GPS and LAPTOPS/ NOTEBOOKS

A laptop is more versatile, yet cumbersome. You could also use a PDA.

You can get all maps on CD or DVD as NATMAP or Hema maps, etc. and see them either through their own software or something like Oziexplore.

Are you suggsting that you need all this for a trip to Bundy? If so I would just invest in a good atlas such as Hema. Much cheaper.

Hi

This is a topic that has come up allot. Do a search in the forums, but what I am doing is using my laptop with a Garmin Etrex as the receiver and the laptop to show the maps on the screen. There are allot of options out there

agreed lots of options out there.. you get what you pay for. I runa $700 color GPS on my dash (has a small color screen but it wil beep and give you directions etc.. beauty of this sytem is I can also take it my pocket for a bush walk etc.. most incar nav systems are limited to ttaking you along known roads etc.. at least with a hand held you can also go 'off road"
Then when I want to go off road I plug a laptop in and I can use any digital maps on that i want. but it's cumbersome.. try talking to Johnny Appleseed GPS in Brisbane.. they are always happy to give you advice. Tell em what you want to achieve with a GPS and your budget and they will tel lyou the best bay to go about it.. (just google Johny appleseed GPS) Cheers

Have a look at these articles about this topic if you havenot already. Navigation

Frank,

You have two basic options:-
If using the laptop only, you can connect either a GPS "mouse" (ie a gps card that fits in your PC's Card slot) or an "external" GPS unit that connects to the serial, or USB port.
The one advantage of the external GPS is that you can use it as a separate stand-alone unit.

With the laptop, you will need additional software such as OziExplorer and separate maps.(NATMAP Premium on DVD is excellent)
This will give you a moving map feature that shows exactly where you are at any moment in time and you can save your trip (tracks/waypoints) for future reference.

The Laptop/GPS mouse is probably the cheapest option, even with the additional software mentioned above.

A "stand-alone" GPS, such as a Magellan model (only one I'm familiar with) allows you to have a preloaded map feature, or you can load something like DiscoverAus Streets and Tracks for more detailed maps. With this option you can still connect it to a Laptop running OziExplorer, or similar for additional functionality.

As mentioned above, read the articles mentioned by David and the GPSOZ web site is also informative.

Basically, decide if you will ever need a stand-alone GPS unit, then take it from there.