How To Turn a Laptop Into a GPS
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a global navigation system powered by satellites. The system is functional in any part of the world that provides a line of sight between the GPS receiver and four or more satellites. Most types of GPS are in the form of hand-held devices, but laptops are also compatible with the satellite navigation system.
- Consider the different systems and brands available to convert laptops into GPS devices. Most systems require you to install global mapping software and connect a compact receiver unit to your laptop with a USB cable. The three most popular brands in laptop GPS systems are Garmin, DeLorme, and Microsoft. A summary of the different brands follows this article.
- Purchase the GPS compact receive unit and global mapping software. These are typically the only purchases necessary to convert your laptop into a GPS device.
- Install the software and connect the receiver if necessary to begin using your laptop GPS system. The software may instruct you to carry out other actions that will make your laptop more efficient as a GPS device.
Garmin - This company offers two major types of systems: the Garmin Mobile 10 Laptop GPS which uses a built-in Bluetooth satellite receiver and Garmin Mobile 20 Laptop GPS which uses a receiver that must be connected to a USB port. Garmin uses Garmin Mobile PC software to power the mapping system.
DeLorme - A brand that offers the DeLorme Eathmate GPS LT-40 system which utilizes a receiver that is connected to the USB port. The system uses Street Atlas USA mapping software.
Microsoft - This company produces a mobile laptop GPS receiver that is compatible with Microsoft Streets and Trips mapping software. The mapping software is also compatible with receivers made by other companies. The Microsoft receiver must be connected to a USB port.