Laptop GPS Making It More Function able Than Ever before.

Laptop GPS receivers turn your mobile computer into a fully functional GPS system that can help you in more ways than you have ever imagined. Most people do not realize that your laptop can be used this way and if they would than it would become an even more valuable item that you owned. The one big advantage of using a laptop is you can provide much more data and uses because the laptop has much more memory and applications than a handheld GPS does.

Laptop GPS receivers are attached to modern laptops through USB or serial connections as with many other peripheral devices are. By using the computer you get the best of both worlds and it truly makes your GPS system totally portable. The way the system works is the windscreen is mounted in a place where it will be able to pick up the satellite feed so it can input the data into the laptop for you to access. Many times since a computer is much faster, it will give you almost instant traffic reports and directions without worrying about having to wait. Since you should have much more memory you can store unlimited amounts of information on trips, vehicle performance or future trips you plan on your laptop. This is one of the biggest advantages of using this type of system.

Some other benefits that you will love with the laptop receiver unit are with a much bigger screen you will be able to see much more. Many users are more comfortable with their PC than a GPS system so it usually works out better for them anyways. PC mapping software is another thing that you will be able to use as many programs are being designed as we speak to make this an even better GPS system than it already is. Businesses like it as they can download fleet software and mange there completely business from one computer if they want saving them time and money. For the longest time this was no possible, as you had to download all the information, but with this method it can be more centralized and quickly updated at a moment’s notice. This is why the laptop GPS systems have a very bright future for business applications.

There are many different laptop GPS navigation systems out there right now let us look at some of the better ones that you may want to invest in. The Garmin GPS 18 software package is one of the better ones around and included large map display and easy to read directions. Turn by turn route assistance to make sure you do not get lost. Multiple trip computers to track speed distance and time to make sure you know exactly what is going on. Easy importing of data means you will have the most accurate information readily available all the time. It will also remind you if you happen to miss a turn and can recalculate so you can stay on course.

The Garmin GPS 18 receiver and software bundle is another one that you will want to check into. It has many things the above one has, plus the opportunity to transfer it from vehicle to vehicle, which makes it great for a fleet manager or anyone else who runs a business and needs this type of software.

Laptop GPS receivers looks to be the wave of the future for a number of different reasons. Most people these days have laptop computers and are very well versed in the use of one. Being able to add GPS systems to it means it just becomes an even more valuable instrument to them. People are always on the lookout on ways to do things more efficient and save themselves a few dollars. Most of the time they will embrace something like this as they do not have to do a lot to set it up which means less down time with them. Most people bring their laptop to work with them anyway so this is just one more advantage to having a laptop.

These systems are truly useful and anything that makes life easier will always have a place in our lives it seems. Laptop GPS navigation systems are no different, as people love the opportunity to find shorter routes and quicker ways to get things done. Anything that will save time and money is something consumers love. Toss in the ability to use the laptop computer in the process and you have a real winner that people will use year after year.

Travel seems to be getting tougher every year. With soaring gas prices and demand on our time at an all-time high, we need an advantage as a traveler. Along has come the Whistler WGPX-550 GPS Navigator to help us get to our destination quicker and with less costs than if we try to figure it our ourselves. Read further and you will discover what I learned about this GPS unit from Whistler.

The Whistler WGPX-550 GPS navigator is a small unit that measures 11.0 x 8.0 x 8.0 and is very lightweight which means this model is very portable to say the least. It also comes with a large 3.5-inch LCD touch screen that is bright with vivid colors that make your mapping planning really stand out.  One of my favorites things about this model are it is ready to go right out of the box. No downloading any information all you do is take it out of the box, hook it up, and turn the power on. It really cannot get much easier than that. Once turn on it only takes, a few minutes to get a good fix on the satellites, which are something I really, like. Touch screens has taken over the industry for various reasons so let us look at those reasons for that. First people love touching screens for some reason and the second it is much easier to get the information, you need with a touch screen display.

The WGPX-550′s mapping software comes with preloaded detailed maps of the United States including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Downloaded also are millions points of interest such as restaurants, hospitals, gas stations, hotels, post offices. In fact, almost anything you will ever need can be found in the points of interest on this model. For added convenience, the WGPX-550 is powered by an internal lithium-ion battery and an external 12-vot battery as well. You also will have a flip-up antenna, external earphone jack as part of your package.

Now let us see some of the features that make this GPS navigation unit really stand out. Another option that has become standard on most models is turn-by-turn directions and visual prompts. This is much easier for the driver and it tends to keep them more focused on the road and fewer accidents will occur. Automatic route re-calculation is another area this model really excels. This feature will let you redo a route and it will figure in traffic delays and other problems to give you the quickest route possible for your commute home or for that special trip that you may happen to be on. Now it does not stop there though as the WGPX-550 can also entertain you as well. It boasts a picture viewer and a MP3 player you can access through a digital multi-media card slot. These features allow you to play your favorite songs or view your travel photos on the color screen. This is a nice added touch and comes with this GPS unit.

Performance wide the Whistler WGPX-550 GPS navigator is a top performer. You will get a unit that will give you great mapping software so you will always have the best route available. This is very important considering the high price of gas these days. A vast point of interest database makes sure you have no problem finding anything you may need from a restaurant to a gas station or hospital. Anytime you get tired of the type of music your radio is playing, you have an optional MP3 player on this unit that will play some of your favorite tunes.

This popular GPS unit is a tough one to beat. A very affordable price and many options make it something that you should consider. Most of the time people grab a big name GPS unit, but some of these companies who recently got into the market have some wonderful products as well. This is one of those and that will continue for years. You will get a quality product from Whistler at a fair price. This GPS unit is a solid performer and if you are just starting out this one is a good starting point. The Whistler WGPX-550 has proven over time to be a performer that will save you money on gas, because you will get the quickest route home. No more worrying about which way is faster let the WGPX-550 do all the work for you. All you have to do is drive and enjoy the scenery. Grab your whistler GPS navigator today and start to enjoy life even more.

GPS software
There are many GPS units you can buy. You can buy handheld devices to help you navigate your way, watches to chart your course and time it, too, auto GPS to keep you from getting lost to name a few.

All of these units come with some exceptional functions.  Yet, many of us love the idea of upgrading.  We can do this by adding additional software programs to our devices.  These software programs will make our units even more invaluable and easier to use.

Here are some software choices you may want to consider:

Google Earth

This allows its user to view map and satellite images. 

Type in an address and you can zoom right onto it.  You can also search for areas schools, restaurants, parks, etc.

You can save your favorite searches.

This is a free tool offered by Google.

3D ROUTE BUILDER FOR GOOGLE EARTH

With this software program you are able to build and edit GPS routes in Google Earth.

Real time Playback.

EXPERT GPS

This is a mapping software program that will work with Windows XP and Vista.  It allows its user to view GPS waypoints and tracklogs from almost any brand handheld tracking device (such as Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance and Eagle to name a few brands).  It also allows its users to course a map or track and then send it to its receiver once it is satisfied with the completed results.  Works with both Topo maps and aerial maps.

EASY GPS

This is another free software program that will allow its user to transfer data such as your routes and tracks from almost any GPS device to a computer.  It is a fast and easy to use program tool.  

The tool will list the waypoints on the left side of the screen.  Then it will show a plot of the data collected from the GPS device on the right side of the screen.

Its user can back up data, organize data, print maps and load new waypoints easily and quick.

MAPQUEST NAVIGATOR 5.0

This is a special subscribed software program.  It gives its user the ability to enjoy voice guided directions and other wonderful features such as:

Easy to use menus

3D moving maps

Clear voice that can give turn by turn directions

Real time traffic alerts (great when driving in congested areas)

Special no glare night lighting

A special area to save favorite or used often directions called My Place Foloder

Plus, area gas prices

16 million points of interest

Monthly subscription usually runs a little over $4.00 a month.  May not be operational in all areas.

TRAIL RUNNER SOFTWARE

This software program is great for all types of sports enthusiasts such as:  bikers, runners, skiers, even inline skaters.

You can time your workout routes from start to finish.

You can check your pace.

You can load and design maps of your course.

You can monitor your heart rate.

You have the internet capability to add any background and elevation data you may need.

If you are using a Garmin device it can work along side the Garmin training center to help you plan your workouts.

PROLOOPER

This is a golf game analyzer software.  It uses a yardage device to gauge every shot a golfer makes.  Then it can analyze the shot to tell you exactly where it lands, accuracy of the shot, pattern of the shot, score, distance each club makes as well as sand saving percentages and scrambling percentages.

This software only works with devices that are compatible with handheld GPS yardage devices. User must also have an account with prolooper.com and a computer that is enabled with Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater.

STARCADDY

This is a golfing software program that can be downloaded onto your PDA device. 

It can display a digital map of your golf course.
Give you the exact distance to the green, sand trap or any where else on the course.
Analyze key elements that can help you to choose which club to use each time for each stroke.
Help you to  improve your game.
Easy to pinpoint or zoom in on your position with an easy to read X.
Keeps score for you.

Some software programs are all ready loaded onto your GPS devices when you buy them.  Some you need to purchase.  Other programs can be found for free online.

You don’t necessarily need additional software programs to make your GPS device run better. You may be satisfied with its current capabilities.  But if you are the type of person who likes the best in everything, then you may want to consider adding more software programs to your devices today.