Laptop as a GPS?

g35x · Jul 15, 2008, 06:14 AM

Well, I got my License a week ago, and I'm fine on the whole driving thing, the problem is I can't follow directions at all.

Looking at the prices of GPS systems, I have concluded that I would rather buy a laptop that can be used for other things as well.
I have been thinking of buying:
ASUS Eee PC 2G Surf - Galaxy Black Intel processor 7" Wide VGA 512MB Memory 2GB SSD HDD Integrated Graphics Eee PC - Retail
since it is just about the cheapest laptops get, and I've already researched how to get windows XP onto the 2g model.

so, with that part of my plan done, I just have to find what type of USB GPS device to buy, and what type of software to use. This is the part that has me totally baffled.
I have stumbled across this:
Garmin Mobile PC USB with GPS 20x, North America Map - Retail
but sadly it does not specify what operating system the software is for, or much else for that matter. if I didn't know better, from the description I would say it sounds like it comes with the computer too

Garmin GPS 18 USB USB GPS Sensor Deluxe Package - Retail
this one has enough reviews that I know what it is, but its kind of expensive.

opinions, anyone?
I'd like to spend less than $90, but depending on how good the product is I suppose I could fork over $105 for the garmin.
does anyone have any alternative suggestions?
if there is a cheaper way of doing things that would be great, I know there must be an open-source solution out there somwhere. I am currently googling for info but figured I'd post here to ask advice

ET3D · Jul 15, 2008, 07:15 AM

I have a friend who installed XP on a 4GB Eee, and though he managed it, it's quite a bit of work (mainly because it's tricky to get completely correct).

Personally, I think that a handheld or car GPS is a much more comfortable form factor than a subnotebook. I have a Fujitsu P1510D and a USB GPS, but never found the combination is something I really want to use.

Tril · Jul 15, 2008, 08:31 AM

All I know is that you want something that talks. You don't want to be looking at a screen while driving.

g35x · Jul 15, 2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ET3D

I have a friend who installed XP on a 4GB Eee, and though he managed it, it's quite a bit of work (mainly because it's tricky to get completely correct).

Personally, I think that a handheld or car GPS is a much more comfortable form factor than a subnotebook. I have a Fujitsu P1510D and a USB GPS, but never found the combination is something I really want to use.

I'm sure I can figure it out.
I have plenty of free time, doing stuff like that is my hobby lol.

I did look into car GPS systems, but I would rather pay $300 for an eee + however much for a usb GPS reciever than pay $!50 for just a GPS system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tril

All I know is that you want something that talks. You don't want to be looking at a screen while driving.

yes, that is a must obviously.
from what I've read, most if not all of this software has some sort of verbal alert. though the quality differs.

ET3D · Jul 15, 2008, 08:34 PM

I could find several sub-$100 car GPS units, both at Newegg and searching PriceGrabber. So an Eee plus a car GPS would cost you about as much as an Eee with a USB GPS, and IMO will be more usable.

ET3D · Jul 16, 2008, 06:11 AM

BTW, I completely understand the desire to go the PC way. It's more interesting, because there's more problem solving involved. Which is also the main drawback. A device specifically designed to do the job will be more comfortable.

Jul 15, 2008, 06:14 AM	#1
g35x Hellhound Pilot Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Deptford, New Jersey Posts: 1,100 Rep Power: 43 System Specs	Laptop as a GPS? Well, I got my License a week ago, and I'm fine on the whole driving thing, the problem is I can't follow directions at all. Looking at the prices of GPS systems, I have concluded that I would rather buy a laptop that can be used for other things as well. I have been thinking of buying: ASUS Eee PC 2G Surf - Galaxy Black Intel processor 7" Wide VGA 512MB Memory 2GB SSD HDD Integrated Graphics Eee PC - Retail since it is just about the cheapest laptops get, and I've already researched how to get windows XP onto the 2g model. so, with that part of my plan done, I just have to find what type of USB GPS device to buy, and what type of software to use. This is the part that has me totally baffled. I have stumbled across this: Garmin Mobile PC USB with GPS 20x, North America Map - Retail but sadly it does not specify what operating system the software is for, or much else for that matter. if I didn't know better, from the description I would say it sounds like it comes with the computer too Garmin GPS 18 USB USB GPS Sensor Deluxe Package - Retail this one has enough reviews that I know what it is, but its kind of expensive. opinions, anyone? I'd like to spend less than $90, but depending on how good the product is I suppose I could fork over $105 for the garmin. does anyone have any alternative suggestions? if there is a cheaper way of doing things that would be great, I know there must be an open-source solution out there somwhere. I am currently googling for info but figured I'd post here to ask advice __________________ Last edited by g35x; Jul 15, 2008 at 06:24 AM.

Jul 15, 2008, 07:15 AM	#2
ET3D Hopeless Dreamer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dreamland, near the pool of infinite graphics cards Posts: 3,055 Rep Power: 103 System Specs	I have a friend who installed XP on a 4GB Eee, and though he managed it, it's quite a bit of work (mainly because it's tricky to get completely correct). Personally, I think that a handheld or car GPS is a much more comfortable form factor than a subnotebook. I have a Fujitsu P1510D and a USB GPS, but never found the combination is something I really want to use.

Jul 15, 2008, 08:31 AM	#3
Tril S-3D enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,675 Rep Power: 62 System Specs	All I know is that you want something that talks. You don't want to be looking at a screen while driving.

Jul 15, 2008, 08:34 PM	#5
ET3D Hopeless Dreamer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dreamland, near the pool of infinite graphics cards Posts: 3,055 Rep Power: 103 System Specs	I could find several sub-$100 car GPS units, both at Newegg and searching PriceGrabber. So an Eee plus a car GPS would cost you about as much as an Eee with a USB GPS, and IMO will be more usable.

Jul 16, 2008, 06:11 AM	#6
ET3D Hopeless Dreamer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dreamland, near the pool of infinite graphics cards Posts: 3,055 Rep Power: 103 System Specs	BTW, I completely understand the desire to go the PC way. It's more interesting, because there's more problem solving involved. Which is also the main drawback. A device specifically designed to do the job will be more comfortable.