Top Features of Laptop GPS Systems


If you travel frequently and need GPS service, you can now install software that allows you to access a GPS receiver through your Bluetooth or wireless-enabled laptop.  There are a variety of GPS receiver and software combinations available, for all budgets. Generally you can buy a complete kit, including a mobile GPS, the software to run on your laptop, and a USB cable to connect the GPS receiver to your laptop.

GPS software is now fairly robust, and can provide many services.  Of course getting directions is a major use of GPS systems, but you can have auto routing and guidance y voice even o laptop systems.  Maps for the US and Canada are available, and often the GPS supports Bluetooth-enabled PDAs as well, so you can switch between your laptop and PDA when on the go.

Along with directions, software will load points of interest, or business listings, Features.  Not only can you get directions, but you can store maps.  You can find businesses, you can find other locations near your destination, and of course you can get driving directions.  There are several different software packages available on the market, each of which has different features and different pricing.

Pricing for laptop GPS systems can fit almost any budget.  The Garmin GPS 18 Sensor plus USA software bundle has a suggested retail price of $162.00 but can be found online between $114-125.  The GPS 18 USB product is powered through the USB port, and weighs under 8 ounces. The software includes over 5 million points of interest such as hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.  

Microsoft now makes an edition of Microsoft Streets and Trips for GPS, which can be used with any NMEA compatible GPS receiver.  Streets and Trips has many additional features for the laptop user, such as mileage, travel time and fuel costs calculation, import of contacts from Excel and Outlook, and emailing of itineraries.   Pricing on the software is about $20-30 street, and stand alone mobile GPS systems run about $60-100, so the price is about the same as the Garmin bundle.  Microsoft also offers bundles with compatible GPS receivers for $129.

Excellent package deals for laptop GPS receiver-software combinations can be found online, and packages can also be found at large retailers including office supply stores.  Many of the online retailers include detailed installation instructions.  Installation is fairly simple however, and the software uses a standard USB cable.  

Laptop GPS systems can be extremely useful for travelers who are on the road often, college students, or anyone who expects to be on the road frequently. Pricing for these packages are affordable now for just about any budget.