Though Microsoft discontinued the Streets & Trips ecosystem years ago, a dedicated community of tech enthusiasts, truck drivers, marine navigators, and hardware hackers continue to deploy the Model 1372
Here is a comprehensive deep dive into the actual device you are likely recalling, its specifications, legacy, and troubleshooting for the "Model 1372" confusion.
Today, you can find these units for $15–$30 on eBay, often with 2008 maps that still think the Twin Towers exist or that a certain stretch of road is a dirt path.
While Microsoft Streets & Trips is no longer actively supported, the Microsoft Navigation GPS 168 microsoft navigation gps 168 model 1372
To help you get the right post, here’s what you can do:
Note the specific outgoing virtual COM port number assigned to the Bluetooth GPS receiver (e.g., COM4 or COM7). Step 4: Configure Your Software
Microsoft's Navigation GPS 168 (model 1372) is a discontinued dedicated portable GPS navigator that appeared in the mid-to-late 2000s as Microsoft attempted to enter the in-car navigation market with streamlined, map-focused devices. It paired Microsoft-supplied navigation software and map data with modest handheld hardware intended for drivers who wanted a simple point-and-go experience without a smartphone. Below is a focused, structured deep write-up covering history, hardware, software, features, performance, limitations, and legacy. Though Microsoft discontinued the Streets & Trips ecosystem
(roughly between the 2005 and 2013 versions). While a "blast from the past" for tech enthusiasts, it remains a surprisingly functional tool for specific offline navigation and specialized DIY projects. Performance and Build Reliability
Note: When purchasing, confirm the item includes the USB cable and magnetic base as pictured in most online listings . The Genuine Microsoft 1372 Navigation GPS 168 USB Receiver
relies heavily on robust u-blox architecture. This chip family processes raw satellite signals and converts them into standardized geospatial data strings, resulting in accurate locks even under dense foliage or urban canyons. Software Legacy: Microsoft Streets & Trips To appreciate the Model 1372 Step 4: Configure Your Software Microsoft's Navigation GPS
: Typically tracks multiple satellites simultaneously to provide position accuracy within approximately 15 meters under clear sky conditions. Historical Context & Usage
: It is often reported as "plug-and-play" for Raspberry Pi and Linux systems. Troubleshooting Common Issues Genuine Microsoft 1372 Navation GPS 168 USB Receiver
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
Slim, portable design typically with a protective cap for the USB connector. Original Software Integration
: Drivers for Windows 7, Vista, and XP (64-bit) are available from repositories like Driverscape .