i don't know what type of unit my seat mate had but it was working on a flight i had lax-sfo. it was quite cool to watch and kudos to the pax as he asked if he could use it and was told yes but just to wait until the "ok to use electronics" announcement was made

Works fine.

I've used my Garmin Nuvi many times without a problem. Once it gets a lock (2-3 minutes), I can just set it on the tray table and it will keep tracking. It will drop the signal every once and awhile, but is quick to pick it back up again.

Yes, your eTrex Venture HC is high sensitivity version and should work even away from the window. Trade off is battery life against a non-"H" version. I have a Venture Cx, normal sensitivity with long battery life and flash card slot to hold maps.

I have read this thread and some others. I have to admit I am confused. Could someone please tell me exactly what do i need to purchase to make a Macbook Pro display my position while flying TATL or TPAC? I basically want to replace the airline Moving Map/AirShow, etc. now that they have been turned of for "security" reasons. (apparently terrorists are unable to look out the window or read a watch)

What hardware, what software?

Additionally, is there any standalone unit that would do this?

Many thanks,

I use one of these on my laptop and it works great with the antenna on the tray table in a window seat. Better yet, it is not real expensive, but it is nearly impossible to use in a car unless you have a navigator in the shotgun seat.

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELi...?section=10091

Not sure about Mac OS support; for Win you can use a USB or Bluetooth GPS device. Place it near the window and you can follow the flight. I have used this device.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?...84#inTheBoxTab
This is the USB version:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?...45#inTheBoxTab

These are Garmin versions. There are many other brands as well.

Problem with BT is that it is a transmitter, which may not be allowed on a plane. Because of this, I gave up using it after a few tries.

Software wise, I have Garmin's Mapsource and nRoute loaded on my computer. Since you will be seated in front of the computer, Mapsource should work well. It can accept all the maps Garmin publishes and hobbyist maps made for Mapsource.

nRoute is made for using in a vehicle and is only marginally better than Mapsource with larger icon, larger pointers etc. Since using a computer itself is difficult in a vehicle, I find nRoute useless.

Nevertheless, Garmin removed moving pointer mode from Mapsource in later versions. So nRoute will be needed.

I gradually had stopped using the laptop GPS in flight and now carry either an eTrex Cx or a Quest.

Many thanks to all who have answered. My particular need is something works while crossing the North Atlantic. What hardware will i need (Mac or freestanding), what mapping software for Mac or Garmin Nuvi.

Thanks

Every GPS I tried worked on an airplane if I was in a window seat. Unfortunately with todays "the sky is falling climate" I think it best not to use a GPS while in an airplane.

MisterNice