GPS on Windows Tablets?

Question

I have looked at many open source GPS programs that can parse GPS data from an external GPS device that connects to the computer via a serial port.

But what about built-in GPS devices like a Panasonic Toughbook (a Windows XP Tablet)? Do these devices transmit their GPS data through a serial port?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure they do broadcast their GPS data through the serial port (or can be easily configured to do so). I've written C# code for Garmin GPS-enabled PDAs, and their GPS data can be accessed either through P/Invoke calls to a proprietary DLL on the device, or just by reading the NMEA sentences broadcast on the serial port. So I imagine built-in GPS in PC-type computers works the same way. I can't find any confirmation of this online, however.