The program is Coastal Explorer. Compared to my upper-end notebook I use for work it is a bit slower on the screen pans but nothing too noticable. Also running a 19" monitor is a bit slower yet. The speed difference is so small that I usually take the Netbook instead of the 17" notebook because it is easier to carry. For power I use an I-Go power supply that converts 12vdc directly to the netbook. I don't know why a Bluetooth GPS would act any diffently than the USB GPS.