Newegg.com - BU-353-S4 Weather-proof USB GPS Receiver
This GPS receiver needs to be attached via USB.
But it also has Bluetooth capability (see specifications). For what does one need/use the Bluetooth if the GPS data is transferred via USB ?Since power and data are transferred through the same USB cable from the BU-353, there’s no need for batteries or any other external power source.
Garmin (and other companies) make navigation systems that can be built into (or added to) a vehicle. These navigation systems can use bluetooth to access an external GPS antenna/receiver such as the one that you linked to. The USB power for the external GPS antenna/receiver can come from a power source other than a computer (like a dash mounted USB charging port or a converter). No traditional computer need be in the vehicle.
OK, I understand that application. But if you run on a laptop or tablet, one could get away without the bluetooth connection - right? Although it may be an advantage to power the device via a USB charger and then connect with Bluetooth. Then the tablet is not tethered.
I was planning to use this device or whichever better device I can find on an Asus Transformer running this Microsoft program.
Correct, bluetooth need not be used... but like you mentioned, there might be times when it is nice to have the tablet/laptop free of wires. You could walk the tablet to another car in your caravan to discuss why the software thinks you should drive across a lake
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