How can I get GPS for my MBP

Question

My brother has a Tom-Tom GPS unit in his van and I want to use my MBP to do the same thing. I think that I have seen a product for the Mac that will do about the same thing.

Answer 1

This is my setup:
o Bluetooth GPS (GlobalSat BT-338, 14+hrs battery life, very sensitive, excellent receiver)
o MBP
o Google Earth
o gps2geX and gpsdX from http://www.grandhighwizard.net/ (free) retrieves position from GPS receiver and plots it in Google Earth
o touchscreen (8in)
o power convertor (DC->AC)
Advantages:
o the software is free
o navigating via Google Earth is really very cool, since we get satellite images. It's not necessary to have a continuous network connection (e.g. via phone) for Google Earth to work, I use its cache, which can hold up to 2GB. Google Earth can plot the route to destination too. So far, the routes are 100% accurate, even in Europe.
Disadvantages:
o There are way too many cables.
o Needed a power adapter to convert from 12V to AC, then use my Mac adapter to power my Mac. I guess there's some way to change the DC voltage without going via AC. Also needed to power my touchscreen.
The touchscreen isn't absolutely necessary, but when I drive by myself it's hard and dangerous to look at the notebook screen placed on the passenger seat. I doubt anyone would put a 15/17in notebook on the dashboard
Because of the mess of cables, I am considering buying the Samsung Q1. If Apple comes up with a similar product, I'll buy it immediately. Since the device is so small, I can mount it on the dashboard. Since it is a complete computer (and not a PDA), I can install Google Earth. That would get rid of almost all the cables (except power, but that's just 1).
Hope this helps
MBP CD   Mac OS X (10.4.8)