This article covers the history, internal hardware, legacy software compatibility, and current workarounds for operating this dependable GPS receiver. Hardware Specifications and Design Model 1372
, one must look back at its companion software: (and its European counterpart, Microsoft AutoRoute ).
Understanding this specific model requires diving into its technical architecture, its historical integration with Microsoft’s enterprise ecosystem, and how enthusiasts and industrial technicians continue to utilize it today. Historical Context: Microsoft’s Foray into GPS Hardware
: This model was a successor or alternative to the Pharos-branded receivers often found in Microsoft Streets & Trips 2007 and later editions.
: While the official software it supported (Streets & Trips) is discontinued, the device remains popular in the hobbyist community for projects like Pwnagotchi or as a low-cost GPS logger for Linux-based systems. Acquisition & Support microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372
Suddenly, the screen glitched. The map didn't show a road, but a straight line cutting across the salt flats. "Turn left in five hundred feet," the device commanded. Elias looked out at the empty expanse. There was no road, only the shimmering horizon. He hesitated, then pulled the wheel.
"Model 1372" is not a valid Microsoft navigation product model. It is either a component number or a typo for the actual Pharos GPS-168 .
If you have stumbled upon a device labeled “Microsoft Navigation GPS 168” or are trying to resurrect a dusty puck from your garage with "Model 1372" stamped on the back, you are not alone. For nearly a decade, a specific class of GPS receivers bridged the gap between dedicated sat-nav units and the burgeoning smartphone era. These were the "GPS Mouses" – compact, puck-shaped receivers designed to plug into a laptop or PDA running Windows.
is highly regarded for its compact, durable design. Built specifically to withstand long deployments on vehicle dashboards, its construction focuses entirely on signal clarity and universal PC connectivity. This article covers the history, internal hardware, legacy
It looks like you’re referencing a specific product:
Programs like Microsoft MapPoint or Streets & Trips intercepted the coordinate data, translating the raw numbers into a visual pin on a digital map.
A small, square USB dongle often used with laptops for mobile navigation. Original Bundle: Typically included with DVD versions of Streets & Trips 2007 Associated Parts: Users often search for the (which is frequently missing on used units) or USB extension cables
It is important to clarify exactly what this device is to manage expectations. This is a modern, standalone navigation unit like a Garmin or TomTom with a screen. It is a Bluetooth GPS Receiver (GPS Puck) released in the mid-2000s. Historical Context: Microsoft’s Foray into GPS Hardware :
looking for a cheap, durable USB GPS receiver, it is a reliable piece of vintage hardware that still holds its own. Are you planning to use this with original software modern DIY project
At the core of the Model 1372 was the renowned , which was a major selling point at the time.
The Microsoft GPS 168 is no longer a viable primary navigation tool compared to modern smartphones, especially given its lack of voice guidance and the danger of glancing at a laptop while driving. However, if you are an offline traveler using legacy software or a hardware tinkerer
