In the search for information on these numbers, you may have seen them mentioned interchangeably in community forums and support pages. Let's start by decoding each one:
For over a decade, Microsoft Streets & Trips was the premier travel-planning software for laptops. Users would install the software via CD-ROM, but laptops lacked internal GPS chips. To solve this, Microsoft bundled their software with external GPS receivers. These receivers plugged into a USB port or a cigarette lighter adapter, transforming a standard laptop into a real-time moving map display. Hardware Partnerships
Early iterations relied on serial ports, which transitioned to USB dongles, and eventually evolved into compact, wireless Bluetooth receivers like the Model 1372. These devices allowed laptops, netbooks, and early personal digital assistants (PDAs) running Windows Mobile to function as fully operational dashboard navigation systems. Key Specifications of Model 1372 microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372
In an era dominated by smartphone mapping apps, there remains a dedicated niche for reliable, standalone GPS hardware that directly interfaces with laptops and desktop computers. One such device, which continues to find utility in specialized sectors, is the
LED lights indicating power/battery life, GPS satellite lock status, and Bluetooth pairing activity. Software Compatibility and Legacy Use In the search for information on these numbers,
is a legacy, high-quality USB hardware receiver engineered to deliver precise real-time location mapping and tracking data. Released during the golden era of PC-based offline travel mapping, this puck-style GPS receiver became an essential companion for road trippers, logistics planners, and field researchers. Though specialized mapping ecosystems have shifted to cloud services, this robust hardware remains a highly sought-after tool for specialized computing systems.
: It's crucial to understand that this string does not refer to a single, standalone GPS unit with its own screen and maps . Instead, it describes a specific piece of hardware found inside the box of Microsoft's Streets & Trips software . "GPS 168" or "Model 1372" were informal or hardware part numbers for the GPS receiver dongle that was included with the software package. Think of it less like a Garmin and more like a USB-powered "mouse" that fed location data directly into your laptop. To solve this, Microsoft bundled their software with
Due to its reliance on the universal NMEA 0183 protocol, the device was frequently adapted by hobbyists and professionals as a budget-friendly, secondary GPS feed for marine chart plotters and aviation mapping software running on portable PCs. Driver Compatibility and Modern Legacy Systems
Affordable "vintage" tech usually available on eBay for $15–$30. Plug-and-play functionality on older Windows machines.
If the end looks like a round mouse/keyboard plug, that is . You need a PS/2 to USB active adapter (not a simple pin converter). Alternatively, find a docking station or old laptop from 2005 that has a native PS/2 port.
Before smartphones dominated navigation, the Model 1372 was the go-to for turning a laptop into a real-time GPS unit. Powered by a u-blox GPS chip , this compact USB dongle was designed to lock onto satellite signals quickly and provide precise location data for long-haul road trips.