Help out a newbie, please? need PC based GPS advice.

[PsychoBurb]

Thanks for looking.

I am shopping for a Laptop based GPS set-up for my rig. Options are numerous, and sometimes confusing, so i figured I'd ask here and get some real world advice on what I might actually need. As usual, money is a factor, but I am willing to pay more for something that is truly worth it.

What I want is a laptop based system that will work with Windows 7 (preferably USB interface), utilize a permanent mount puck/antenna, and a recommendation on which software I would use to have the best trail and off-road mapping capabilities (on-road is relatively easy). I am not a tech expert, but am fairly capable. So if something slightly more complex is better I would consider that, but keeping things simple also has an obvious appeal.

Thanks in advance. I look forward to ideas and suggestions.

Jay

 

[Karma]

HI Jay,
I think I am using what you are looking for. My set set up, especially the GPS (a Garmin GPS III PLus) is getting a little old but it still works fine. Mostly I use it for the GPS receiver and the trip computer. The Garmin is interfaced to my Panasonic Toughbook laptop via a serial interface (shows its age). In the Toughbook, I run Terrain Navigator navigation mapping software. This is the best mapping software I have seen especially if your main concern is back country. The maps are given in several scales the most detailed are the 7.5 USGS topo maps.

You must purchase maps state by state.

For back country navigation, my system is hard to beat.

Sparky

 

[1leglance]

For a number of years I have been running an Acer 10in screen netbook that is running Windows XP.
Software is a combo of Delorme Topo 9 and Oziexplorer.
I use Franson GPSgate to split the usb GPS signal into more than 1 virtal port so both programs can run at the same time.
For GPS I run a GU-353 (google it) which is USB powered GPS puck, very fast cold start, magnetic base to set it on the roof, hood or dash.

Delorme lets me auto route, search POI's and other easy stuff.
OziExplorer lets me use the cool older USGS maps that have cool mine info, and other nifty things. Also I could scan any paper map & geo-reference it.

This solution has held up to terrible Baja washboard roads for hours, tons of desert dust and run for 16hrs a day for over a week using an I-GO power adapter from Radio Shack with no issues.

Oh and the laptop mount is $60 from Jeniko and works great.

Great setup and I love it, I will try to dig up some pics for you.

 

[ert01]

My setup is not the most expensive or the newest but it works very well for me and my simple needs...

Panasonic Toughbook CF-29
Globalsat BU-353 (USB gps antenna)
Garmin mapsource and enroute
Garmin topo map pack
Garmin metroguide map pack
Jeniko laptop mount

 

[Phreak480]

I'll vote for using the BU-353, I've got 1 mounted on the roof of my Ram to provide GPS to my vehicle PC. Still playing with different softwares though. I use XPort for dividing the gps signal to numerous programs simultaneously. Now if only the folks at TomTom would make a pc version of their gps software for highway navigation.

 

[off-roader]

I've used an Acer netbook with an SSD (for reliability) running XP and the sirfstar USB GPS that comes with MS Streets & Trips software. I rarely if ever use that software though but the gps is great. Sits on my dash and is wired to a USB port.

For topo software I was using the Nat Geo Topo app for California which uses scanned hi res topo maps.

Worked great except using a mounted laptop is kinda kludgie in the vehicle but I know many are fine with this kind of setup.

 

[ert01]

The globalsat gps antenna has been nothing short of amazing on my jeep. It has been mounted on the roof of my jeep for almost two years now continuous. Through our -35C snowy winters and the +45C summer sun in Nevada... Through the wand wash and the automatic wash.

It is only mounted using the factory installed magnet base. It moves around a bit but generally stays put very well.

I have the USB cord from it running into my cab and it plugs into a 4 port USB splitter I have permanently mounted in my glove box. Then the splitter runs behind my dash and out to the laptop stand.

For the price and reliability of the antenna, you simply can't go wrong. I believe they have a bluetooth version as well.

 

[PsychoBurb]

Thanks for the responses fellas. I will be getting very serious about buying some stuff after the first of the year. Until then I'll be researching the above products and sourcing them.

Thanks again!