I'm wondering what the best set-up is to use a GPS with a laptop. Would prefer a standalone GPS that I can also hook up via USB or Firewire. Driving directions and topo maps. I really don't know anything about GPS yet, and figured you guys can point me in the right direction. Thanks!
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Best GPS to use with laptop?
- Thread starter Amator
- Start date
I don't have one but this is the kind of set up I'd go for; To save on messing with wires get a bluetooth GPS unit, like these:
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/menu_gpshardware3.php
If you don't have Bluetooth in your laptop, I'd recommend the Zoom Bluetooth PC card (which I do have
)
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/menu_gpshardware3.php
If you don't have Bluetooth in your laptop, I'd recommend the Zoom Bluetooth PC card (which I do have
)Those bluetooth units are great if you're only going to use them in combination with a PDA or laptop. They aren't stand-alone GPSes that you can take backpacking or hunting.
Most stand-alone GPSes connect to computers via the seriel port, not USB. I don't know of any stand-alone units with wireless capabilities. Some of the very low-end GPS units do not have computer connection capabilities at all.
So you want a GPS primarily for driving? You should look into the StreetPilot series by Garmin.
A lightweight unit for backpacking and hiking? The Garmin eTrex line has several units to choose from depending on the features you want.
A general hiking/mapping/playing with unit? I love the GPSMAP76S, but there are some new models too that I'm not familiar with. I also like the Magellan Meridian Platinum.
A unit for using exclusively with a laptop (keep in mind you can get a ticket for using a laptop while driving)? Then the mini-receivers with no display are the most economical choices. Garmin, DeLorme, and several other companies make them.
The best places to start your search are the Garmin and Magellan websites. You can even download the manuals for various units before making a purchase. After you browse a while and read about the various features available, then you'll have real questions...
Happy shopping,
-Bob
Most stand-alone GPSes connect to computers via the seriel port, not USB. I don't know of any stand-alone units with wireless capabilities. Some of the very low-end GPS units do not have computer connection capabilities at all.
So you want a GPS primarily for driving? You should look into the StreetPilot series by Garmin.
A lightweight unit for backpacking and hiking? The Garmin eTrex line has several units to choose from depending on the features you want.
A general hiking/mapping/playing with unit? I love the GPSMAP76S, but there are some new models too that I'm not familiar with. I also like the Magellan Meridian Platinum.
A unit for using exclusively with a laptop (keep in mind you can get a ticket for using a laptop while driving)? Then the mini-receivers with no display are the most economical choices. Garmin, DeLorme, and several other companies make them.
The best places to start your search are the Garmin and Magellan websites. You can even download the manuals for various units before making a purchase. After you browse a while and read about the various features available, then you'll have real questions...
Happy shopping,
-Bob
I should have been more clear. Thanks, Bob, for some of the basic info.
What I want is a standalone GPS unit for outdoors use that I can occasionally(1-3 times a year) hook up to my laptop to synch for Mapping software. I'm not planning on keeping my laptop running while driving, but if I make a wrong turn, I can pull over and get back on track easily.
I'm interesting in geocaching, and since I have this shiny new laptop, I thought I should keep in mind something I can use with mapping software. Unfortunately, my laptop does not have any legacy I/O ports, so I have 6 USB 2.0 ports, PCMCIA, SD, and Firewire to deal with.
I will take some time and explore the Garmin and Magellan sites. Thanks again for the advice.
What I want is a standalone GPS unit for outdoors use that I can occasionally(1-3 times a year) hook up to my laptop to synch for Mapping software. I'm not planning on keeping my laptop running while driving, but if I make a wrong turn, I can pull over and get back on track easily.
I'm interesting in geocaching, and since I have this shiny new laptop, I thought I should keep in mind something I can use with mapping software. Unfortunately, my laptop does not have any legacy I/O ports, so I have 6 USB 2.0 ports, PCMCIA, SD, and Firewire to deal with.
I will take some time and explore the Garmin and Magellan sites. Thanks again for the advice.
You're very welcome. Hopefully there are some new units with USB connectors; last time I checked, everything was through a serial port.
Otherwise, I highly recommend the GPSMAP76S, the unit I use. If I were buying today I'd go for the GPAMAP76SC (yeah, the color screen is a bunch extra and probably not worth the extra cost, but it would be a business expense).
A simple lightweight unit primarily for backpacking, can't beat the Garmin eTrex Legend.
For under $100, the yellow eTrex Basic is perfectly capable of everything you have in mind.
Wonder if there's a PCMCIA card with a serial port replicator?
One other tidbit, many of the GPS units have a port for an external antenna. In my vehicles I get excellent reception through the moonroof or front window. Some new cars have a metallic windshield coating and you won't get a signal through it. Best bet, a magnetic external antenna on the roof. Also great for mapping hiking trails - toss the GPS in the pack, have the antenna stuck on the pack exterior, and hike away!
Any really tough GPS questions, try asking over at the Geocaching forum. Those people know more about consumer GPS units than anyone on the planet.
Best Wishes,
Bob
Otherwise, I highly recommend the GPSMAP76S, the unit I use. If I were buying today I'd go for the GPAMAP76SC (yeah, the color screen is a bunch extra and probably not worth the extra cost, but it would be a business expense).
A simple lightweight unit primarily for backpacking, can't beat the Garmin eTrex Legend.
For under $100, the yellow eTrex Basic is perfectly capable of everything you have in mind.
Wonder if there's a PCMCIA card with a serial port replicator?
One other tidbit, many of the GPS units have a port for an external antenna. In my vehicles I get excellent reception through the moonroof or front window. Some new cars have a metallic windshield coating and you won't get a signal through it. Best bet, a magnetic external antenna on the roof. Also great for mapping hiking trails - toss the GPS in the pack, have the antenna stuck on the pack exterior, and hike away!
Any really tough GPS questions, try asking over at the Geocaching forum. Those people know more about consumer GPS units than anyone on the planet.
Best Wishes,
Bob
i have a garmin 60c on order from amazon...$330 after rebate. its a standalone gps, but i also plan on using it w/my laptop in the car. it has a usb connector with cable for the laptop. i purchased MS streets and trips 2005 for the PC...$30. i also bought garmins metro guide north america from amazon for $57 to put on the standalone.
if you just want an in car sysrtem thats good but inexpensive....get MS streets and trips 2005 with GPS receiver. MS sells it as a package including the GPS and it goes for $99 on Amazon. this will not work as a standalone device however.
Bill
if you just want an in car sysrtem thats good but inexpensive....get MS streets and trips 2005 with GPS receiver. MS sells it as a package including the GPS and it goes for $99 on Amazon. this will not work as a standalone device however.
Bill
Just checked the Garmin website. It seem all of the color units have USB connectors. Too bad the color units are so much more expensive...
An excellent resourse at the Garmin website, checkmark every model you're interested in and see a side-by-side comparison of features and specs.
Happy Shopping,
Bob
p.s. www.gpsnow.com has the 60C for $357. That's $307 after the rebate. They're good folks to order from. Not always the cheapest, but often so, or very close. They only sell Garmin though...
For accessories I shop at www.gpsgeek.com . You'll save a fortune by purchasing the Gilsson instead of Garmin brand.
An excellent resourse at the Garmin website, checkmark every model you're interested in and see a side-by-side comparison of features and specs.
Happy Shopping,
Bob
p.s. www.gpsnow.com has the 60C for $357. That's $307 after the rebate. They're good folks to order from. Not always the cheapest, but often so, or very close. They only sell Garmin though...
For accessories I shop at www.gpsgeek.com . You'll save a fortune by purchasing the Gilsson instead of Garmin brand.