Laptop GPS World

I am new here, just ordered the Eeepc 1000H, want to run a USB GPS on this for Navigation in the car - I live in Japan, so I am looking for anyone with hands on experience with this situation.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

Hi Hilux,

to Laptop GPS World.

I don't own an Eee PC, but like with any PC, you can just get a plain, inexpensive, USB GPS receiver, such as GlobalSat BU-353, or Holux GR-213, or Deluo NavStick USB GPS, or any other, and it should work just fine - at least on Windows. Do you have the Windows or the Linux version of Asus Eee PC?

Beside an USB GPS receiver (about $35) you will also need a laptop GPS mapping program that covers your geographical area.. Do you have one in mind?

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Thank you Marvin, I was looking at the USB GPS receivers but still need to pick out the best one. Can you reccomend one that has a cord? I was thinking with a cord may be better so I can put the actual receiver up on the dashboard or possibly on the windshield.
I ordered the Windows version of the Eee PC, it will be here in a few days (can't wait). Now the big dilemma is the software, I am looking to find something in English that covers Japan, specifically Honshu which is the biggest Island.

I appreciate any help and thank you very much.

Hilux

Hilux, I've been very happy with BU-353. Many people use it. It costs only about US$35. It comes with I think about 4 or 5 feet long cable with a USB plug. The receiver itself is weather proof and it has a magnetic base (in case you want to place it on the roof of your car). Many stores carry it, so check a local dealer for availability and price. If you don't find anyone near you, check Semsons.com. They are a reputable store, they do ship world-wide, and they even give discounts to members of Laptop GPS World.

The more difficult part is the mapping software. I'm not familiar with any product that covers Japan, but I just did a quick Google search, and it appears there could be sources of Garmin-compatible 3rd party maps available. That would open up a possibility of using Garmin Mobile PC or Garmin nRoute products. Recently there was a thread here dealing with Garmin + Australia maps. Ken in that thread posted some info that could be of value to you, as it explains some important facts about Garmin products. Here's the link: Aussies Maps & Navigation software

If you wish to find out more about Garmin laptop GPS software products, check out http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/garmin-mobile-pc

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Marv,

I really appreciate all the advice. I am definitely going to try out the BU-353, it uses the SiRF Star III which from what I have read provides the best performance over here in Japan. I may just have to buy the software in Japanese and have my wife help me. I am good at remembering which buttons to push once I know what they mean :-) Maybe I should just learn how to read Japanese!

- Hilux

Hilux,

If you do try some local Japanese PC GPS software, please do let us know a few words about it. Perhaps start a new thread, and make a short (or long) review. A screenshot (or a few) would be greatly appreciated.

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

thanks Marv, I will report when it all comes together. I am still waiting for my Eee PC 1000H from Newegg. I am also waiting for the JROAD 400 which is a hand held portable navigation unit. I am going to see which solution I like better and use both for different situations (I hope). I am totally new to anything GPS related so this will be a fun adventure. I will try to report something and hopefully help someone else.

Hilux

Ive got a Eeepc and its running mobile PC and garmin topo US 2008! love it to death its easy to switch between vehicals and sense theres no moving parts it held very well to the abuse we throw at it between to jeep and the Dodge pickup..

Hi Rockbuggy,

to the forums!

Do you have some kind of laptop vehicle mounting system for your EeePC? You are more than welcome to post some pictures, if you do.

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Thanks for the welcome !!!!! Yes I do have some mounting systems That I have built.. I get some pics for you.