The least expensive approach is one of the software packages for a
laptop computer. There is either Delorme "Street Atlas" or Microsoft
"Streets and Trips". Each is about $100 for the software *AND* the
GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is powered by a USB connection. They
will also work with any NMEA standard GPS if you buy the software only
($50).

Because I always travel with a laptop, the only extra piece I then
need to carry is the GPS receiver which is about the area of a pack of
matches and twice as thick. Thus I basically always have a GPS system
with me. I put the laptop on the passenger's seat and away I go (see
my home made stand detailed below).

Pros: Cheapest solution. Many more features with these complex
software packages driven by a powerful computer over the standalone
box. For example the GPS "radar" which pinpoints the next gas station/
restaurant/motel along your route. The laptop can be used to play
music, videos, etc!

Cons: Less portable than the stand alone variety. A bit problematic
for long trips if someone is sitting in the passenger's seat but for a
retrieve this isn't a big deal. Doesn't sit on the dash for easy
viewing (but I haven't had much of an issue). For longer trips you
need to have something to power the laptop. Rather than purchase a
purpose made 12Vdc laptop power supply, I bought a small general
purpose inverter and use it to plug the computer's AC power supply
into (great for all types of battery chargers, etc).

Of the two products (Delorme, Microsoft) I have much more experience
with the Delorme Street Atlas software. To navigate to a Lat/Long you
enter the data as follows;

- Click on the "Find" tab.
- Click on "Quick Search"
- Enter the Lat/Long in any of the following formats;

N 43 48 30, W70 9 52
N 43 48.4910, W 070 09.8440
N434829.4600, W0700950.6400
N43-48-30, W70-9-52
N 43:48:29.46, W 70:9:50.64
4348, -7009
4348N, 7009W
N4348, W7009
4348n, 7009w
n4348, w7009
4348 N, 7009 W
N 4348, W 7009
4348 n, 7009 w
n 4348 w 7009
434829, -700950
4348.491, -7009.844
434829.46, -700950.64
43.80818333, -70.16406667
43 48.4910 N, 70 09 50.64 W
43 48.4910 n, 70 09 50.64 w
N 43 48.4910, W 70 09 50.64
434829.46 N, 700950.64 W
43, -70

Pretty simple.

I will say that the Garmin auto Nuvi system (highest rated in
Consummer reports) that has the XM radio built in has some cool
features like the capability of helping with traffic, weather, etc.
Cool but expensive. I don't know if it handles Lat/Long entry.

Enjoy, John DeRosa

Car Laptop Stand - I have uploaded a few pictures of my home made
stand. http://geocities.com/jhderosa. There are also commecial
products available like http://www.e-mount.com.