Print Article for : Use Laptop As Gps

Your Online Guide » Guide to Technology » IT Information Technology

[U112]Use Laptop As Gps

by Richard Neesal, Ric

If your laptop has a good battery and an embedded wi-fi program, you may prefer investing the money into this software, which is very easy to use. With this software you can locate POIs (points or place of interest), or upload new ones for future reference. You can upload maps for regions where you will be traveling.

Of course, not everybody relishes the idea of having to keep a laptop computer up on the dashboard of their car like some police officer. They might instead use the option of finding and then printing out maps or POI, options which this ubiquitous GPS software comes with. On the other hand, for those who need to do a lot of driving in unfamiliar areas such as those who are salesmen, having the laptop GPS software might be even better than a dash-mounted unit; for the screen is much larger and it might be easier to glance over at it than to try constantly glancing down at a small-screen unit even if that unit is in front of them.

In either case, there may be times when it's necessary to pull over for a moment to read the screen. Nevertheless, it's still more convenient than carrying around a glovebox full of maps that aren't pinpointed as accurately as one of the printed out GPS maps.

Laptop-ready GPS software can be found in most major electronics and computer software stores. You can also easily find this software on the Internet. One of the top GPS software programs is that made by DeLorme in its new Earthmate GPS LT-40, which plugs into laptop via USB cable.

The leading features of this GPS software includes a high-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS receiver as well as the new Street Atlas USA 2009 software. DeLorme with this also provide a new, advanced interface, the features of which include a "cockpit view" of airplane-inspired navigation cues as well as a wide 3D perspective of the roads you are travelling.

Garmin, a leader in GPS technology, also makes superior laptop GPS software. With its Mobile 10 software, you don't need the USB cable; this is a high-sensitivity GPS receiver which connects to your laptop via wireless Bluetooth technology. This also comes with Garmin's Mobile XT, nRoute navigation software, and detailed City Navigator street maps.

Microsoft also makes excellent GPS software called Streets & Trips 2008, which comes with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver which plugs directly into your laptop's USB port without the need for any cable.

This software also comes with automatic re-routing, a perspective map that simulates what you see ahead of you on the road, day-night backlight modes, voice prompted directions, auto-zoom to that provides a more accurate view of your next turn, and a large database of POI.

So for those who are already enamored of their laptops and who don't want to lay out the cash for a GPS unit, the laptop software is the way to go.

Today with our advancing technology, navigation and positioning has never been this easy. If you feel lost then GPS technology can shine some light on your location. With the use of satellites and ground stations the ability to track aircrafts, cars, cell phones, boats, and even individuals has become a reality.

GPS technology comes in many forms for various needs and industries. With miniaturized GPS units and fewer integrated circuits this makes GPS technology economical and accessible almost to everyone. GPS technology is a navigational system that has changed the way we work and play .

A Global Positioning System or GPS is a satellite navigation system that works by continually transmitting high-frequency radio signals containing the time and location of the satellite in relation to earth. This information is obtained by a GPS receiver on the planets surface from three of more satellites and the GPS receiver has calculated the user's position on the planet.

The receiver pinpoints, between 3 and 15 meters, where the device and thus the user is located. With multiple measurements, the receiver can also calculate speed, trip time, distance to destination, altitude, sunrise and sunset, and more. On average, eight satellites are always within sight of wherever you are on Earth. The more satellites your GPS receiver can contact, the more accurate your readings will be.

If you are thinking about getting a GPS for mobile use, make sure you have a laptop, probably the one you already use, a GPS receiver and software. Installation is the same for almost all GPS models.

To install GPS on a Windows XP-Based laptop, you just need to start your Windows XP-based laptop, install the software, and plug the GPS receiver into the laptop's USB port. With Windows XP and Plug and Play hardware, you really can't go wrong. Most GPS systems come with extensive mapping software and the installation is as simple as inserting the CD into the appropriate drive.

After you configure a GPS, install software, and fully charge the laptop's battery, it's time to take off on an adventure, right? Well, almost. You need to configure the laptop for optimal settings before you go.

To configure battery alarms:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Power Options.

2. On the Alarms tab, under Low battery alarm and Critical battery alarm, specify the settings you want by dragging the slider.

3. Click Alarm Action to select the type of alarm notification and power level you want.

To configure a power scheme:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Power Options.

2. On the Power Schemes tab, in the Turn off monitor, Turn off hard disks, System standby and System hibernates lists, configure the time settings you want. (See the list below of how to configure them.)

3. Click Save As, and in the Save Scheme dialog box, type Travel.

4. Click OK twice.

Running your laptop on batteries, configure the settings as follows:

• Turn off monitor: After 2 minutes
• Turn off hard disks: After 8 minutes
• System standby: After 3 minutes
• System Hibernates: After 10 minutes

So that's it, you're ready to go. With your powerful laptop-enabled GPS and your road experience will never be the same again.

Article Source : State Of Texas Information

About Author

Both Richard Neesal & Edwardo Mascasas are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Richard Neesal has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diamonds, Jewelry and Personal Desktop. The store has a wide range of GPS units for motorbikes, including Garmin Zumo, TomTom and others.. Richard Neesal's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.

Edwardo Mascasas has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Accounting Bookkeeping General Svc and Domains. Learn how to . Feel free to reproduce this article as long as there is an active hyperlink accompanied with it.. Edwardo Mascasas's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.