laptop Gps/Software Questions

jgaylor · 02-24-2009, 03:16 AM

I have just purchased an Acer Aspire One, Win Xp and 160gb hard drive, built in mic.
I would like to use this as my gps/mapping system for travel.

I have used older versions of Streets & Trips, and have an original Tom Tom.

My questions are:

1. Do any of the mapping programs take voice commands from the laptop to control functions?

2. Can they be installed on the Acer in total and not require a DVD drive to work?.

3. What gps receiver do you recommend, and should it be blue tooth or usb?

4. What software package do you recommend. I have been reading the Iguidance reviews and it sound interesting.

In advance, thanks for your help.

lambosprit · 03-29-2009, 04:40 AM

I use sygic and it works great. Everything is installed on the pc so no dvd required.

I use the BU-353 which is a usb gps reciever and have no problems.

I run all this on my dev pc which is a acer aspire and on my shuttle based carputer.

rogerdugans · 03-29-2009, 07:26 AM

The one question I have for YOU is this-
what size display?

A 10" screen is plenty big enough for any of the computer software out there to be usable. Smaller... yeah, not so much. I have a 7" in my car and a netbook with an 8.9" and both are too small for my normal laptop software (Delorme) to work very well imo.

I have found that Garmin Mobile PC works very well on small screens, but has a few disadvantages-
no on-screen keyboard
activation policy that makes it very difficult to migrate the software to a new system if you upgrade.

One of my BU-353s died, so I did get one of the Garmin bluetooth GPS sensors as well, and have to say that I am rather fond of the convenience of THAT, though battery needs to be charged every few days of use.

I have no experience with voice command nav, as I don't use that. Or even the spoken directions..

Marvin Hlavac · 03-29-2009, 07:29 AM

Hi jgaylor,

1. As far as I know only DeLorme Street Atlas has the built-in voice command function. There may be user created add-ons for other programs that achieve the same.

2. Yes, you may install programs on your DVD-less laptop. You can do it by networking it with another computer that does have a DVD drive, or by using an external DVD drive for the installation. Or you may just copy the content of the DVD drive to a memory card, or memory stick, and then run the installation from there.

3. If you don't mind the cable going from your laptop to the GPS, then USB GPS is a good choice. Otherwise get a Bluetooth unit.

Globalsat USB GPS BU-353 is a very popular unit on this forum.

4. Yes, iGuidance is very good. There are a few other programs, too. Each has its weaknesses and strengths.

jessekilner · 03-29-2009, 08:50 AM

I use garmin with globsat 353.. 10.4" monitor.. use the overlay skin and it will have keyboard and sound functions. I used this software through NYC and it saved my A55 big time.

jgaylor · 03-29-2009, 09:57 AM

acer one aspire 8" screen

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