Laptops, GPS and mapping software

[Brad]

I learned something this week. The laptop I have has an AT&T cell card built into it (this I already knew). But, what is cool is the GPS that you find on cellphones is also available in the laptop off that cell adapter. So, driving with the laptop on the computer desk on the passenger's seat - the laptop GPS was running - and I was able to use the vendor's Google or Bing maps to pinpoint where I was. No extra GPS attachments.

And, I fired up Delorme's TopoUSA software product and it found the built-in GPS and used that for tracking the route I was driving.

I have always driven long trips using a laptop and Delorme's software with an external GPS. But, with this setup the GPS unit is not needed.

Oh well - at least I think this is cool.

[BlueDog]

Wear your geekness proudly, Brad!

(Says the guy that hikes with a digital video camera, iPhone and GPS)

[Brad]

Wear your geekness proudly, Brad!

(Says the guy that hikes with a digital video camera, iPhone and GPS)

Actually with MWO-STP Suby it has the built in navigation system. So, all this is not needed. I was out with Charlie for a day in my Suburban and could have used it then.

[BlueDog]

You hear that the 2011 Subies will have wi-fi built in, right?

[Brad]

Yes, this is an excellent option and it is the first big step in the "right" direction I have been asking for for several years.

Today my daughter sets her laptop up and running in the car connected to AT&T off the built-in cell adapter, then the kids take their netbooks and connect thru her laptop so they are online for long rides. With the Wi-Fi option this would not be needed as each laptop would connect to the car.

This option would then allow the car to send e-mails or messages to you about service issues. The computer in the car has to adjust the fuel mixture too much and should notify someone, for example. Our house does that today for low temperature or the propane tank is too low. Why shouldn't the car notify us?

Then also the navigation display could have an optional overlay of the weather radar to show you where storms in your area are. Switching to Google Traffic would allow you to see which roads have traffic delays.

[Snow Miser]

Yes, wear your geekness proudly, Brad! It's a sign of high intelligence!!!

And we do have to love all these technological advances. It's really exciting, and coming at us at lightning speed these days.

[Anna LeBlanc]

Yes, wear your geekness proudly, Brad! It's a sign of high intelligence!!!

And we do have to love all these technological advances. It's really exciting, and coming at us at lightning speed these days.

And of course you know I'm going to need your help with all of this Bob!!!

___________
Anna

[Snow Miser]

And of course you know I'm going to need your help with all of this Bob!!!

___________
Anna

Anna, you bet!!! Always glad to help out.

[mtruman]

You hear that the 2011 Subies will have wi-fi built in, right?

They do indeed, but after looking at the cost it would actually be cheaper to buy a MiFi cell hotspot and pay for the monthly service (and you can use it anywhere, not just in the car). Still a cool gadget though...

[Brad]

They do indeed, but after looking at the cost it would actually be cheaper to buy a MiFi cell hotspot and pay for the monthly service (and you can use it anywhere, not just in the car). Still a cool gadget though...

But, you would not be able to do radar and traffic displays on the navigation system display.