GPS laptop programs help plan road trips.
GPS laptop programs transform any personal laptop computer into a navigational device. Standard features of the programs include turn-by-turn directions (with visuals and voice guidance), route planning tools, and additional features that provide weather updates and further travel planning. Quality GPS features come at a price, but a package that includes a GPS receiver earns its worth and allows for easy travels.
Garmin Mobile PC
Garmin Mobile PC offers maps, directions, and travel assistance. The program offers two choices on start up: "Maps" and "Where To?" The maps feature displays of thousands of accessible maps. The "Where To?" directional feature provides audio directions from your starting point to your destination. Garmin PC can access travel help information such as flight status, gas prices, the weather, or hotel information. The program can also remember the way to favorite destinations and allows you to test out routes before you take them. The Mobile PC program as of June 2010 costs upward of $50 depending on the package. You can buy the software alone or with a wireless GPS 10x or 20x sensor.
iGuidance
The iGuidance software from iNav includes voice and visual route guidance that can be programmed to avoid or hit certain roads while calculating for the shortest, most efficient trips. The program even catches up and redirects when you go the wrong way. Additional features include pedestrian directions, voice speed alerts, and warnings of upcoming areas of note, such as toll roads or school zones. The software comes in three formats. The smallest package only includes the software. The next package includes the software and a GPS receiver. The highest package includes the Laptop PC software and Pocket PC software.
Microsoft Streets & Trips
Microsoft Streets & Trips allows for optimal trip customization. You can add notes or information to the maps and even share the maps with others. The program is able to estimate fuel usage and costs based on your plotted trip itinerary. The maps come marked with useful locations like pharmacies. The basic software package lacks a GPS receiver but works with any GPS receiver you might already own. The next package includes a cordless GPS device with the software. World travelers might pick up the European trips version of the basic package.
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