas among others and like this one the best. Mapsource CDs are about $140, serial cable that connects to GPS about $15 to $20.

Copilot sounds good.

Budz

[SoCalDMAX]

I'd recommend using your Etrex Vista with a combo PC/power cable ($15 on ebay) and load up Garmin Mapsource Metroguide or Rand McNally Streetfinder on the new laptop. They have all of the mapping, routing, planning and GPS functions you should need. They each (allegedly) contain all of he house and business addresses in the US. Plus some of Mexico and Canada... I have both programs (plus Mapsource Roads and Recreation for off-road destinations) and can verify they all work great with the Etrex.

I'm not sure what advantages Copilot would have over the Etrex.

It might be a while before your son can tell you which movie he wants to watch on the laptop... ;)

Regards, Steve

PS: on edit: I found Metroguide for $75 online and Streetfinder Plus (4 CD set) for about $35 at Costco. Also, if you really want to share the movies with Jr, buy a 15" LCD computer monitor. Mom can watch the laptop on her lap, the monitor output from the Vaio can feed the 15" LCD mounted to rear of front console so all 3 rear passengers can view it.

[ 01-02-2003: Message edited by: SoCalDMAX ]</p>

[bora]

Garmin GPS V deluxe or Street Pilot III Deluxe are also very nice.

I used the GPS V and am very happy with it.

[battmain]

If you're handy with tools and have a old mouse sitting around, you could probably make your own data/pwr cable for the Etrex. Do a google search for 'eplug' Cost me $3 and little of my time. I also had a 3v power supply lying around and used that for power to the GPS. The mapping program I used was Street and Trips 2001 and recently bought the 2003 version. $22 at Sams. With the GPS, it is a time saver. I've heard that Street Atlas V8 has a feature to add new roads since most maps are out of date by at least a year. I might look into that soon. Oh, don't forget the inverter. Your laptop batteries will not last long. Funny you mention GPS...I was just showing my uncle how it all worked over the holidays. (and he was one of the family members that introduced me to computers.)

[ 01-04-2003: Message edited by: battmain ]</p>