Laptop GPS

Find a GPS device for your laptop

Laptops can be an excellent choice for a GPS device since it is very simple to install the necessary software, and purchasing the required laptop GPS receiver is also very cheap. While more bulky than a pocket PC GPS, a laptop GPS has the added advantage of being able to run more processor-intensive software and also provides a larger viewing screen with the potential to present more information and detail at one time. Being able to use a mouse and keyboard also makes it easier to input data and opens the door to more technical and advanced features than you may find available on simpler handheld GPS units.

Selecting a Laptop GPS Receiver

There are two different styles of laptop GPS receivers available for purchase. The first are USB GPS receivers, which allow you to plug a laptop GPS antenna directly into a USB port and use the power of the laptop for operation. The other option is to purchase a wireless Bluetooth GPS receiver, which requires a battery pack for operation. The USB GPS receivers tend to be cheaper than the alternative Bluetooth models and are also offered in waterproof and weather-resistant models. A water-resistant GPS device for laptop is particularly desirable if you are planning to use your laptop as a marine GPS, where the risk of getting your equipment wet is substantial.

The Bluetooth receiver is far more convenient than a USB antenna, however, since it is portable and can be carried around in your pocket or on a key chain. This allows you to easily move from one device to another without the hassle of having to unplug and transfer your receiver.

Laptop GPS Navigation Software

Laptop GPS software can accomplish far more processor-intensive applications than pocket PC and PDA units can. This often translates into much nicer visual images, such as seamless 3-D presentations of the data or directions. More recent software for laptop GPS units actually has a 3-D real-time presentation of the road you are driving on to make it easier to see exactly what the turn or ramp will look like so you are less likely to miss it.

Laptop GPS software also contains the standard features of high-end GPS units, including:

• auto navigation, by which the program will present your quickest route factoring in recent traffic patterns so that you will always get to your destination as quickly as possible,
• audio directions, so you don’t have to take your attention from the road, and
• a database of maps for North America, so you can easily plan your travel route in advance.