REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

G-spec · 08-07-2009, 12:09 PM

I'm doing a cross country Canada trip and bringing my laptop in my car, I would like to have access to GPS software on the laptop. I'll be using one of those Rogers USB rocket sticks to connect to the internet via 3G.

I'm basically looking for a program that will give me the basic GPS capabilities so I know where I'm at and where I'm going, but also something that will also give me nearby locations of hotels and restaurants, gas stations etc.. because on a road trip these things will be very useful.

what kind of software program is recommended for this purpose ?

lilaznviper · 08-07-2009, 03:03 PM

just go buy a GPS
its cheaper than using a rocket stick since its roaming?

Gh0stRider · 08-07-2009, 03:11 PM

get a gps mouse and pair it with something like street and trips and your good to go.

Soundy · 08-07-2009, 03:21 PM

Yeah, you still need a GPS receiver for your laptop to triangulate from GPS satellites - your Rocket Stick won't do it.

Google Earth can use most outboard GPS receivers to show your actual position... MS Streets and Trips can too, and doesn't require an internet connection (in some areas, roaming is moot; even HAVING wireless signals is more of a problem).

There are lots of others that will show you the GPS data without maps - check www.visualgps.com, for example.

G-spec · 08-08-2009, 03:56 PM

I actually just realized I can use my iPhone as a tethering device which will give me internet on the laptop.
This is a better solution as opposed to signing up for another contract just to get a rocket stick.

I got a few GPS apps on my iPhone I'll probably end up using, I just thought the whole thing would be easier on a big laptop screen.

thanks guys

Soundy · 08-08-2009, 04:17 PM

I was thinking you be able to use your iPhone's GPS with some laptop-based software as well... but it appears nobody's completely done it yet, from what I was able to find.

I did find something interesting, however: turn your iPhone into a netbook??

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/10/14/olos-...owered-laptop/

G-spec · 08-08-2009, 09:39 PM

^ wow thats neat, just looking at this picture you know it will be a huge seller

syee · 08-08-2009, 11:31 PM

Like someone else mentioned, the Rogers stick isn't going to get you any GPS functionality. I'm not sure if the iPhone can pass NMEA data via BT or something similar but you'd minimally need that to use it with any mapping software.

As for software recommendations, try:
Microsoft Streets and Trips
Microsoft Map Point
Garmin MobilePC
iGuidance

Right now, I am playing around with Garmin MobilePC. It has a interface that's very similar to the Garmin portable GPS units. You can use it with 3rd party GPS units as well as Garmin handheld units. (I have it paired with my iBlue Photomate BT GPS datalogger on my netbook)

I used Map Point many years ago, but it doesn't have the voice navigation so it's not exactly ideal for driving. (I used it back before portable units were mainstream) iGuidance used to be the defacto laptop standard software (I've never used it) so it may be worth trying.

Like someone already mentioned, your best bet is probably a portable GPS unit. It's small and it's less likely to be a distraction. It also beats hauling around a laptop when you want to just go find the nearest mall to pick up some groceries and then having to find somewhere to hide the laptop (or worse have to carry it with you)

Tethering is alright if you have a plan that supports it. Just remember that 3G coverage isn't everywhere, and you may end up with a super slow EDGE connection in more rural areas (or no connection at all in some places)

Also, if you haven't already, pick yourself up an inverter so you can power your laptop. It would suck if you're using it for navigation and the battery dies on you. Also, make sure your car battery is in good shape. My last car battery (which was on it's way to a slow painful death) was a little low on voltage and the inverter would complain (by beeping incessantly) when the voltage dropped too low (usually when I was idling). It was annoying as hell, but the load may cause the battery to also die prematurely if you have a lot of devices hooked up to it.

Soundy · 08-09-2009, 08:13 AM

One thing too, with using your phone GPS on your laptop (which it doesn't appear is possible with the iPhone), your GPS reception will suffer from the receiver (the phone) being inside the car. Same applies to a BT-attached receiver of most sorts. What you can look at if you really want to use your laptop for this, is a USB-attached "puck" receiver with a long cable, that you stick outside the car. I have one of these, and it works great - it has a strong magnet base that attaches it to the roof of the car.