Decided it's high time to buy a gps gizmo for shopping for homes. The
  only available unit I see that comes with map software is the DeLorme
  Earthmate LT-40. No one has this unit in stock. Even DeLorme is out.

  This sort of unit has been discussed here many times. Short of
  buying an iPad2, what can I use? I see many gps usb and thumb
drive receivers  available. Nothing I have seen has software
bundled. I want to use my  laptop because we store home sale info to
view as we drive around,  and want the gps running for tracking
those pesky houses down finally.

  If I can get one that doubles as a cockpit device, I'll be
  enlightened all the more.

  Thanks for your input!
  Ed Carver

  Robin has a dedicated GPS moving map she can loan you and maybe you
  can talk her into selling it cheap ($20) as she now has a GPS built
  into her tablet and cell phone. I'll ask her when she wakes up. My
  guess is those things are dime a dozen on ebay as they are now
  obsolete big time. You can also a do screen shots of Google maps.

  If you want a tablet I recommend a 10 inch with built in USB. The
  Asus left that out in the Transformer. Fry's and Best Buys have a
  good selection in Oxnard. I think the Toshiba is about the best
  right at the moment. The Ipad screen blows up at over 10,000 feet.
I  am not sure the Toshiba won't. Too early to tell. The aviation
software for the Android is not quite as good as it is for the Ipad
right at the moment. Things are changing by the minute.

  Paul Lamar

Hi Ed,
Try looking at www.canadagps.com   Globalsat BU-353. This one says
good to 18,000m/60,000ft and 1000 knots. USB plug in. There is also
a Dongle device.

Dale Davies

    The BU-353 GPS Receiver can be utilized in a variety of
applications that may require a magnetic mounting with a waterproof
configuration. With non-slip on the base and its compact design, the
BU-353 is completely self-contained and waterproof. It incorporates
the latest SiRF Star III GPS chipset and an active patch antenna so
you receive the highest degree of GPS accuracy. Typical application
may include, but not limited to marine, aviation, and commercial
environments in such uses as fire truck, police cars, buses, utility
& long haul vehicles. The extended 5 feet long cable allows for easy
routing behind headliners and side panels to terminate at a USB
connector for interfacing with your Laptop / ibook. / PowerBook.

That is just a receiver Dale.

It is the Ipad screen that blows up.

Paul Lamar

Ed asked for a GPS to use with a laptop. There is MS Streets and Trips.
Versions with and without GPS included. I have a 2005 version with the Pharos receiver. Some receivers can be set up to be used with Streets and Trips without bundled receiver. Mine was working good and would show which side of the road you are on. Something not working now. Drivers available but not receiving data. Might have to get a new receiver to try. Might require aviation software for that app.

Dale Davies