CarPCgarage.com - Car PC Software, Car PC Hardware, and Car PC Installations

GPS and Navigation

GPS Receivers and Navigation Software packages are getting cheaper and cheaper, unless you're choosing a full standalone navigation unit such as those sold by Garmin or Tom Tom. But why spend $400-$700 on a standalone device that isn't upgradeable, has a tiny screen, has far less functionality, and cannot run the CarPCgarage.com software? Especially when a Car PC will allow you to run the CarPCgarage.com software!

The right combination of GPS Receiver and Navigation Software package will let you navigate your way to any destination, even if you're directionally challenged. Heck, it will even help you to find the closest Starbucks while on a road trip, and who doesn't need that?

What follows are our recommendations for the most important features to look for in your GPS Receiver and Navigation Software.

GPS Receiver

Features: SiRF III Chipset, WAAS Enabled
Protocol: Support NMEA 0183 v2.2 data protocol
Physical Characteristics: Waterproof with Magnetic Base
Power: ~1W Power Consumption
Cost: Usually $50-$80 (can also come bundled with software for a little more)

Features: SiRF III Chipset, WAAS Enabled

Protocol: Support NMEA 0183 v2.2 data protocol

Physical Characteristics: Waterproof with Magnetic Base

Power: ~1W Power Consumption

Cost: Usually $50-$80 (can also come bundled with software for a little more)

Navigation Software

Map Coverage: Your Geographical Area
Routing: Automatic Route Recalculation
Locations: Finding closest gas stations and Starbucks while on the road
Cost: Usually $50-$80 (or you can even go freeware)

Map Coverage: Your Geographical Area

Routing: Automatic Route Recalculation

Locations: Finding closest gas stations and Starbucks while on the road

Cost: Usually $50-$120 (or you can even go freeware)

Specific Recommendations

iGuidance 3 GPS Navigation Software + Holux GR-213 USB SiRF Star III GPS Receiver(GR-213) (SiRF III)(WAAS)
~130
http://www.buygpsnow.com

Holux GR-213 USB SiRF Star III GPS Receiver(GR-213) (SiRF III)(WAAS)
~$56
http://www.buygpsnow.com

GlobalSat BU-353 Water-Proof USB Mouse GPS Receiver - SiRF Star III (BU353)(Mac OSX Compatible)(WAAS Enabled)
~$50
http://www.buygpsnow.com

Waterproof USB SiRF Star III GPS
~$79
http://www.buygpsnow.com

News

News Archive

JavaOne 2007
We have submitted a technical session proposal to the 2007 JavaOne conference titled: "Rev Up Your Car PC with Java Technology". The purpose of the presentation is to show the role of Java technology in the Car PC environment. We also intend to perform a live demonstration of the open-source CarPCgarage.com software if accepted. Check back mid-to-late February for an update on our status!

UPDATE: JavaOne presentation outline, sample slides and more details are now available HERE!
Status Icons
Status Icons are now available! Any component can issue status messages to the status manager, and the CarPCgarage.com application will automatically notify the user using a status icon in the header of the application.

Coming Soon

Bandwidth Optimizer
Does your Car PC (like most) only have limited internet connectivity? Need to optimize the bandwidth available to synchronize your latest MP3s and video content? Then you'll love the "Bandwidth Optimizer" feature, which allows you to prioritize your downloads on a component by component basis. Check back at the beginning of March for an update on this feature!
GPS Server
Need multiple applications or components to share your single GPS receiver? The "GPS Server" feature will allow you read NMEA coordinates from your GPS module and then re-broadcast the messages in real-time to any interested applications, effectively allowing you to share GPS location information with a variety of simultaneously running applications. Check back mid-March for an update on this feature!
Bluetooth Calls
Soon you'll be able to initiate phone calls from the Contacts component using your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Check back mid-April for an update on this feature!