Using a Laptop GPS to Navigate
If you want to use a GPS system with a laptop then the best way to do this is with a passenger. When you are driving it is impossible and dangerous to use a laptop GPS but with someone sitting in the passenger seat to guide you this technology can help you find your way.
It is very useful to have a laptop GPS when you are unfamiliar with an area or are just plain bad with directions. A laptop can display a map that will also help you find your way. It is also relatively simple to set up such a system and can be quite affordable.
Often other options for GPS systems don't display the area as well as you would like. With a laptop there is a larger display of the area and the maps are more detailed. If you are making a road trip you can stop at interesting places that might not be on bigger maps. You can download different software to view maps and atlases of the area you are traveling to.
Simple and Cheap
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to enable a laptop GPS is to use a cable. This is handy if you are going to be driving. The GPS receiver is plugged into the laptop with a cable and the receiver is placed on the dashboard close to the windshield. This way it can pick up the signals and direct you. There are many cables out there that will do the job for you.
Using Bluetooth is another way to enable a laptop GPS. It is more expensive than the cable option but it has some advantages. Fix the Bluetooth receiver in your car and your Bluetooth enabled laptop will be able to send and receive data from the receiver. Some models may require you to fix an external antenna or internal antenna. This may seem cumbersome but on the upside you get great reception.
The third option for laptop GPS is to use a compact flash or PCMCIA card. In this case you will need to fix the GPS receiver directly to your laptop. You will also need an external antenna for the best reception. Most GPS receivers will give you good reception within a car without the external antenna but it is still a good idea to buy an antenna. Depending on your budget and your preference you can choose between these three options for your laptop GPS system.
