Navigation Gps 168 Model 1372 Extra Quality: Microsoft
It sounds like you’re referring to a Microsoft GPS receiver from the mid-2000s, often sold under names like “Microsoft GPS 168” or labeled with model number 1372. These were commonly part of Microsoft Streets & Trips (or AutoRoute in Europe) GPS bundles.
Here’s a concise guide to understanding and (potentially) using this legacy device.
2. Hardware specifications (typical for this class/model)
Note: Exact specifications can vary by OEM variant; these reflect common specs for Microsoft-branded navigation units of this generation:
- Display: 3.5–4.3 inch TFT resistive touchscreen, 480×272 or similar WVGA-ish resolution.
- CPU: Low-power ARM-based processor (single-core, ~200–400 MHz typical).
- Memory: 32–128 MB RAM; internal flash storage 128–512 MB with microSD expansion slot on some units.
- GPS receiver: SiRFstar III or equivalent chipset common at the time, with external/integrated patch antenna.
- Sensors: Basic GPS only; no gyroscope/compass or advanced inertial sensors in many units.
- Connectivity: No cellular; optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling on some models; USB 2.0 for data and charging.
- Power: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (2–4 hours typical) plus 12 V car charger.
- Maps: Preloaded map data (region-specific) stored in internal memory or on included SD card.
- Audio: Mono speaker for voice prompts; 3.5 mm headphone jack on some units.
The Software: Streets & Trips and the "Laptop Driver"
The GPS 168 was rarely sold as just a standalone unit; it was often the companion to Microsoft’s flagship mapping software: Streets & Trips.
If you were a power user in 2006, your setup probably looked like this: A Dell laptop mounted on the passenger seat, plugged into a cigarette lighter adapter, running Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006, connected wirelessly via Bluetooth to the GPS 168.
This setup offered something Garmin couldn't: A massive screen and granular control. You could plan complex multi-stop routes, optimize delivery schedules, and see points of interest with a level of detail that tiny 3.5-inch dash units couldn't match. The GPS 168 was the silent workhorse feeding the data to the beast.
For users of Windows Mobile (the precursor to Windows Phone), the GPS 168 transformed a PDA into a full-blown navigation system. It was a glimpse into the future of convergence, where the phone in your pocket replaced the dedicated unit in your car.
4. Performance
In terms of performance for its intended era:
- Time to First Fix (TTFF): Cold starts took about 30–45 seconds; warm starts were nearly instant.
- Accuracy: It was accurate within 5–10 meters, which was standard for consumer GPS
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy external USB GPS receiver originally bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips software packages from the mid-to-late 2000s. Designed to provide real-time positioning for laptop-based navigation, it is now primarily a legacy device used by hobbyists for retro-computing or specialized projects. Product Specifications Model Number: 1372. Hardware Type: USB GPS Receiver (Dongle). microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372
Internal Chipset: Based on the u-blox 5 series (discontinued) or similar high-sensitivity GPS chipsets of that era. Connectivity: USB Type-A interface.
Primary Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit).
Physical Form: Slim, portable design typically with a protective cap for the USB connector. Original Software Integration
The Model 1372 was famously included with several versions of Microsoft Streets & Trips (2005 through 2008 editions).
Setup: Users would install the software, connect the GPS locator to a USB port, and use the "Configure GPS Receiver" tool within the application to scan and track their position.
Function: It converted a standard laptop into a turn-by-turn navigation system before smartphones and built-in tablet GPS became ubiquitous. Modern Technical Use & Support
While officially legacy hardware, the device remains functional with certain configurations:
Driver Issues: Modern Windows versions (Windows 10/11) may require manual driver installation through Device Manager, as it is often recognized as a USB-to-Serial adapter. It sounds like you’re referring to a Microsoft
Linux Compatibility: It can be detected as a serial device on Linux, streaming NMEA data that can be used with open-source tools like gpsd. Common Troubleshooting:
Direct Connection: Users are advised to avoid USB hubs or extension cables to prevent hardware conflicts.
Signal Lock: Being an older GPS unit, it may take several minutes to achieve a "cold start" satellite lock when used indoors or in dense urban environments. Market Availability
The Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 (Model 1372) is a legacy USB-based GPS receiver primarily known as the hardware companion for the Microsoft Streets & Trips software suite. Although it is no longer in active production, it remains a popular choice for hobbyists and travelers looking for a cost-effective way to add real-time satellite tracking to laptops or DIY projects. Technical Specifications and Features
The Microsoft 1372 model was designed for plug-and-play simplicity during the era of portable computing before internal GPS became standard in all devices.
Chipset: Often reported to feature a u-blox GPS chip (specifically the discontinued u-blox 5 series), which allows for relatively fast satellite locks even in outdoor environments.
Connectivity: Uses a standard USB 2.0 interface, making it compatible with a wide range of older and modern hardware.
Navigation Capabilities: Provides real-time data including speed, altitude, latitude, and longitude coordinates. Display: 3
Build Quality: Noted for being a durable "OEM" product, with some users reporting consistent performance for five years or more. Historical Context: Microsoft Streets & Trips
This GPS receiver reached its peak popularity when bundled with Microsoft Streets & Trips (and its European equivalent, AutoRoute). The hardware allowed the software to offer features such as:
GPS Trail: A graphical representation of the user’s route.
Automatic Re-routing: Recalculating directions in real-time based on the vehicle's current location.
Points of Interest: Accessing millions of mapped locations without needing an active internet connection. Modern Utility and Setup
While Microsoft officially ended support for Streets & Trips in 2013, the GPS 168 Model 1372 is still useful today for several niche applications. Installation Steps
To set up the device on a Windows PC, follow these general steps:
Note: This article assumes a vintage/retro technology context, as this device is not a modern smartphone or current in-car system.