Navigation

One of the best accessories for new cars is a GPS navigation system. These systems depend on the U.S. Government's Global Positioning System, which consists of a set of satellites in precisely positioned orbits. At regular timed intervals, all the satellites send out signals. By comparing the times that these different signals are received from three or more satellites , GPS equipment can calculate their position to within just 20 feet. In many cases, it will even calculate your altitude. With a GPS navigation system in your car, you can always tell where you are and have a good idea of how to get where you want to go. You will never have to fuss with a paper map.

The disadvantage of such a system is its price. These devices ”if they are offered at all for the model of car you desire ”typically cost over $1,000.

Laptop owners are in luck here. They can purchase a simple attachment for their notebook that turns it into an automobile navigation device. Not only do they save hundreds of dollars, they end up with a device they can use in any car they want, or even take it on a boat or other mode of transportation if they desire.

GPS Receivers

To equip your notebook for GPS use, you need only two components : a GPS receiver and a set of electronic maps. Most laptop GPS receivers include a basic set of electronic maps, so to get started you really need only the receiver.

The laptop-style GPS receiver looks very much like a hockey puck. Most of its internal space is taken up by a GPS antenna. Because GPS satellite signals are so weak, the antenna should have a clear view of as much of the sky as possible. Some GPS receivers come with a suction cup that will enable you to attach the receiver to the inside your car's windshield .

GPS receivers can connect to a laptop by either a serial or a USB cable. The USB cable is faster and is increasingly the preferred choice.

One of the most popular GPS devices is the Navman e Series GPS receiver (see Figure 14.22). This product includes the Rand McNally StreetFinder Deluxe travel navigation software. The combination of the receiver and the mapping software enables you to plan trips, locate destinations, and find points of interest, such as hotels and restaurants . As with other GPS receivers, you can obtain information not only about your present location but also on how to get to your destination. This device is available from ConnectGlobally.com.

Figure 14.22. The Navman e Series GPS receiver.

Handheld GPS Receivers

The most cost-effective approach to GPS navigation is a dual-purpose solution. Instead of purchasing a GPS receiver intended solely for use with a laptop, you may instead be able to enlist a handheld GPS receiver that supports the NMEA 2.0 standard as a part-time laptop accessory .

These handheld receivers are intended mainly , of course, for use while hiking or boating . If, however, you connect one of these handhelds to a laptop with an optional PC cable and install a mapping program on the laptop, you have, in effect, an automobile navigation system. Software packages that have this capability include Microsoft's Streets & Trips 2002 and TravRoute's Door-to-Door 2000.