Can I turn my laptop into a sat nav?

Q I have seen that it is possible to turn a smartphone, such as the Apple iPhone, into a satellite-navigation (sat nav) device by buying an application from the online store.

Is there any similar software I can download that will do the same for my Asus 1001HA netbook, as I would prefer a bigger screen and the ability to use a mouse and keyboard to enter destinations?

Would it be simpler to buy a standalone satellite-navigation device?

Bob Robertson

A Sat-nav software needs a GPS receiver to work, which tracks the position of multiple GPS satellites in the sky to work out your location. Many smartphones have a GPS receiver built in, so all you need to make them behave like a sat-nav device is some extra software.

Few laptops or netbooks have a built-in GPS receiver so you will have to buy an external GPS receiver. One option is Microsoft Autoroute 2010, which includes a GPS device.

Using a computer in a car has some practical issues. The computer needs power and this has to be from the cigarette lighter (or the 12v socket in newer cars), using an inverter, such as the Ring Automotive FM E:Can+.

You also need to consider the aspects of safety. The computer must not distract your attention from the road and be securely fitted into the car.

We recommend buying a standalone sat-nav device instead as these are cheaper, easier to fit and mount neatly on the windscreen.

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