I have a bluetooth-enabled tablet computer with a touch screen (stylus, actually), built-in (tinny) speakers, a 10in diagonal screen, and 60 GB Hard disk drive running Windows XP, so I can potentially view large maps, listen to street directions, touch the screen, and all that, much like the high-end Garmin units.

What might be out there--hardware and software--that would allow a tablet computer to emulate these kind of GPS devices?

Heck, the GPS part could be USB-connected to the tablet rather than wireless BT for all that.

Thanks in advance.

--jim 

 

 

Hi Jim,

 

We recommend you go with the iGuidance 3 + Navibe Bluetooth GPS receiver:

http://www.buygpsnow.com/iguidance-3-gps-navigation-software-navibe-gb735-bluetooth-gps-receiver-sirf-iii-wass-free-arkon-vent-mount-767.aspx 

or if you prefer to have a USB solution, please check this one out:

http://www.buygpsnow.com/iguidance-3-software-holux-gr-213-mouse-gps-receiver-free-arkon-vent-moun-759.aspx

I have a similar situation.  Thinkpad tablet on order, Vista Business w/ bluetooth.  I've seen rave reviews on the copilot s/w.  How does the iGuidance compare to the copilot live laptop and why do you recommend the former?  I know some of the developers are still playing catch-up with Vista and I'm willing to wait a bit, if need be, and pay a bit more for the best solution.  I've never had a tablet before, so pardon my ignorance.  Does the GPS software need to be written to incorporate the touchscreen functionality, or is this handled by the operating system so that ANY pc s/w will accept touchscreen inputs?  I've got GPS in my Verizon Wireless phone.  Can that be effectively utilized in any way?  I've got VZ Navigator, but I want to the able to utilize my larger tablet screen, have easier inputs and maybe increased functionality.  Thanks in advance for your patience with all the questions!...Susan

Honestly, we have not tested iGuidance with Vista and connot confirm the compatibility. I recommend you contact iNAV.com directly on this issue.

I personally like iGuidance more because the map data from NAVTEQ is more updated than CoPilot's map data in general.

On the other hand, CoPilot has more features such as the following which iGuidance does not have at the moment:

1. NEW! RV Routing now with 12’6” and 13’ Height clearance option vs. not available with iGuidance 3.
2. NEW! Over 6 Million POI`s including phone numbers vs. about 1.5 millions in iGuidance 3.
3. NEW! Easier Points of Interest Importing and support for the widely available 3rd party OV2 format
4. IMPROVED! Enable Propane Restrictions to completely avoid tunnels that prohibit propane tanks.
5. IMPROVED! Live Communications allow you to email tracking invites to friends and colleagues.
6. POI Alerts notify you when you`re approaching gas stations, restaurants or rest areas.
7. Scenic Routing guides your route toward one of 518 scenic byways that make up over 42,000 miles of scenic roads throughout the U.S.

etc, for complete features of CoPilot, please see: http://www.buygpsnow.com/copilot-live-laptop-10-software-only-706.aspx and also check with ALK if their version works with Vista before placing your order. 

 

NO, you cannot use the GPS in your phone as it is strictly designed for use with your phone and cannot be shared by another device. You will need either a Bluetooth or USB GPS receiver to use GPS solution with your tablet PC with either iGuidance or CoPilot.

 

Thanks for the info.  I read on one of your forums that iGuidance now has voice capability, but doesn't pronounce street names.  Is that correct?  Also, I saw the review you have on the OCN6.  Do they have a laptop version?  How does it stack up?....Susan

The new iGuidance version 4 (Free upgrade to all customer who purchase after 3/15/2007) has Text-To-Speech feature that pronounces the street names.

No, OCN6 does not run on laptop.

Please read this topic below to learn more about pros and cons of both products:

http://discussion.buygpsnow.com/forums/post/4264.aspx

So I'm back to iGuidance or Copilot.  Do each of these permit route planning with multiple destinations?  ( I would assume so, but assumptions have got me in trouble before!)  What is the typical cost and frequency of map updates for each of these products?

Yes, both software support multiple stops / way point.

For iGuidance, if you buy now, you will get free upgrade to their upcoming version 4.0 (to be released on around mid of June). Please check with www.inavcorp.com for complete details and rules.

For CoPilot, you can also check directly with them on their map update availability and price. Keep in mind that CoPilot product is only designed to work on a specific plantform. For example, their CoPilot Laptop 10 only works on laptop and not on a Pocket PC / Pocket PC Phone. The same applies to their CoPilot Pocket PC version which only works on Pocket PC and not on laptop or WM5 Smartphone devices (without touch screen).

 

Thanks for the links and all your help.  I'm going to check out the Vista compatibility, then make my decision....Susan

You are welcome.

One other factor I hadn't thought about.  My tablet does not include a cd/dvd drive.  I'll prob use an external usb cd/dvd drive to load the software initially.  Does either iGuidance or CoPilot require that their cd be in the drive during application use?  That would be a fatal flaw for me....Susan

I am sorry but I am not sure about CoPilot.

 For iGuidance, you could copy the maps onto your PC and run it without the original DVD disk.

 

I've been told both iGuidance and CoPilot let you load the app & maps and then don't require the dvd to run.  iNav rep told me that their current iGuidance Ver 3 is vista-compatible.  (Still waiting for that "any day" ver 4.)  And an ALK rep told me that the new CoPilot Laptop 10 is vista-compatible.  (Other CoPilot verisons are NOT at this point.)  Much as I like the great things I've heard about iGuidance (especially their maps) I'm leaning towards the CoPilot because it sounds like it also has trip planning capabilities, while iGuidance is focused on the navigation (and does a great job of it).  Would you say this is a fair assessment?  I'm planning a U.S. cross-country trip, so I'm very much interested in the trip planning functions.   Because there will be two of us, the driver won't need to touch the laptop and the simplicity of the user interface is less critical.

I'm a little confused by all the hardware options.  I want Bluetooth to avoid the wires.  (My tablet has it built in.)  I'd like a sensitive enough unit that I can lay the gps unit on the dash or have it somewhere inside the car.  I want good battery life, or maybe even a charger(?).  Some units mention an auto on/off which sounds like it might be helpful.   I don't mind paying a little more or buying the hardware separately, if it gives me the best combination.  (Can I buy the software and hardware separately at this site?)  What would you recommend?....Susan

Hi Susan,

I will begin by answering your hardware questions.

1) I recommend the Qstarz BTQ818 (32 hrs batt. life) or the Q816 (25 hrs) and both has auto on and off feature.

2) You should always buy both hardware and software as a combo package to get maximum savings because our bundle package (combo) usually reflects more savings that if you were to purchase both hardware and software separately.

3) For software, I would use iGuidance 3 or 4 in conjunction with Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007. iGuidance uses NAVTEQ and has more POI on their version 4 and it also supports trips with multiple stop overs. So, you can plan your trip and built an iternary right from iGuidance. However, you may not save your Iternary at this point and this is where Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 comes in. Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 is actually doing a better job for route planning and fuel cost estimator, etc, and more user friendly than CoPilot 9. I am sorry, I have not tried version 10.

On other hand, CoPilot laptop 10 is great because it has a route by not only standard "Fastest", "Shortest", it also has a "scenery route" (not exactly how it is called in the software but close). So, for travellers who have a lot of time to kill, they may like to go thru this route instead of shortest or fastest.

Honestly, we recommed you get both iGuidance 4 or CoPilot for Laptop 10 and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007. Some address may not be located on CoPilot / iGuidance 4 but could be located on Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 or vise versa.

Hope this helps.

 

As always, very helpful info.  Thanks again!...Susan