Instead of investing in a complete GPS system that sees use only a few weeks of the year, Farmer GPS of Stony Plain, Alta., offers a complete software package that can have your laptop computer doing double duty.

Farmer GPS offers a software program that can turn your laptop into a GPS system for only a few hundred dollars. (Scott Garvey photo)

If you already have a laptop, an minimum investment in the software and a receiver antenna will get you a fully-functioning GPS system.

Farmer GPS is offering the software for a special price of $299 during the show; regular price is $399. Johannas Heupal, owner of Farmer GPS, says a computer with 512 MB of RAM is adequate to run the program.

Heupal also recommends using the smaller notebook-style laptop, which takes up less space in the cab -- and with most newer computers using a solid-state hard drive, vibration is no longer a problem.

The Farmer GPS system even offers a section control feature and it creates field maps. It can also be used to keep complete records of operations, with the ability to log detailed weather conditions. Heupal says an automatic temperature sensing function will be available within three months.