5 comments about Microsoft Streets and Trips 2006 With GPS Locator[Old Version].

1. I bought this a while ago and found it useful as a laptop GPS but as a route planner I found it to be lacking. First off, it is not as intuitive as when I try to do directions on Google Maps.
   
   For instance, when I have pushpins set on a map, I should be able to simply right-click and select another pinpoint as a destination. Or at the very least click and drag one pushpin to another to get directions. Instead if you drag a pushpin, it gets move yet still retains the address of its original position!!! Even thought it's obviously a different location. I can't for the life of me figure out why they would even allow dragging if the information isn't going to be updated. That type of drag serves no useful purpose whatsoever.
   
   It kind of shocks me that the biggest software company on the planet can't figure out how to make things intuitive. You would think they'd have the best product out there. But they don't. Streets and Trips is useful for getting a map when you don't have an internet connection but if you do, it's easier to make a map from Google and print it to PDF which you can have onscreen while you're driving.
   
   With GPS it's pretty good for navigation but that's it.



2. It is very annoying when you make a wrong turn. It will just keep repeating "off route". It does not recalculate unless you force it to.
   
   Because of danger of theft, you have to hide the laptop computer every time that you stop. There are a few too many cords with laptop charger and GPS sensor cords strung around the car.
   
   I like the built in options for distance, mileage, nearby attractions and large screen. I will use the vehicles built in navigation to get me to my distination, but I will use Streets and Trips to locate any nearby attractions. It is nice to be able to plan my trip on my home computer and then transfer the information to the laptop for travel.
   
   It does have a lot of roads that are not on most other GPS guides. I like the simplicity of choosing a route and being able to send that route to other people over the internet. It does give GPS coordinates and elevation. If you are a tech oriented person then this might be for you. If you like hands free, then a voice operated system is probably a better choice. This is an inexpensive alternative to the expensive navigation systems if you have a laptop computer.



3. Bought this to help me on a 1700 mile cross country drive while moving house. Did just what was required, and made for stress free navigation. Only slight criticism, it would be nice to be able to change the brightness of output. I found during night driving that I had to switch on the screen save to keep my night vision.
   
   I bought the 2006 version as it was a lot cheaper than the 2008 version. I realized up from that the maps might be out of date, but this was no issue for me during the trip.



4. It works, it is a tad akward to use and would be much more conveniant if you could upgrade it rather than just buy a new one every few years



5. Purchased this program for my older laptop PC because it was compatible with Win2000. Program worked right out of the box, no troubles installing. Has very nice features, easy to read on the screen. Now if I just could afford to drive my car anywhere ... :)

5 comments about Delorme Street Atlas USA 2008 [Old Version].

1. We purchased this to update from Delorme 2005.The new version has larger control buttons and campground search. All for less than the cost to update our Garmen. Easy to use once you get past the learning curve.



2. I am an 'over-the-road' long haul truck driver. As such, mapping and routing is crucial to doing my job well. I actually use 4 different mapping programs (3 of them run on one gps receiver, the other is a stand-alone). It is totally possible to enter the same data into each program and come up with 4 different routes. But that usually doesnt happen. I do get minor discrepancies between them at times. Of the laptop/desktop programs, the Delorme Street Atlas (SA) is by far the best. Having said that, I will admit that it is NOT intuitive to use at first. MS-Streets and Trips (SNT) is easier to use out of the box and for simple short trips. However, after taking the time to beat the learning curve on SA, it is a far superior product than SNT. The third program that I have is a terribly expensive product designed to be used by truckers. It is useless for the most part. I only consult it if I have concerns about truck restricted roads or bridge clearances. They all have mapping errors in them. They cannot possibly keep up with all the road building that goes on, and must rely on input from users. I dont believe that many people take the time to report errors or changes. There is also a considerable lag time from when the map data is created and the software vendor issues the product. So yes, when you buy the latest version, it is already months out of date.
   
   I am not sure where they get the data for commercial points of interests. In my opinion, I think many places have to pay for the 'advertising', thus if they choose not to, they wont appear. It was frustrating when I was attempting to find a local post office and the data was for a mailbox location. Again, the management and collection of this type of data is an impossible task,they must rely upon the veracity of the data that is supplied to them. Think of what it would cost to send someone to each and every POI to verify the information, and as well collect new data on new resturants, etc. We wouldnt be able to afford such a conveniece.
   
   My advice to you is this, If you are a casual user in familiar areas, consider the dedicated units such as tom-tom or garvin or delphi. I dont believe that you get much by paying a higher price. I wouldnt spend more than a couple of hundred dollars. I would also look for refurbished units. They will give you the best price. Often, they are units returned to stores because the user changed his/her mind. Neither the store nor manufacturer can resell the item as new. There is nothing wrong with it and it will have the same warranty as a brand new one. They are all about the same, though I did like my Delphi unit better than the device I use now that runs Tom Tom. I would stick with the major brands, I just dont trust the no-names. A larger screen is about the only good reason to spend more money.
   
   If you are a heavy user, one who is likely to have a laptop in your vehicle with gps, get both SA and SNT. Get the GPS receiver from Delorme. Then go to their website and download a free small program (called a serial port emulator)that will allow SNT and other programs to use the same receiver. For quick and easy routes use SNT. Use SA for your GPS monitoring. Compare the routes between the two products. If they are not the same, make a decision according to your preferences. You will find it much easier to manipulate your route in SA than in SNT.
   
   And finally, my best advice to you, is to secure the device that you are using. The most popular item to steal from a car today is a GPS device. Remove it from you windshield, including the bracket. It is also a good idea to clean the windshield so that the ring mark left by the suction cup on the bracket doesnt advertise that you have and use a GPS device. A bother you say! Yep, it is! But not as much bother as having to deal with the result of your car having been broken into and stuff stolen from you! And please -- when passing me on the road wave with more than one finger (I go slow because I have to and it saves on fuel)and give plenty of room before you move back into the lane. At highway speeds it takes me 3 football fields to bring my truck to a panic stop. I dont want to have to live with the fact that I killed someone because the driver of the other vehicle was ignorant or in just too big a hurry.



3. I researched and compared both this product and Microsoft Streets and Trips. I had Streets and Trips several years ago, so I was familiar with the "look and feel" of that progam. I thought I would try something different, since it was not an expensive tool, as opposed to buying a GPS navigator. I do prefer the Streets and Trips interface to this program, but that may be just what I am used to. This interface seems a bit "dated", while Streets and Trips seems more professional and polished. I use this software for planning leisure trips, and I like to experiment with several routes to the same destination. This product allows me to do that quite easily. One part of my planning is to figure out where we may want to stay overnight on our way somewhere. I like the listing of POI's which shows the distance that POI is from my origin or destination. For example, if I want to stop after about 300 miles, I can scroll down and see the hotels available at about the 300 mile point on my route. It also shows me how far off the route that the POI's are located. All this can be done before I leave home, and I can verify the POI details online. I am the family navigator, so I can have my laptop in front of me and read out directions to my husband. One feature that does not appear to be working correctly, is the connection of this program to the Internet. That may just be my inexperience with the product, but I am not sure how POI, road construction, and any other updates will become available. Overall, this program gets the job done, but I think I would have preferred Streets and Trips.



4. I have installed it and tested it out and it worked great. Easy to use, lots of great points of interest. I was mainly using it with a laptop and a usb gps unit. I finally broke down and bought a protable GPS Nav system and I like it a lot and don't have to carry the laptop around all the time now. I will continue to use this product on my PCs for its mapping ability.



5. I really like this product. It works very well with my Holux GPSlim 236 GPS device via bluetooth to my laptop. It speaks the names of the steet names and automatically recalculates the route if you miss a turn.

2 comments about National Geographic Complete National Park Maps.

1. From the standpoint of being able to pull up and print out maps, this program is awesome. Where it fell short is that there really isn't much information besides the maps. When they say National Park Maps, they mean maps. All kinds of maps. I was hoping the program had some additional information about the national parks. Although, if what you're looking for are detailed maps, then this is the program for you.



2. Don't buy National Geographic National Parks Trail Guide (Jewel Case) if you buy this! The manufacturer should have shown that Trail Guide is included in NG National Park Maps. I bought both, and could not know this until I openned and installed them - what a waste! I bought this through J&R and they refused to help me with this. Very disappointed with J&R.

1 comments about Microsoft MapPoint 2006 with GPS.

1. MapPont is an excellent mapping software. Finds locations accurately and has a built in link to MapPoint's website that provides aerial views of the location. The only flaw that I have discover in the software is that MapPoint does not allow you to export the locations (points) with simple geographic data attached, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, census tracts, and zip codes. You can view this information on the screen, but when you export the points, the information is not. You are, however able to write your own programs (if you posses computer programming skills) and use the program as a plug-in to export the information, but this is not a simple task if you don't posses the required skill.
   
   It would have been great if MapPoint would either have these feature included or provide simple step-by-step instruction and tools to accomplish this.
   
   Overall, this is an excellent mapping program that I highly recommend and hope future versions will have better export options.

5 comments about Earthmate GPS PN-20.

1. I used to use a Garmin 60CSx and then this came along and there is no going back. The maps and imagery provided by DeLorme are integrated into the system in a unique and innovative manner. I think because DeLorme has been making maps for consumers and governments for years they understand mapmaking at a higher level than the other GPS providers. and as such they have blown me away with this exciting new GPS. The sensitivity is exceptional and the total experience with the included maps and software makes for a tremendous value



2. I chose PN-20 over Garmin Vista HCx for its overall value. It was a tough choice between the two. Vista HCx is more compact, faster graphics redraw, and more sensitive receiver than PN-20, but PN-20 came with a much better map package, more intuitive and flexible menuing, a better physical design, and a good enough sensitive receiver. I'm very happy with the PN-20.



3. I bought this unit to use outdoors because I have been a big fan of their paper Atlas for more than a decade and more recently of their software. This GPS unit is a real gem! Extremely rugged, water proof (it even floats in case you ever take it with you fishing). Initially, I had planned on only using it recreationally, but I have Delorme's XMap software for work and discovered that I could scan our company system maps and download those onto the PN-20, too.
   I do however wish that the screen was a little bigger, sometimes it is a little difficult to see the small screen.



4. Out of the box, the unit I got kept locking up and rebooting. Very unstable. Delorme suggested I upgrade to firmware 1.3, but the unit was already at that level so N/A. Unuseable.



5. I have been very happy with the Delorme products on my laptop. I have also been quite unhappy with other GPS devices like Garmin and TomTom, so I decided to try the PN-20. This is for use in a vehicle and the display on the PN-20 is too small for use in a vehicle. I have returned the PN-20 and will continue using my laptop.

5 comments about Microsoft Street & Trips 2008 GPS with Connected Services.

1. This is the second version of MS Streets and Trips, the COnnected Services is a great addition, but is tempramental in my area. When I get a connection it's really fantastic to see all the nearby items and traffic. The changes to the software are great including full screen, night/day quick-key, the automatic re-routing after a wrong turn, and lots of others. I use this several time a week for work and occasionally for personal and have had no problems.



2. Microsoft Streets and Trips is a very good product,but i can see no difference in 2008 than in 2007,and as far as the msn direct it is worthless unless you are right in their coverage area,and unless you travel a lot in their area what is the point..



3. A nice upgrade to the older versions. The Connected service needs work. You lose signals traveling between (San Antonio to Dallas for example)coverage areas and the system doesn't automatically reconnect. The renewal fee after the first year is not worth the money if vast improvements are not made soon.



4. This product is amazing for the price ($150): the features that it has and the fact that it turns your laptop into a GPS map with a very large screen. The GPS locater is extremely accurate. I did not find the software features intuitive but they worked well once I figured them out. However, the mapping software(ie names of streets) was not up to date and I discovered to my distress that it is not updatable until the next version (2009) is released. Microsoft has this in common with several other GPS mapping hardware and software systems. I returned it to Microsoft.



5. I've had S&T connected for about a week now and will probably keep it. Til now I've been using DeLorme software, which I like a lot but it doesn't have the connected features I wanted to try.
   
   The downsides to S&T:
   1. I bought it for use on a car computer installed in my vehicle. It's probably not up to the task but is easier to use than DeLorme. One major drawback for S&T is that DeLorme has voice input which makes for a nice hands off experience. So far S&T is easier to use, has a better display but is distracting if I have to use the mouse.
   2. So far it's on a par with DeLorme for accuracy of maps. However, DeLorme provides regular updates (for a year) but Microsoft does not. Doesn't seem fair for Microsoft to aske for error reports when the only benefit to the customer is to get fixes when they buy the next version. Shame on you Microsoft! See if you get any error reports from me!
   3. Connected services seems to work fine. Two major drawbacks though. Services are very limited. Here in Oregon only the Portland area is covered. If I go south to California I have over 600 miles of uncovered area! At least DeLorme has good coverage on services across the country, albeit not real time. Second is price. First year is free, but after that you pay; I'm not sure it's worth it.
   4. I'm concerned about more than just the map updates. What about 2009? Will I have to buy the connected version to retain those services? Does that mean I have to pay for another GPS and connected device? You've really got to do better Microsoft on cleaning up your upgrade path for this product Microsoft or I won't be buying it again.
   5. The GPS device and connected services weren't easy to install. Connected took more work than was necessary for this device. GPS was a royal pain. I'm an old hand system administrator and did all my tricks to get it working. You would think with S&T being Microsofts product, the hardware being Microsoft, and the operating system Microsoft's as well it would be a snap. DeLorme took a little work to get a 3rd party Bluetooth GPS to work (which is potentially a riskier proposition). Ironically the 3rd party GPS worked fine on S&T and it took hours playing with drivers to find the problem. Not very positive Microsoft!
   6. S&T has crashed twice now. DeLorme never gave me a problem in over a year.
   7. The install offered to create a link to Outlook, which would be a really nice feature. Unfortunately this part of the install failed. It gave instructions on where to find more information but I've been unable yet to find them.
   
   The positives? Easier to use than others. Connected services has huge potential. Support responded fairly quickly. (However, by the time they responded I had already gone through most of the steps and fixed the problem. Their suggestions were not for the faint hearted and were the right steps to take. Unfortunately, the problem was one that would have taken them another step to find. I know what the problem is, but I'm not telling them! When they give me updates during the life of the product I will!)
   
   Bottom line - better than before, still not a threat to Garmin.

5 comments about Microsoft MapPoint 2006 Standard Edition.

1. We purchased this software to map retail locations on a region. It is missing too many features to be usable. For instance, when you import a custom graphic pushpin, the software doesn't resize it as you zoom which forces you to create multiple sizes in another program. You can add text description boxes but have no control over the font or sizing -- and they don't resize either.
   
   We highlighted our specific region but the software doesn't let you print just that region (called 'territory.) We searched the help files and their word 'territory' is not even listed.
   
   You cannot save your map graphics in any standard graphics format, e.g. JPEG, PDF or ai. We tried printing to a PDF generator, but Map Point's map output is of very poor resolution even on the highest settings.
   
   After wasting a lot of time, it's apparent we should have tried Google Maps/Earth with our graphics editing software for a solution that works.



2. First, keep in mind that Mappoint is NOT forward-compatible; i.e., your 2006 maps will be useless to anyone who owns prior versions. And, the 2006 version will not "save as" an older version either. In short, if you upgrade, everyone else will also need to upgrade.
   
   Otherwise, it's a decent program, although its "idiot-proof" functionality inhibits flexibility. For example, city names will obscure your every map whether you want them or not. I remove them by exporting my maps as jpg files, and editing them in Photoshop -- but that is a huge, and unnecessary, nuisance.
   
   Mappoint is a basic mapping program with some data-plotting features. Easy to use, colorful, very readable, but limiting. Microsoft could use some competition.



3. There is a lot of meat to this product; identify drive times from a certain location, overlay income or other demographic info and convert selected areas into zip codes and export to Excel. Export maps in Word with push pins showing the location of important locations for others without MapPoint. Not particularly easy to learn and the book MapPoint for Dummies is an earlier version. Still, its a powerful program with great tools.



4. This product is fine if you do not want to print your map. I created a territory and added locations via the pushpins. At a lower zoom level, my pushpins overlap and are unreadable. I wanted to print the whole territory at a certain zoom level to allow veiwing of all the pushpins without overlap onto however many pages it takes. This is not possible. It will only print what you see on your screen. If you want to print your whole map, you literally have to save your screen view into a graphic file, scroll to the next area, save it as well and repeat until you have saved your entire territory. Once you have saved the whole map in peices, you can print all your files and tape them together to make one big map. Ridiculous!!



5. Once I began defining the territories, using the US census geographic unit, my system crashed. I was not even halfway through the process. Microsoft's suggestions were to uninstall and reinstall but this did not fix the problem. Currently I am able to use about half of the functionality. I am very unhappy with this purchase.

5 comments about Microsoft AutoRoute Europe 2007.

1. I am no fan of dictatorial monopoly companies. But this software is so good that it overcomes my dislikes.



2. Microsoft AutoRoute Europe 2007
   I purchased this product specificly for Slovakia & The Ukraine. They don't show any roads in these areas. The description led me to believe that Microsoft had improved these areas. I've used Microsoft Streets since its inception, and I was very disappointed to see what a poor job they did with the Europe version.



3. I traveled to Greece last month and visited Santorini and Crete. The program was helpful but it would have been better if it showed the roads in those islands. I was able to trace my routes which made it useful on the way back. I still recommend the program.



4. Hi,
   I bought this software because I am taking a trip to England soon.
   
   The software is ok, but it could be better, I am not a fan of the zoom. You have to go up to a zoom bar to adjust. I also own Delorme Street Atlas and I fing that software much easier to use from a functionality standpoint. To Zoom in the Delorme you drag a box, or stairstep out. (I know that isn't clear, but once you do it it's easy)
   
   However the price on the Autoroute is what sold me. I will be using it for about one week, and will probably never use it again. The fact it sets up with a GPS is very cool, I am a fan of using a laptop as a GPS device, I will never get a pocket size one.



5. You can't hide all places - that is a minor annoyance. The real problem is that it creates driving directions that are impossible to follow. "Local road, name changes to local road for 184 yards," for example.

5 comments about Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 with GPS.

1. With my laptop and the gps that comes with the software, I had a good time driving to Big Bend. Helps to have a co-pilot to run the program.



2. Used it for a road trip with my Asus Eee PC (ASUS Eee PC 4G Surf (7" Screen, 800 MHz Intel Celeron Processor, 512 MB RAM, 4 GB Hard Drive, Linux Preloaded) Galaxy Black) and a power inverter - worked very well and I wouldn't have made it home otherwise! Planning a route an executing it using this software are two very different things, however; I abandoned the voice-guided directs early on and used it more as just a map. Excellent tool.
   
   *Eee users note: I used EeeCTL software to overclock up to 900MHz. While 900 isn't required (stock worked well enough) I much preferred the higher setting while not on battery power. If it wasn't obvious, this was all while running XP.



3. Good News - Excellant product. Bad News - However if you have to reinstall on your PC (rebuild PC, hard disk crash, etc.) you can if you've used up your 2 installations. Have to contact Microsoft technical support, convince them you are reinstalling, not an additional install, and they walk you through given them LOTS of number and they have you enter LOTS of number to get it activated.



4. Product as was described. Very happy with results and its pretty up to date. I live in Tucson AZ so with new housing and roads things are always changing. I would recommend this product.



5. I have GPS on my phone; GPS in my car; and now I have Bill Gates, whoops I mean GPS telling my notebook computer where to go and how to get there.
   This was a purchase for the fun of having another toy to play with, and play I have. Even without the GPS it is useful. Kind of like having Mapquest without needing an internet connection.
   Installation is simple, The GPS receiver provided is small and fits nicely in the very compact bag I use to carry my computer around and everything works as advertised.
   Good content in the POI file, and the maps, at least for the northeast U.S. seem pretty complete and up to date.
   When I compare route calculations with what the GPS in my Honda Pilot does, they are very similar.
   Overall, I'm pretty happy with my purchase.
   BTW, you can find standalone GPS receivers that use USB connectors and provide output in NEMA format. If you have/buy one of these then get MS S&T without the receiver. They should work fine together.

5 comments about Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008.

1. I was just getting ready to purchase the new M&S 2008 but as always, I read the reviews for any item and usually from the worst to the best ratings. I currently am running 2006 and am thrilled with it. The reviews for 2008 have driven me off from purchasing that version for myself and several other family members. I don't mind the registration requirements being added, but the significan problems noted in not being able to actually complete the registration process, as well as lack of returning phone calls from customer service, left me cold. Also, street addresses not appearing where they had been on previous versions I believe shows a true lack of attention to detail and the need to address the customers needs. They need to spend as much time on making sure the program works correctly and has updated addresses to include new areas as well as keeping old ones. They also need to address these blasted issues concerning registration and the failure of there product to complete it. They have a honest concern for retaining the rights and costs for their product, but they need to also put as much effort into the product as they do in protecting their pocketbook. These reviews actually do impact the sales of products on Amazon and I'm proof the system works. Microsoft, I hope your listening...



2. This program is easy to use - relatively intuitive about finding the controls to do the required task. The streets are up to date, even in a heavy construction area like San Diego. Works well with the GPS to give directions. This has saved me in really obscure situations, like finding the cemetery in Clyde, OH, and finding a specific hotel near Ft Leonard Wood in MO. I also use the bare program a lot to find specific addresses near home. I have 2 other GPS units and 2 other map programs - this is the easiest to setup and use.



3. This is my 4th update for this program. It installed easier than the previous ones and works easier and better.



4. I have been buying Streets and Trips each year for over 5 years, and use it frequently to plan for business trips (I am on the road 36 weeks per year). I have noticed the product is not as good as it used to be, but it still worthwhile as a planning tool, before leaving. In addition, I prefer printed maps and directions to a GPS in the car. Less distracting.
   PROS:
   - I find it invaluable when I have to find directions (on-the-fly), but do not have wi-fi access. You can pull up a map anywhere from your laptop.
   - The program is very flexible in printing maps and directions. If you don't like the directions or want to shorten them, you can cut them and paste into Word for editing. In addition, you can copy and paste maps as well, so I often print a detailed map of the airport and destination with abbreviated directions inbetween.
   - Easy to use
   - Can find stores and other items of interest easily.
   CONS
   - The directions from the airport are from the center of the runway rather than the terminal, and often direct you were there are no roads out of the airport. You have to fudge with the program to make it work properly.
   _ It sometimes will not let you click on a highway to select a destination, because it thinks something is not there, when in actuality some new was built there.
   - the directions often are not the best route. The program does not allow you to easily vary your route. Even if you click on an interstate you wish to use, the directions take you off the interstate then back on it. Another example, I was traveling from Toledo OH to Auburn Hill MI, a straight shot up I-75, however once I got to Detroit, it took me off the interstate on some surface road and then back on for no apparent reason. This actually confused me and resulted in me getting lost. However, that said, I have used NeverLost in Hertz cars many times, and their directions are worse than S&T.
   - Few routing options (quickest, shortest, and selected roads only). For example, there is no option to avoid heavily congested roads. They provide constuction information, but not rerouting for construction.
   - the maps are not as up-to-date as some of the on-line mapping programs (missing new streets).
   - the GPS is relatively inexpensive and works but is very cumbersome. It is hard to find a place to put the laptop so you can see it without diverting your eyes to much off the road. The sound (at full volume) is not loud enough over road noise, and the one time I used it and had to make a quick stop, the laptop went flying - so I no longer want to risk. The extra money for the GPS sensor was wasted.
   SUMMARY: No mapping program is perfect. However, this one seems to be getting worse each year. I still like it but really would like to see major improvements. The cost is usually cheap enough to put it with the flaws, so I will probably continue to get one.
   One side note: it does not work on Apple computers.



5. Amazing functionality. If your job requires travel with multiple stops, this software makes it really simple to get to and from your stops in the most fuel efficient route. It's capability to avoid tolls, certain roads, and construction areas is unmatched.
   
   Unless you read the manual, it is a bit tricky to master all the features that MS Streets offers. After you play for a bit, it is very user friendly.