I am wanting to add a GPS program to my laptop so that I can use it in my HHR. I don't do enough traveling to justify spending $300+ for a standalone GPS unit, so I'm looking for something inexpensive.

I have an HP ze4325us laptop that runs Windows XP. What would you folks recommend I buy to accomplish this task? From what I am gathering, I will need a car adaptor, USB GPS device and a maps program. Does anyone know if there is a package that will provide all of this, or do I need to purchase the components separately?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Edit: Is this eBay item a good deal...and would it do what I need? Only problem...it's in Hungary.

 

You can get one of these:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1124432966194

If you have a costco around your area they should have it as well. I saw one at my local costco selling for $100.

You can pick up a 200watt adapter (1 output) or 400 watt adapter (2 outputs) from target. I think the 200watt is for $30 and the 400watt for $50.

 

Deb, I don't know GPS from PMS. I DO know that if you want reliable real software, go to a reputable store and purchase it. I don't know about this particular vendor on Ebay, but to generalize, there is a lot of pirated software, music, vidoe games on the internet...most of it is poorly copied stuff that doesn't work correctly.

 

<<< Has the regular navigation system setup on mine...

 

PM Kiddo, he's a whiz at that stuff.

 

HHR PNOY...ran across that program and sounds like a really way to accomplish what I want to do. This power adaptor you speak of plugs into cigarette lighter and laptop power cord plugs into that...right?

Firewatchter - I know the difference between the 2, but that's about it. Thought about the software I saw and you're right...need to get something reliable like Microsoft Streets & Trips like PNOY linked above. Thanks for your insight.

hvrod - I'm presuming you have a regular GPS w/o using laptop.

SindyDix - PM sent to kiddo...will await his reply before making definite decisions. Not in a huge hurry...seeking info before taking the plunge.

Thanks everyone...I look forward to any ideas you might feel will accomplish what I want.

 

deb,

Here's a pic I got from target.com.



This should be able to support your laptop. Pretty inexpensive as well ($40).

 

I use the Microsoft Streets n Trips a lot, with the GPS locator attached, works great, if your gonna get a power inverter, make sure you get one with enough wattage, I use a 400 watt one, more than enough to power my laptop and printer while on the road. (i'm a construction inspector, so print reports while out in the field). Check Fry's Electronics or any of the usual places, Costco has a nice inverter i'd love to get when time to replace the one I have.

 

From another traveler. Go with the Street and Trips w/gps locater. I use it real regular on the road as you know and carry a small inverter to power the laptop. 160 watt is minimum to use, I suggest at least a 300 watt.

 

Howdy, I have tried the leading software titles, Deloreme Street Atlas 2006, and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006.

Delorme Street Atlas 2006 w/ USB GPS $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832148004

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 w/ USB GPS $111.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832102349

You will have your quirks with software like this, I have scene it in both. A turn will come up, and it might not tell you till you are on top of it, its just because of the way maps are. It might tell you to bear right, and then you are turning. But by the time you get that info, you already passed it. You will see that in any mapping software you get. Now, I have worked with the Delorme a lot, and I like it. Its Stable, on my Pentium II laptop. You have to go through tabs to set stuff up, but once you do that, its autopilot. If you are going on a long trip, and want to find stuff while driving, I do recomend showing someone in the car how to use the software. Both software titles will replot your route if you make a wrong turn. I like the Microsoft interface better, because it is easier to make quick changes, like "Rotate map" and the direction you are going will stay up. The Map zooming works a little better with the microsoft, Searching for stuff closeby is better also. The only problem I saw with the Microsoft, was, it was a little to demanding of my Pentium II, kinda froze a few times, unlike Delorme. But, if you have a newer latop, no problem.

Get an inverter, I have a small one like this, http://shop2.outpost.com/product/379...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Just enough to power my laptop, and thats all I need. My firm recomendation, Get the Microsoft one. Its interfave is nice, you can customize what you want to see on the screen very easily, Map Zooming is a little better, but is demanding on your computer. Again, if its a newer laptop, no problem. I have not tested the voice interface of the microsoft though.

I did use the voice, speech reconision with Delorme, and it worked really well, once I learned what to say. I'm sure Microsoft will allow the same kind of interaction. Just get an apaptor that will take your cell phone earpiece, and split it to speaker and microphone, and jack that into your laptop, then use your existing cell phone headset, to talk to your computer, if you choose to do so.

Ed