Conventional Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers have specialized processing chips containing multiple correlating processors for analyzing multiple GPS satellite signals and determining the devices position. One way to dramatically reducing the cost (and size requirements) of GPS enabling mobile devices is to replace the specialized GPS chip with a software application solution using the mobile devices own general purpose processor chip. The processing power now available in mobile devices such as laptop PCs, PDAs and mobile phones makes this a viable solution.

Software to crunch a GPS position location has been developed over a three year period by numerous Philips research and applied technologies groups. The software, Spot, has been successfully applied to a variety of different mobile equipment platforms. As well a providing a software solution for GPS positioning, Spot also allows for easier upgrading and offers significant power savings as the software can be easily shut down and the RF front-end can be put into low-power standby between positional fixes. according to Philips Spot halves the cost of incorporating GPS, opening up large-volume market opportunities for location, tracking, and navigation applications.

Rather than retail their software directly to the public, Philips have licensed Spot to other manufacturers such as ALK Technologies Inc for integration into their products. ALK Technologies, a developer of GPS navigation, mileage, mapping and route guidance software, integrated Spot into their CoPilot Navigator 9 software. When combined with a Philips designed next generation GPS antenna, CoPilot Navigator 9, converts a laptop into a mobile GPS receiver with all the features such as turn-by-turn voice guidance and map navigation. DELL are selling jl CoPilot Navigator 9 as a GPS capability accessory for their Inspiron notebook computers.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

ALK CoPilot Navigator 9 - GPS kit

CoPilot Navigator 9:

• Transforms your mobile PC into a full-featured GPS satellite navigation system
• Provides automated voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions to any destination in the United States.
• Features a Philips designed USB 2.0 GPS antenna with faster time to first fix and higher overall satellite tracking performance.
• Over 6 million miles of road in the United States.
• Over 3 million points of interest including gas stations, restaurants, hospitals and hotels
• 3D, 2D and Driver Safety map views with Mileage Markers, Moving Maps, auto-zoom and turn arrows that highlight the way ahead
• Customizable preferences include routing type, stop optimization, and fuel cost estimates.

What’s Included

• CoPilot Navigator 9
• 1 Install Disc
• 1 Map Disc
• Street-level maps for the Continental U.S.
• Highway-level maps for Canada & Mexico
• Philips GPS antenna
• Printed Quick Start Guide

System Requirements - Laptop Requirements

• Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
• Microsoft Windows XP Pro,
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional or later
• 1GHz processor or better
• 256 MB RAM
• 16X CD-ROM
• 1 GB available hard disc space
• USB 2.0 Port

GPS Receiver Requirements

• Philips GPS antenna

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Further Reading

A brief, easy-to-read overview of the United States Global Positioning System

Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications, Second Edition

Global Positioning System: Theory and Practice

Understanding the GPS: An Introduction to the Global Positioning System

Understanding the Navstar: GPS, GIS, IVHS (Electrical Engineering)

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator [DVD]