Hi there,

I just purchased a Dell Laptop Inspiron 8600. I am looking to purchase
the proper hardware and software that will direct me visually and
auditorially from door to door. That is, I want the software to
announce my next turn automatically as I approach it.

My questions are:

Do I need to purchase a monthly plan through a GPS navigation company
that will provide me with the locationing service? If so, what are my
options? I live on the east coast of the US. I'd like the top 3 to 5
companies.

What hardware do I need to use with the locationing service? or is
there hardware I can buy and not need a monthly service? I need
hardware that will be compatable with my laptop (Dell Inspiron 8600):
  IEEE 1394 integrated port (1394 cable and software sold separately)
  2-USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) compliant 4-pin connectors
  Connectors: (1) Type I or Type II card, 3.3 and 5 V cards supported

What software do I need to buy that will, of course, be compatable
with the software and/or service? that will provide an on screen,
continually updating map of where I am? that will provide auditory
directions automatically as I approch a turn? that will recalculate
directions automatically if I miss a turn? has other good features I'm
not thinking of?

Basically I need a couple of suggestions for complete solutions for
GPS with my laptop. I'll have my laptop in my car while I drive, and
will be using it to go from house to house as I have a new job as a
salesman. Probably use it on vacations too.

Thanks.

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Clarification of Question by jgortner-ga on 24 Oct 2004 21:44 PDT

Oh, I have heard many good things about Microsofts map software, so if
there are options involving this software as well, please include
those.

I have the GPS package (hardware and software) put out by DeLorme. 
The software is DeLormes Street Atlas 2004 USA and the hardware is a
small yellow device which sits on the dashboard and plugs into the USB
port of the laptop.  The map can be displayed as live, showing you
where you are at any time - and the software can be set up to verbally
give you commands.

The total package can be had for about $100 (software AND hardware)
and will hook up to your own laptop.

The device gets its power from your laptop - through the USB
connection - so no batteries are needed for the GPS unit.

Hope this helps.

jgortner-ga:

There are a few products to consider.  Here's a short list.

1. Garmin 18 (USB interface) at http://www.garmin.com/products/gps18/  

2. DeLorme (USB) http://www.delorme.com/earthmate/configlaptop_info.asp 

3. TripNav (USB) http://rayming.com/product.aspx?catalogid=20  with
iGuidance software http://rayming.com/product.aspx?catalogid=19

4. Magellen http://www.magellangps.com/  Meredian color GPS traveller
(I haven't verified if it has a USB interface cable).

All of them have the basic features you want [voice guidance (voice
quality will depend on the quality of the speakers),
auto-reroute/back-on-route] and are full packages, including hardware,
software and Map database.  Manufacturers usually publish updated maps
regularly, but read and understand their policy/prices if map updates
are important to you.  The maps move and update typically once a
second in normal operation.

There is no need to subscribe to anything.  The GPS satellites have
been paid for by the US taxpayers and the civilian signal is free
worldwide.  The receivers are a commodity hardware you just buy once. 
Maps and software are a one time buy also, but you may want to get
updated maps every couple of years or so (at additional cost).

There are other solutions, as most GPS receivers output the position
and most of the latest Maps are GPS compatible (but you may have to
find the "glue" software if you want a do-it-yourself solution - it is
not hard to do with enough research).

I assume you have looked a integrated devices (like Garmin 2610/2620,
Magellen Roadmate series, ...).

--
I am not an official GA researcher. (And this is a free comment.)