Three Things to Consider when Buying a Laptop Gps System

Laptop GPS is an exciting new technology in which you can use your own personal or business laptop for a multitude of GPS navigations given the right hardware and software. The laptop can be used as an in-car GPS device or for any of several creative applications outside your vehcle, including geocaching and other activities.

So, besides your laptop, what do you need to have a working laptop GPS system? Well, one thing many aficionados would suggest Is a mounting system for your vehicle. Laptop mounts come in many varieties, but one popular option is the RAM mount, which begins at approximately $175 and can be configured to fit many different laptops. In addition to custom cradles, some users have had good success adapting wall TV mounts for the same purpose. You also can make your own mount using parts collected from your local hardware store.

Another important consideration is the power inverter used in your laptop GPS system. When selecting a power inverter, consider your needs; does size matter? Does it need to be portable if you travel frequently or can it be any size. Of course, the power inverter needs to have the proper electrical rating for your laptop GPS, so you should select an inverter that carries a continuous power rating in excess of your computer's demands by no less than 20%. For most applications, a 90 watt capacity will suffice. Note that the rated "surge capacity" of the power inverter is irrelevant for these purposes; it is the rated continuous power with which you should be concerned. If you select a power inverter with adequate surge capacity, but insufficient continuous capacity, then the unit is likely to overheat and fail. If you will be running other devices off your power inverter, please be sure that it has the needed incremental wattage to supply them and, if relevant USB sockets. As with your laptop GPS system, calculate requirements for each device with an excess of 20%. Also, buy a cable that can be plugged into cigarette lighters and into which your power inverter would plug in. This would give you flexibility when plugging into unfamiliar vehicles or places with non-standard or cramped configurations at the plug. Finally, it's a good idea to buy a power inverter with some sort of hibernate or sleep function in which it shuts itself off after some period o inactivity, so that you do not inadvertently find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a blacked out laptop GPS to boot.

Perhaps a bigger set of decisions will concern what software you use on your laptop GPS system. The available options are quite powerful and diverse. They range from free GPS mapping software options, such as OkMap, to commercial options from seasoned mapping companies, including Rand McNally and Garmin. Your laptop GPS also can incorporate features such as marine navigation, weather radar, and real-time traffic patterns and can interface with Google Maps. For the hikers or geocachers amongst you, there are fine software options from TOPO and National Geographic.

Laptop GPS is a current, growing technology. With the proper decisions concerning your mounting system, your power inverter, and underlying software, you will be navigating your way to your heart's content in no time.

Source:

http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/