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GPS and Navigation AssistanceOEM Car, Aftermarket and handheld navigation discussions.
This is a discussion thread titled "Cheap GPS Navigation using Laptop", within the GPS and Navigation Assistance forum, part of the Technical & Vehicle Assistance Forums category.
Costco here in seattle is carryinig a product called "Point to Point GPS" in a green and white box. Item# 898315 $68.88
It comes with it own USB gps module and rand mcnally street finder software. Let me tell you I am impressed. It is not as streamlined as the factory in car nav systems but it's pretty easy and fast. It is more involed and slightly more complicated then factory nav systems. I.e Factory nav system do only navigation, your laptop does a whole lot more. I have not been able to stump it yet. If you travel I would recomend it and it is a fraction of the cost of a standard in car nav system.
I plan on making my own cabinet/stand for it. I plan on the cabinet being a 2 level setup located just infront of my center console. Bottom will hold a power inverter and store the cords the top will have a swival so that the passenger can use the laptop too. I plan on adding a provision to lock the LPTP to the stand. It will be a great setup. with a little practie it can be used just a well as the Factory Navs.
That is a pretty decent price for that type of device, and from what you've described it isn't a bad setup. I plan on doing something similar using my Tapwave Zodiac PDA, and a Bluetooth GPS antenna I plan on hiding in my dash somewhere (permanent placement) as well as a GPS extender antenna. The wires for the external antenna would be routed behind one of the A-pillars.
As part of Bluetooth integration into my truck, I'd also love to integrate a hands-free kit for a cellphone that plugs into my stereo system like on some luxury cars. All I'd need to take advantage of it is a Bluetooth cellphone.
I've got a Dell Inspiron 8200 with Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005. I use a GPS receiver that I got off of ebay for $50. I dont know the name brand, but I know that it came from Hong Kong. Never had any problems with it. The way I put mine is as follows:
1 - Piece of SHelving Mat (rubber / plastic)
Convertor
Another sheet of rubber mat
Computer
THis all fits PERFECTLY in between my too front seats. I dont loose any leg room. I have a 2002 and dont have the center console extension that the newer models have. I love it. I use all the time when me and Honey travel. I can even let her drive and take a nap without worring about us getting lost. It is great on my fishing trips too, getting to the dock that is. Also now have a 15" monitor to play my DVD's on. My Kenwood has an auxilory input so the movies go through my stereo, which is cool with my 10" under the back seat.
If you have a laptop I would recommend getting a USB GPS Recevier.
southrnplayr
aka Greg
__________________ Work hard for 14. Play hard for 14. Just another offshore junkie.
2006 Phantom Gray Pearl SR5 2WD w/ 17" Rims
MODS: Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Full Front Clear Paint Protection, Custom 2 Tone Leather Gray Seats, LED Door Lights, XENON Interior Lights, XENON Headlights, Foglights, Cargo Lights, & Reverse Lights; Hard Wired Radar Detector, Eclipse CD Player, Focal PolyGlass 6 1/2" rear speakers, 6 1/2" Polk Momo Components in Front, Eclipse EA4000 amplifier on highs, 2 Diamond Audio DS3 8" 2ohm Dual Voice Coils in Custom Fiber Box under back seat hooked to a Eclipse XA1000 Class D amp at 1 ohm = 1000 watts (250 per voice coil), Debadged, LImo Tinted WIndows & Eye Brow, In-Channel Vent Shades, Dell Inspiron 6000 for DVD's and Magellan GPS
I've got a Dell Inspiron 8200 with Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005. I use a GPS receiver that I got off of ebay for $50. I dont know the name brand, but I know that it came from Hong Kong. Never had any problems with it. The way I put mine is as follows:
1 - Piece of SHelving Mat (rubber / plastic)
Convertor
Another sheet of rubber mat
Computer
THis all fits PERFECTLY in between my too front seats. I dont loose any leg room. I have a 2002 and dont have the center console extension that the newer models have. I love it. I use all the time when me and Honey travel. I can even let her drive and take a nap without worring about us getting lost. It is great on my fishing trips too, getting to the dock that is. Also now have a 15" monitor to play my DVD's on. My Kenwood has an auxilory input so the movies go through my stereo, which is cool with my 10" under the back seat.
If you have a laptop I would recommend getting a USB GPS Recevier.
southrnplayr
aka Greg
Can show me some pics of your setup? Thinking of doing the same thing too.
__________________
2005 Tundra Access Cab 4.7L V8 4x4
Phantom Gray Pearl with Light Charcoal Interior
Bedliner, Railcaps, Towing package, JBL CD/FM with 6 Speakers, Captain's Chairs, Central Console, Privacy Glass,TRD Offroad Package, Foglamps, Colour Toned Overfenders
That "Point to Point GPS" soiunds like a cool program. Does it show things like MPH, heading, etc? Do you know who makes the program?
I will definitely check it out at my Costco, but you know how that goes, each store carries different stuff sometimes.
Thanks for the tip!
Can show me some pics of your setup? Thinking of doing the same thing too.
I will as soon as I get home from work. I work an offshore drilling rig and I am supposed to get off on the 4th of May. I will take and post them then.
southrnplayr
aka Greg
__________________ Work hard for 14. Play hard for 14. Just another offshore junkie.
2006 Phantom Gray Pearl SR5 2WD w/ 17" Rims
MODS: Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Full Front Clear Paint Protection, Custom 2 Tone Leather Gray Seats, LED Door Lights, XENON Interior Lights, XENON Headlights, Foglights, Cargo Lights, & Reverse Lights; Hard Wired Radar Detector, Eclipse CD Player, Focal PolyGlass 6 1/2" rear speakers, 6 1/2" Polk Momo Components in Front, Eclipse EA4000 amplifier on highs, 2 Diamond Audio DS3 8" 2ohm Dual Voice Coils in Custom Fiber Box under back seat hooked to a Eclipse XA1000 Class D amp at 1 ohm = 1000 watts (250 per voice coil), Debadged, LImo Tinted WIndows & Eye Brow, In-Channel Vent Shades, Dell Inspiron 6000 for DVD's and Magellan GPS
That "Point to Point GPS" soiunds like a cool program. Does it show things like MPH, heading, etc? Do you know who makes the program?
I will definitely check it out at my Costco, but you know how that goes, each store carries different stuff sometimes.
Thanks for the tip!
Ken
Ken,
I know that the Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005 has a GPS Panel that shows speed, a compass, creates a GPS Trail too. It cost me about $25 at Sams Club.
southrnplayr
__________________ Work hard for 14. Play hard for 14. Just another offshore junkie.
2006 Phantom Gray Pearl SR5 2WD w/ 17" Rims
MODS: Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Full Front Clear Paint Protection, Custom 2 Tone Leather Gray Seats, LED Door Lights, XENON Interior Lights, XENON Headlights, Foglights, Cargo Lights, & Reverse Lights; Hard Wired Radar Detector, Eclipse CD Player, Focal PolyGlass 6 1/2" rear speakers, 6 1/2" Polk Momo Components in Front, Eclipse EA4000 amplifier on highs, 2 Diamond Audio DS3 8" 2ohm Dual Voice Coils in Custom Fiber Box under back seat hooked to a Eclipse XA1000 Class D amp at 1 ohm = 1000 watts (250 per voice coil), Debadged, LImo Tinted WIndows & Eye Brow, In-Channel Vent Shades, Dell Inspiron 6000 for DVD's and Magellan GPS
I have a Garmin GPS 18 that plugs into my laptop. The Nroute software is set up for driving directions. All I have to do is throw the laptop in the passenger seat and "hilda" will tell me where to turn, how far the turn is, and what lane I should stay in. I am very impressed with this gps and software. I travel occasionally for my job and recently navigated through Los Angeles and if you have ever driven in LA you will know how confusing some of the exit ramps can be around the downtown area, especially for an out of town hic like myself
Cost for software and usb gps was about $118. Well worth it imho
I know that the Microsoft Streets and Trips 2005 has a GPS Panel that shows speed, a compass, creates a GPS Trail too. It cost me about $25 at Sams Club.
southrnplayr
Does the MS setup come with hardware and software or just software?
Does the MS setup come with hardware and software or just software?
Thanks!
Ken
I bought just the software, but on the box MS advertised a complete package w/ receiver included. I just saw my reciever on ebay for about 35 - 40 bucks. Plus the 25 bucks for prog, not a bad price for the package. I would suggest checking the MS site for the package or search the web for Streets and Trips 2005. Just my 2 cents.
southrnplayr
__________________ Work hard for 14. Play hard for 14. Just another offshore junkie.
2006 Phantom Gray Pearl SR5 2WD w/ 17" Rims
MODS: Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Full Front Clear Paint Protection, Custom 2 Tone Leather Gray Seats, LED Door Lights, XENON Interior Lights, XENON Headlights, Foglights, Cargo Lights, & Reverse Lights; Hard Wired Radar Detector, Eclipse CD Player, Focal PolyGlass 6 1/2" rear speakers, 6 1/2" Polk Momo Components in Front, Eclipse EA4000 amplifier on highs, 2 Diamond Audio DS3 8" 2ohm Dual Voice Coils in Custom Fiber Box under back seat hooked to a Eclipse XA1000 Class D amp at 1 ohm = 1000 watts (250 per voice coil), Debadged, LImo Tinted WIndows & Eye Brow, In-Channel Vent Shades, Dell Inspiron 6000 for DVD's and Magellan GPS
I bought just the software, but on the box MS advertised a complete package w/ receiver included. I just saw my reciever on ebay for about 35 - 40 bucks. Plus the 25 bucks for prog, not a bad price for the package. I would suggest checking the MS site for the package or search the web for Streets and Trips 2005. Just my 2 cents.
southrnplayr
Cool, thanks!
I checked for both programs at Costco today and couldn't find either one. I'll check the web site (and ebay).
Cheap GPS Navigation using Laptop
Had one for a while
It is great on my fishing trips too, getting to the dock that is. Also now have a 15" monitor to play my DVD's on. My Kenwood has an auxilory input so the movies go through my stereo, which is cool with my 10" under the back seat.
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