First it was "MAC?" now it's "VISTA?" ... How about "is it a good buy?"....YES!!

god this is a terrible product, i bought it in 2005 and returned it asap. if it had a bluetooth gps so i could actually use it with a pda it would be ribs but who wants to lug their laptop around and use mediocre software.

iwannacorndog wrote:I bought the 2005 version of this software with the GPS hardware in a Woot-Off and have loved it. Accuracy couldn't be better, and the points of interest are actually useful! At least the 2005 version works with Google Earth, since it's NMEA compatible, and I've also gotten it working on a Mac (using a hacked-up driver I managed to find).

Can you provide a link to the Mac driver you found? Thanks!

How does this compare to DeLorme products? I personally prefer Google for my mapping software....

Gatzby wrote:

No, it was removed because it was off-topic. You have one in the appropriate forum, I've bookmarked it, and will pass it along to service in the morning.

oh, ok. Thanks.

edit: again, I screwed up, not them.

Can someone please clarify: Will this plug directly into my Windows based pocket PC (Dell Axim X30 series) and give the voice 'turn by turn' directions and detect off route and all that good stuff. It looks like it does with a real lappy, but i can't tell on a PDA.

klipper wrote:Can someone please clarify: Will this plug directly into my Windows based pocket PC (Dell Axim X30 series) and give the voice 'turn by turn' directions and detect off route and all that good stuff. It looks like it does with a real lappy, but i can't tell on a PDA.

clearly - NO

Camoli wrote: How does this compare to DeLorme products? I personally prefer Google for my mapping software....

I had a DeLorme with placed it with this unit, and gave the Delorme away. There maps are expensive to update, and didn't seem to work all well. I also use with google mapping software, depends on what you what to seem and hear. Of the group, I didn't like the Delorme product, but it was a 2004, so maybe they are better now.

impreza749 wrote:I use this daily for work and I love it

daily??? you go to work daily to the same place and you need directions? am i missing something?

bazoomas wrote:

daily??? you go to work daily to the same place and you need directions? am i missing something?

some people travel daily for work to clients places.

I got this version for xmas '05. I didn't like it because it didn't have voice prompts for turns. I used my tablet as a GPS and it was very difficult to work with. I am currently using Street Atlas and like it a lot. Search for reviews, Streets and Trips is bad. I like using my tablet for GPS while on vacation. I'm not lugging a standalone GPS, another device to watch dvds and one to connect to the internet while in the hotel to send pix and check email.

Will this work on a smartphone w/o a USB?

PhilA wrote:Will this work on a smartphone w/o a USB?

without gps support only

mike240se wrote:

without gps support only

damn, i guess i'll have to find myself a bluetooth GPS device

bpgreen wrote:
Even with the updated maps, it gives incorrect directions to my house. Oddly enough, it gives correct directions from my house.

LOL.....Google and Yahoo maps BOTH do the same to me. They show my house being a couple of blocks away and 1 street over.....

Tending a laptop while lost is both unpleasant and dangerous. If you always have a copilot then maybe it's ok.

If you need dirctional assistance get a real gps. You will be happier.

mockamonkey wrote:If you are going to get this, do not use the Microsoft Streets and Trips software. It is REALLY bad, and it got me lost. It cannot find simple places. It is just horrible. The GPS Locater works fine since it is not manufactured by Microsoft. USB plugs into your laptop. Will work with 3rd party softwares which are MUCH better.

Not my experience at all. I purchased the package about a year ago for $85 and couldn't be more pleased with it. GPS unit is incredibly accurate and Microsoft Streets and Trips provided me with the greatest of detail for even dirt roads in the country and while vacationing at Pine Island, Florida. Both the GPS and paired with Streets and Trips has my unreserved recommendation.

I have the 2005 version and very rarely use the GPS feature. What I do use on a regular basis is the software. Most of the time I work in rural areas where Wi-Fi is a distant dream so Google maps is of no use and rarely has the software failed to route me to the correct place. When I rent a car with a Nav system I find them to be tedious in entering a destination with the Hertz Neverlost a real pain. One odd thing about all GPS units I've tried is the closer to the Mexico border in Texas I get quite often the software will display a blank map.

Billeigh wrote:Does anyone know if this will work with the Dell Axim X5?

It will.

Anyone know if this works in Germany or Europe? It says US and Canada but I'm thinking thats a software limitation.. I will be going on to Germany for a few months and this will would come in handy.. Any Ideas?

mockamonkey wrote:If you are going to get this, do not use the Microsoft Streets and Trips software. It is REALLY bad, and it got me lost. It cannot find simple places. It is just horrible. The GPS Locater works fine since it is not manufactured by Microsoft. USB plugs into your laptop. Will work with 3rd party softwares which are MUCH better.

Any tips on what third-party software to get?

Yeah it's a good deal but it's old software. I am a first timer so i guess better luck tommorow

I have Street and Trips 2007 with a third party GPS. This program takes simple routes that may not be the most direct but you can change the route if you like. I have found just a couple of errors in the maps but they are simple and would not affect your getting to your destination. The turn by turn voice directions is nice and works well. I bought 2007 with a third party GPS for around $87 on Ebay. It has so many features I have not had a chance to use them all.
It doesnt work in a PDA as far as I could tell from my software. I think there is a PDA version.
I would buy 2007 over this version. I also think I read that the GPS in this version is not water proof so it must be kept inside the vehicle. Mine is waterproof and has a magnets on the bottom so it can be placed on the roof if you want. So far I have just placed the GPS on the dashboard of my truck and have been getting a great signal.

3-2-1 Bluetooth
is the answer,
is the reason,
that everything happens.

Anyone?

Anyway, my point is: if it had Bluetooth, I'd be in.

Have used Streets and Trips for about six years now, the last 3 w/the GPS feature. For those taking issue with the software being horrible, I contend that they hate Microsoft or commit a user-error. Sorry but it is the most user-friendly software out there. As for the GPS not being trustworthy, can't speak to your issues but it's never failed to "find" me in an accurate manner. One hint: don't try it inside of your house & away from the window--it won't work as well. Another poster commented that it's too bright at night...that's why they have a night vision setting (think airplane cockpit). And, yes, it does recalculate your route if you venture off...get to know the program you're using and utilize all the tools available to you. Even on woot, I'm surprised to see S&T with the GPS at this price. Those saying that this is unsafe on a laptop: I'll take my chances on my15" screen while you squint at a display at least 10" smaller (tom tom & others) & try to drive safely (hasn't caused a problem w/me). With the ability to get updates forever (the road construction updates have helped us in choosing routes on long trips) this is a no-brainer. I've sent emails to quite a few letting them know of the deal.

Sincerely,
A big Streets and Trips fan

Just a few thoughts on this type of navigation. I have it loaded in a notebook and it works well but, the wife gets tired of it sitting in her lap on a trip. We drive a car with no decent place to put a mount. Also, the laptop and notebook screens can get washed out in daylight glare. The built in speakers sound bad so I had to buy a Radio Shack powered CB speaker. Now we have too many wires to hook up for a trip. Remember that you will need power for the computer. It's good for directions except when you get real close. Apartment complexes and neighborhood streets are usually off by a few feet to a block. Sometimes it's just enough to make you miss a turn. When you want to choose interstates as the prefered road to use that works well except in the city at rush hour. Then you will want the Interstate as a NOT prefered route so it will diect you by the back streets. It's ok for truck drivers and those with SUVs and lots of room plus power taps. I have a two year old system. The GPS part work well as it will even detect your walking speed (with computer in hand of course). My next product will be small and dash mounted. This one will go to eBay

Microsoft Streets & Trips is the first GPS program I've used and I believe its the best. It has all kind of stores and restaurants and gas stations. Stuff that Tom Tom and other things don't have. Only thing is that before I bought the GPS version the software is not as clear but once you have the GPS its A+ excellent. The 2007 version is even better it has a re-route button encase you missed you exit or something. I used Microsoft Streets & Trips to go to many places its excellent!

jdog2 wrote:Anyone know if this works in Germany or Europe? It says US and Canada but I'm thinking thats a software limitation.. I will be going on to Germany for a few months and this will would come in handy.. Any Ideas?

Only has the US and Canada in the package. There are different versions for the EU. (Suspect that is a licensing thing for the database, as well as a size issue with the amount of data. Just the US portion fills the second CD.)

Another thing to consider is the amount of time it takes to fire up a computer and load Windows plus the software. It's usually not a problem unless you stop for a nice long lunch or shopping break. You either pull the plug and use the computer battery, leave it hooked up a draining your car battery or shut down, pull the plug and re-boot when you get back on the road. Sitting in a parking lot waiting for Windows to load gets old.

Yes this will work in Google Earth when you use EarthBridge:
http://www.mboffin.com/earthbridge

I have the 2005 Version and it does NOT work with Palm OS. (Delorme does.) I do like the 2005 version and use it on a laptop with a Bluetooth GPS for road trips. I find it very accurate.

bpgreen wrote:I bought this last time around (2005 then). The one time I really wanted to use it, I couldn't get a signal.

Even with the updated maps, it gives incorrect directions to my house. Oddly enough, it gives correct directions from my house.

DMH154 wrote:

Sounds like Microsoft all right

Wonder if the external hardware will work with the Garmin MapSource. If it does, you will have turn by turn audio and fairly updated maps.
If it works, I would be interested in one.

rakhmatov wrote:

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT TOM TOM?

My daughter has TOM TOM, and I have recently rented (and had one stolen) two Garmins and a Magellan.
Strangely, my strong preference was for the Magellan.
I had intended to get the Garmin.
Rent before you buy.

Forget this crap. I like using my ONstar turn by turn navigation

Works great

This is a crappy woot

It is really great for planning trips, especially long road trips. You can go ahead and get an estimate for how much gas will cost and plan stops to refuel on your itinerary. I'm a supporter.

As owner of 10+ mapping software
(this is just part of my software collection list)
Rand McNally Street finder 1997, Map qwest 1998, Rand McNally 2000, Microsoft street and trip 2004, Microsoft street and trip 2005, Delmore street atlas USA 2005, Delmore street atlas USA 2006,

I have to say that Microsoft Street and trip is absolutely the best I have as far as "mapping and direction" is considered.

Since I have not used the 2006 verison yet (previous version of MS Street and trip does not have voice guidence) I couldn't say how good is it with that "voice guidence "

The Delmore street atlas I got have voice guidence feature but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to use the voice part. (and I am a computer nerd.....)

MS Street and trip is the most "idiot proof" mapping software. You type anything you want.. it show you where is it. and it is much easier to read compare with Delmore's POS. (I have to admit that Delmore street atlas is got a lot more point of interests) but what I get with MS Street is good enough.

Alright fellas i froogled it....it is available for $39.59 with free shipping at
http://www.atomicpark.com/xq/aspx/microsoft-streets-and-trips-2006/wt.mc_id.55/prodid.22308/buy.software/qx/productdetail.html

for the first time i have seen something that is more expensive on woot then anything out there....