Laptop GPS Programs
Do you travel frequently and take your laptop everywhere you go? A GPS for your laptop may be just what you're looking for.
GPS capabilities are easily added to laptops. You’ll need a GPS receiver. These are small units that attach to your dashboard or windshield. They connect with your laptop by USB or Bluetooth wireless. Many GPS software packages come bundled with receivers. These feature-rich bundles often run less than $200.
Listed below are a few of the popular laptop GPS packages and some of their features:
Earthmate GPS & Street Atlas USA 2008 ($70)
This very affordable package is created by DeLorme. It operates on Windows XP and Vista machines. It will also run on Intel-based Macs. The Mac must be running Boot Camp with Windows XP. The package includes a GPS receiver.
Street Atlas USA 2008 has complete street-level U.S. and Canadian maps. It also has four million U.S. points of interest. Your first step is to use these maps to plot your route.
You will be able to see your estimated fuel consumption rate up front. Enter your vehicle’s gas mileage to calculate convenient fuel stops. You can also print route maps. These include detailed mileage calculations for your records.
You can set your own keyboard shortcuts for faster, safer operation on the road. Or better yet, just call out instructions. Connect a microphone to your laptop to use voice commands. Ask “How far to my next turn?” and the software will respond. The software will speak driving directions so you can keep your eyes on the road. It includes text-to-speech ability so it’ll even call out street names.
Are a few of your clients located on seldom-traveled roads? They may not be included in some GPS applications. With this software you'll be able to draw your own roads onto the map. And then you can plan routes on them.
Streets and Trips 2008 ($100)
Streets and Trips is Microsoft’s GPS mapping software. It comes bundled with a GPS receiver with a USB connection and runs on Windows XP or Vista. You’ll get detailed maps of the United States and Canada. Plan all of your stops before you go. Build a Personal Driving Profile. You’ll set your preferred types of roads, rest stops and other factors. Then print out maps with estimated mileage calculations.
If you want to be precise in your mileage calculations, use GPS Trail. This feature will retrace your exact trip. If you detoured from the route, you’ll still have the exact mileage. Streets and Trips 2008 gives you voice-prompted directions. This includes a progressive volume feature. The faster you drive, the louder the voice directions. So it will easily overcome increased road noise.
The software has several map views. A 3D map view makes directions easier to read but the night view may be most useful. It changes the map to a green and black color scheme. This makes it easier to read at night and it will help preserve your night vision for safety.
CoPilot Live Laptop 10 ($200)
CoPilot Live Laptop 10 comes with a Philips USB GPS receiver. Or, for $50 more, you’ll get a faster Global USB GPS receiver. The maps include both the United States and Canada. You’ll also get more than six million points of interest. You can save or print off route plans with detailed mileage estimates. You’ll get verbal directions, as well as voice command capabilities. CoPilot Live Laptop also includes a night mode to reduce eyestrain. The auto-zoom feature helps with hands-free operation. It will progressively zoom in as you overture a turn or destination. It will zoom out on long empty stretches of road.
The software includes some features you won’t see in other bundles. For example, it has detailed navigation options which are very helpful. It will warn you of left exits off of highways and it warns you early enough to change lanes safely. It will also tell you which side of the street your destination is on. These options can make finding your clients a breeze.
A feature you’re sure to find valuable is "Route Optimization". First, insert all of your planned stops. The program will reorder them for the most efficient trip. You’ll save time and money by using it. Let the GPS work for you when you’re not working. If you’re in the mood for sightseeing, CoPilot can help. It can guide you to more than 500 scenic byways across the United States. You can also move your laptop to your RV on the weekends. This GPS has RV-specific options. It will avoid narrow or weight-restricted roads and bridges and it will steer clear of low overpasses to avoid complications. You can even be routed around tunnels that restrict vehicles transporting propane.
These are great devices but take note of a few safety precautions: Using a GPS receiver with a laptop in a vehicle can be very distracting. Use good judgement and don't attempt to make changes or look at the laptop while driving. Act responsibly when operating and abide by all traffic regulations. Read or make selections only when stopped. Prior to actually using it, read the owner’s manual and learn how to operate it properly. Become thoroughly acquainted with the gps receiver and do not permit others to use it until they have read and understand the instructions.
So if you didn't buy a vehicle that came with a GPS system already installed, think about using your laptop as your GPS device, instead. With any of the programs listed above, you can add a low-cost GPS system to your car, the taxi cab, or a rental car. When you consider the flexibility of taking your GPS-enabled laptop into any vehicle you might be using at the time, it is probably a superior solution to getting a navigation that costs a lot more installed just your primary vehicle.
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