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  • DH30
    Forum Member
    • Jul 2007
    • 22

    Laptop GPS Question

    I just finished FTO and hit the streets on my own last week. I'm thinking about getting a GPS for my MDC computer (Panasonic Toughbook). I know that one of the guys that I met when I was on nights during FTO liked one particular brand becuase it always told you where you were, like "3500 Main Street". Does anyone know which brand does this?
  • DH30
    Forum Member
    • Jul 2007
    • 22

    #2
    juicesnn432
    It was not my FTO. The version that he had did not show your current location with hundred block and street name. Right now I am on day shift and the officer that had the version that I like is on night shift. When I see him, I will ask him. But for right now, I thought that I would ask here.

    Comment

    • Dingbat
      Forum Member
      • Sep 2006
      • 1168

      #3
      I'm not sure how your cars are set up or your lap top is. But I know google earth has a gps system that's pretty accurate. But I'm pretty sure it requires a constant connection to net.
      Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

      Comment

      • DH30
        Forum Member
        • Jul 2007
        • 22

        #4
        Dingbat,
        We do not have constant net connection in our cars.

        Comment

        • DH30
          Forum Member
          • Jul 2007
          • 22

          #5
          Our cars do not have GPS either. We do have Panasonic Toughbooks though. And there are several programs with external GPS receivers that work. I'm just trying to decide which one to go with.

          Comment

          • threatZERO
            Software Engineer
            • Nov 2006
            • 2514

            #6
            DH30

            You're referring to Microsoft's GPS unit.

            Microsoft Street & Trips 2008 is the latest version.

            Will run you anywhere from 99-199 USD.

            Nothing is hardwired to the car, matter of fact, all you do is connect it to an empty USB port. The GPS unit is a small device you can place right on top of your dashboard. Pin points you're location, and voice activated turn by turn directions.
            The statements posted on here are of my own and does not represent any agency that I am in process with, was in process with or will be in process with.

            Comment

            • stormz5192
              Opionated
              • Feb 2008
              • 2672

              #7
              Get a map book or tax map. Don't rely on a gps, you'll never learn anything that way. Only cheating yourself.
              Being a good street cop is like coming to work in a wet suit and peeing in your pants. It's a nice warm feeling, but you're the only one who knows anything has happened.

              Comment

              • Jim1648
                Forum Member
                • Nov 2005
                • 2041

                #8
                Will your Agency or IT department allow you to use it? Our IT department is pretty unwilling to let us add software to county computers.

                Comment

                • scout987
                  Forum Member
                  • Feb 2008
                  • 143

                  #9
                  i use microsoft 2008 streets and trips with the gps unit

                  Comment

                  • DAL
                    "Official Non-Person"
                    • Dec 2005
                    • 9357

                    #10
                    Although you should learn the streets by studying a mapbook, sometimes you will not know your location, especially if you work for a county-wide agency.

                    If you can't add software, buy a stand-alone GPS unit that you plug into a 12V outlet. You can get good ones for $200.
                    Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored. -- Aldous Huxley
                    Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity. -- Albert Einstein

                    Comment

                    • mtxpro752
                      • Jun 2004
                      • 2270

                      #11
                      We use paper maps. You can pull city maps on our MDC, but it's just a pdf version of the paper one.......
                      Originally Posted by VegasMetro
                      maybe it’s me but I think a six pack and midget porn makes for good times?????

                      Comment

                      • JPGT_00
                        Forum Member
                        • Jul 2007
                        • 167

                        #12
                        I use Streets and Trips with the gps as well. I like it. I also have a county map that will break down all the lots, and parcels.

                        Im all about learning my streets and not cheating myself, but having the gps is nice. Your going to learn your roads regardless after driving 12hrs a day it they will come to you.

                        Comment

                        • alanmoor
                          Forum Member
                          • Mar 2005
                          • 99

                          #13
                          Delorme is your best value for the money, I think. It is a little sluggish, but you get a GPS and mapping software for $80 or so.
                          Most to those who constantly question authority don't know the real answer to their own question. They blindly and lazily question and resist because they resent authority.

                          Fella 7/9/2008

                          Comment

                          • DH30
                            Forum Member
                            • Jul 2007
                            • 22

                            #14
                            I ended up going with the Garmin. It works pretty well so far. The one feature that I like about it is a feature called "where am I". It shows your current location (no map) and it shows the nearest street address. I like it because at night when I am working traffic, it will help me learn what hundred block I am in.

                            Comment

                            • Chit2001
                              Midwest Nittany Lion
                              • Nov 2007
                              • 3089

                              #15
                              1*

                              Comment

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