Connecting Your GPS to Your Laptop While On the Road

Global cities boast of massive networks of streets, which are often difficult to navigate. Thus, to get from one place to another, motorists use the satellite-based navigation system commonly known as global positioning system, or GPS. Many motorists opt to use a laptop together with their GPS receivers. The major benefit of using a laptop is that you can take it anywhere and the computer screen larger than most GPS receiver screens, making it easier to see directions.

There are several ways to use GPS on a laptop computer while you are driving. For example, if you already have a GPS receiver, you can attach it to your computer using a USB or serial cable connection. The good thing about this setup is that you can place the receiver at the part of your car where satellite transmission is clearest. Another advantage is that the receiver can interface with more expansive mapping capabilities than that of your laptop or the Internet. Another way is to attach a Bluetooth unit to enable wireless connection between the receiver and the laptop. A wireless connection allows you to move your laptop, such as to a passenger sitting at the back, without losing the signal.

You can also attach your GPS receiver directly to your laptop using a compact flash card. The best cards are those that allow adding up an external antenna to better receive satellite signals. Finally, there are GPS software products that allow you to connect a microphone to the laptop. You can issue voice commands rather than look at the laptop's screen. This reduces the chance of road accidents since your eyes are always on the road and your hands on the steering wheel.