What is the price for laptop GPS?

What is the price for laptop gps?
What is the price for laptop gps?

Hi jftrujillo,

Welcome to Laptop GPS World.

If you are asking how much it costs to set up a laptop for GPS navigation, then I'd say it can be as little as around $50, if you buy for example Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 with GPS Locator. It contains the software program, and also a USB GPS receiver. That's all you need. Some other packages may cost you $60, $80, $110, and perhaps even a little bit more.

Well around 500-600 US $.
You can go to any portal for this.

$500-600 you can get a cheap laptop from Wal-Mart and Streets & Trips (or Street Atlas).

The more specialized you get, the more it costs. For instance, programs aimed at truckers (with weight station info, bridge clearances, etc.) are more expensive.

Can$69 assuming you have a laptop/umpc. Just ordered that yesterday


http://www.gpscity.ca/item-garmin-gps-18-usb-deluxe/oem18usbdlx.htm

That includes

1. GPS 18 Sensor with USA Connection
2. Integrated Magnetic Base
3. Automotive Windshield Mount
4. City Select USA Mapping Software
5. nRoute Software for PC Laptops
6. Owner's Manual
7. Quick Start Guide

Apparently this is on sale price. You may find a different amount later on

The only drawback of that GPS18 package will be the map data (well, and the GPS18 is older technology so it doesn't get a location fix as quickly as current technology). The City Select North America series was discontinued a couple of years ago, at v7. The map data in it is copyright 2004. If you plan to use it much in cities (versus just highway navigation between cities) you will need to upgrade to a new version of City Navigator North America.

...ken...

Ken

So that is the catch? ok. I have never been a fan of Garmin. Because of the price point, I went ahead.
So the upgrade will cost me arms and legs?

http://www.gpscity.ca/item-garmin-gp...em18usbdlx.htm The heading meant that I have bought the City Navigator USA. But the small print down further the link refers to City Select. So the two are different? I am in trouble or the seller is misrepresenting?

Daniel

I think someone who ordered that recently said it came with CNNA NT v8. This is an acceptable product but 2 versions behind the latest
Garmin maps. Not particularly good in the wilds of Canada but ok in larger centers. You have to realize the GPS 18 is discontinued by Garmin. That is why it is so cheap.

Terry

Terry

Should I return them? I have not even received the items yet? Is that a dead end product going nowhere?
I believe I can use the USB gps for other software as Garmin has provided a driver for 3rd party software.
An update of my iGuidance 3 is very much overdue

Daniel

Depends what you want them for. Under normal conditions the GPS18 will work fine. Takes a little longer to obtain lock and has problems in canyons but it is magnetic and waterproof so you can mount it on the hood or roof. I used one and its equivalent, the BT GPS10 (not 10x) for quite a while.

CNNA NT v8 really depends on where you live. I found it unusable in Ladysmith, about the age maps of your iGuidance v3. However, for another $100 or so and you can add MG Canada v5, a vastly superior product for Canada than iGuidance 2009 in terms of POIs. And it works with nRoute just fine.

If you are considering another mapping product than Garmin, the GPS18 is not a good choice. There are much better alternatives.

Terry

Am I getting CNNA NT v8 as this is what I have bought (not received yet) http://www.gpscity.ca/item-garmin-gps-18-usb-deluxe/oem18usbdlx.htm ?
Is CNNA NT v9 is the most current map?

Can I upgrade to that?

My main use of the map is for traveling to the States (frequent driving) and main cities in Canada is ok with me .

Daniel

The latest Garmin map is CNNA NT 2009. The Navteq data is roughly equivalent to iGuidance 2009 and S&T 2009 and is very good, even in Canada. You can purchase it and lock it to your GPS 18.

Terry

Terry

You are a life saver.

This is what I have bought

http://www.gpscity.ca/item-garmin-gps-18-usb-deluxe/oem18usbdlx.htm

If it is an NT version (a biggie if) , I can upgrade ( to the latest CNNA NT 2009 ) by paying another $60

http://www.gpscity.ca/item-garmin-update-city-navigator-nt-2009-north-america-dvd/udcnusa9nt.htm

I think I may end up reading a lot of Garmin small print rather than using the gps. Seems you are not that thrilled with Garmin' s support too .

I will have a long talk with the seller first thing Monday to sort out if I should return the whole thing


Daniel

Just looked at my Asus Mypal(iGuidance), navigating in the city (itself) of Ladysmith (a town with a quite a bit of details) is not bad at all.

Daniel

You must looking at a different Ladysmith. iGuidance v3 has no street names much less street addresses for this town. And POIs...forget it. Navteq finally caught up recently and the 3 2009 versions I have (S&T, Mobile PC, iGuidance) are not too bad for the detail in this area including streetnames AND addresses. I admit it is a small area but if I can't use the program where I live, how am I supposed to know if I like it!

Edit.. Sorry this is actually iGuidance v4. I doubt v3 has more detail but I'll check later.

Terry

Attached Images

LDSM3.jpg (172.1 KB)

LDSM09.jpg (181.9 KB)

LDSM v8.jpg (152.3 KB)

LDSM NT2009.jpg (177.8 KB)

Terry , Ken

Good new so far from Garmin's support. They say they will update the map within 60 days no charge. But there is no upgrade of the hardware (usb gps). I believe it (the hardware) is ok as I still have not had a major issue with an old foolproof cf gps from Routis 1 st generation. I should not have whined as I paid CAN$69 =US$56 for an updated map (if materialised) and an usb gps.

Hope there is no catch

So far I am not thrilled with Garmin's dealer approach (same problem like the big 3) when the dealer does not deal with clients' inquiries at all.


Daniel

Hi Daniel,

If Garmin comes through with the map update you will have made a very good bargain.

My preferred navigation unit is still my 5-year-old Garmin iQue 3600. It's a combined Palm PDA with integrated GPS. The GPS technology is first-generation but it's still more than good enough for my purposes and I'm unwilling to give up the excellent integration between the GPS functions and the Palm functions (eg. all waypoints are stored in the Palm address book which is a big advantage for me).

I have GPS receivers with much newer technology so I know exactly how much difference it makes (lots!). But I'm willing to live with the difference because it really doesn't affect how well it works .. only how quickly it gets a fix.

If you use the magnetic mount to mount the receiver on the outside of the vehicle you won't notice much difference in how well it works, versus newer technology. I have an external magnet mount antenna for my iQue 3600. When it's mounted on the roof of my vehicle it works almost as well as the newer technology receivers in all situations.

Dealing with Garmin is like dealing with many companies these days; you get some good folks and you get some who aren't so good. Many of us have just gotten in the habit of expecting to make two or three calls on any issue .. just keep calling until we get someone who knows what's going on. Fortunately it's a toll-free number.

...ken...

Yes. Even Toronto with quite a few highrise would not present that sort of challenge to older gps

My GlobalSat BT GPS Receiver BT-328 was first tested indoor with two nearest windows (one 10 ft and one 20 ft away) . It got lock on anyway. One time I wrote to alt.satellite NG that my sirfIII was operational even in my basement for a shortime. People were laughing that I needed a gps for navigating around in my basement.

I had antenne to my older gps same way. It is going to be very challenging for driving in NYC though for those older gps

I have a question. Assuming I get the map update and when my gps 18 dies say after 1 yr , can I get another more updated hardware (like gps 10 or gps 10x) .
So the hardware side of the Garmin solution may not exactly in deadend?? Hopefully they will have something more comparable to the newer Holex or Globalsat. I was pleasantly surprised that at least now I can use my gps 18 in non-Garmin software which was a big NO NO.
I recall they always talk (in the NG) about two unlock code I could never comprehend as non Garmin gps do not need those crap.


Daniel

The unlock code is for the map data, not the device. It just needs a device to lock to. Most other mapping programs do not sell map updates for their products. You would have to buy a new version of the program to get an update. Garmin only allows one unlock code now whereas most allow 2 (S&T, iGuidance).

Garmin also sells GPS devices that work with other programs. Unfortunately, they are mostly serial (GPS 18x serial) or Bluetooth (GPS 10x). They are SirfStar III devices though and quite good. Garmin tends to concentrate more effort in the Personal Navigation Device market and offers a wide variety of units.

Terry

It is confirmed. I am now installing the map now. It is CNNA & nRoute 2008 011-01215-02 (whatever it means). For US$56 which is not barely enough for an update I also get an USB gps (well 3 yesteryear in technology).
So far so good.
I can recall the days of 2610 + 2620 all of which cost more than $1K, we PPC people tried to get a gps unit at around $500 level (all included). Looks like Garmin has really come down to competition as auto stand alone units are so inexpensive now

Daniel

I am confused by your message. Did you have to order an update (CNNA NT 2009 or CNNA 2009) or not? CNNA 2008 is not the latest version.

Terry

Terry

Looks like I have to update to 2009 that it is available. No clue if I have to pay? Still new with the Garmin speak. The product info is called CNNA 08 version 9 whatever it means. Just installed the thing hours ago. Seems to run well.

Daniel.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
p.s. when I log onto My Garmin/Manage Map it says
Available map updates for this device:
City Navigator North America 2009 Update

Maps installed on this device:

City Navigator North America 2008 DVD
Region: City Navigator North America 2008, Deluxe All Regions, Apr 07
Code: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Unlock Code: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date Unlocked: Dec 17, 2008

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When I click the CNNA 2009 Update I was asked to order the free one from the Dealer. Not 100% if I qualify for 1 free update yet

Sounds good. I don't think you can download it unless you have a Nuvi. That's why you have to order it. Talk to GPS City about getting the right version and you should only have to pay shipping.

Terry

I had a quick word with the Toronto Garmin dealer radioworld.ca and I am about to pick up a disc CNNA2009 from them . As you say, so far so good.

Thanks a lot. If I am to get to Europe, Can I buy another CN Europe and unlock the map with my GPS 18 which has unlocked the CNNA already?

Also what do NT means in Garmin speak?

As I said , I end up reading a lot of Garmin small print indeed


Daniel

Yes, you would be able to unlock Europe to your GPS18. Garmin has converted most of its maps to NT (new technology?). I think it is a more compact product and is not compatible with some older Garmin products. NT maps should work fine with nRoute though.

Terry

Terry is right, NT stands for New Technology and all it means is that they changed the method of compressing the data. Many older products cannot use the NT maps but as far as I know all of the newer products will use either NT or non-NT maps.

...ken...

Terry/Ken/Marvin


Thanks you guys for providing the guide through this or that minefield. Runs perfectly now

Got the map of CNNA 2009 and have it unlocked no charge. The only thing I should have done off the bat was to order the gps18 (that comes with CNNA08) together with the free 2009 update (free) the same time .


Daniel

That's a really good deal then. Basically you got the GPS18 for free or less.

Terry

Ok I have never been a Garmin user not to mention a Garmin fan until just now.

I have also installed CNNA 2009 in another 14" laptop. It works fine with the same hardware with the same unlock code. If my umpc dies , I can easily transfer the program to another replacement. Honestly I thought that would not install at all before.

I believe if I can borrow a couple of bt gps to see if it is operational.

The problem is that Garmin has made all steps to deter its software being used by 3rd gear or its hardware being used by 3 rd party software. It has improved a bit but given the tough market around they need to change attitude.


Daniel

Yes, that is the advantage of having the maps unlock to the GPS device's serial number. You can use them on any computer, as long as you use them with the same GPS unit.

I'm not sure I understand this. If you mean that you are going to try a different GPS device with those unlocked Garmin maps, that's not going to work. .......ooops, I forgot that you are using nRoute. Yes, this will work if you do it right. If nRoute sees some unlocked maps it will use them. But nRoute will not work directly with 3rd party GPS units so you will need to download Franson's GPSGate and use it. It will take the standard NMEA data stream from the 3rd-party GPS unit and create a data stream with the Garmin protocol for nRoute to see. That will make it happy and you will be able to use your City Navigator maps with any Bluetooth GPS receiver. It has a 14-day free trial so you can try it to see if it does what you want.

...ken...

That software Franson's costs almost like $40!

Anyway what I meant is to try another Garmin bt Gps unit which can be bought inexpensively used from craiglist. I have friends who use it and I could try that on n'Route. That should work as far as I know.

I see gradually the Garmin logic now. No wonder Terry is a Garmin fanboy particularly now that things is no longer expensive


Daniel

The maps are locked to a particular Garmin GPS. They will not work with another Garmin GPS, even in nRoute, without another unlock code. GPS Gate is the only solution.

Terry

Ok . So Garmin haters are not the unreasonable crowd then. I have so far spent US$66 on Garmin. That probably is the last even though I am happy with CNNA 09.

It is barely reasonable for disallowing people to use non-Garmin gps to use Garmin map which has been paid for. To disallow another Garmin gps (using Garmin protocol) is unreasonable from a consumer's view point.

Terry,
I do not get that?? The CNNA 09 on my laptop and Aspire has been unlocked. You are sure??


Daniel

$66 is peanuts. If you like the product and what it can do, break down and spend the ~$40 for GPS Gate. Then you can use nRoute and unlocked maps with any GPS, including Garmin ones. Make sure you keep your Garmin GPS though. So, if you buy more locked maps, you have something to unlock them to.

Terry

Franson GPS Gate may be around $40, but review the features list. It can do so many many things, and chances are that you may find some of the functionality quite useful.

I bought an Acer Aspire One, Win XP, 160 GIG HD, and was wondering about adding a GPS receiver and software, if it does not cost too much.

Suggestions? Cheap is a priority right now. Live in Western NY, and mostly just travel around town and the nearby area, sometimes to Washington DC.

This thread gives tons of info about Garmin, but the first response suggests Microsoft Streets and Maps, which includes a USB receiver. Ignoring my generally low opinion of Microsoft, is this the lowest cost option for me, with modest needs? If I can find last year's version cheaper, is there a downside besides the obvious, not updated to new routes?