Earthmate GPS is too good to be true

[krs]

Yet it IS true.



If you have a laptop and want to have onboard navigation check out the DeLorme "Earthmate GPS" product. It'll save you some pretty large bucks compared to the self-contained systems.



It's basically the antenna portion that uses your screen, memory, and power. Comes with the DeLorme Street Atlas USA software and you can load and use the entire disc because the only capacity limit is the amount of memory your laptop contains.



This thing works great! It's fast because my laptop is; it has a 14" screen because my laptop does, and it even talks, giving instructions to turn and like that in how many more yards, and listens to you (How much farther?) like the high priced state of the art systems do. I'm plumb amazed!



I bought the thing thinking "small loss" if it doesn't do good, but it does good-really good! The promo mentions 12 satellites, NMEA-compliant, WAAS enabled, and a lot of other geek stuff. It costs less than $120. 00 complete, ready to install and use. It's powered and operated through a single USB connection to the computer - that's the only wire involved.



(no affiliation, representation, or any of that)

 

[dresslered]

Good info Ken! I had been previously looking at the Garmin StreetPilot III and always got ticked off after seeing what they expect you to pay for the software, accessories, etc. Only question is where do you mount the laptop?

 

[krs]

Hi David,

We had an Emap but found it almost unusable because of it's small screen and type size and the need to load particular locations or areas seperately. To get the amount of detail we wanted onto a meg smartcard (or whatever the media for that was) we could only go as far as Salem without having to keep track of and change cards. This one can access the entire CD with street level detail including all of the business names, the turn by turn directions, on screen tracking of us - everything there is available is there all the time with no further hassle.

My laptop is an HP Omnibook so I can leave the disc drives and docking half at home with no functional loss.

I would have paid $800. for all this gives us and would have had a better system than the self contained packages. It's worth the space it takes.

Oh, it works just fine in the back seat so the reality of a backseat driver is upon us.

 

[dresslered]

Sounds like I found my solution, Ken. Now I just need a little inverter for the laptop. Thanks again.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

I have been using the delorome software for 8 months now and it has been great. You don't need an inverter per say. I use This One as it is small and convienient and most of all it also is voltage spike safe too. MAKE SURE YOU GET THIS as it matches the earthmate with the delorome software as a bundle and will save you 129 dollars.

 

[krs]

Tim,

The second item, not the universal inverter, is the exact package that I'm talking about but I bought it for $118. at another site: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/partner/2766...JTErX28F28MH4dRar1a&yargs=www.gomobilenow.com. I found it by searching for DeLorme GPS products. Pure luck saved me eleven bucks I guess.

 

[schu777]

I've got the Earthmate GPS and Delorme software... just got home from a trip from Omaha, NE to Panama City, FL - the thing worked great and was able to get back on route twice with it. No need to get a bunch of maps and spending time figuring out your route, just punch in the start/stop and it will figure it out.



Although there are some things I would improve on the next version of this software. Either way, it's a cheap tool and works great with the laptop.



Michael

 

[dresslered]

Tim-

I was thinking along the lines of a DC-DC converter to step up my Cigar lighter to the appropriate DC voltage or go all the way up to the 110VAC.





P. S. After reading the above specs, I'm confused. It says that it can be plugged in to a "standard AC wall socket, or the power socket of an automobile" but then it says that it supports input voltage of 110/220VAC? Are you saying that I can plug this into a 12V Power Source and get the 18V or so needed for the laptop?

 

[krs]

David,

I have a power supply from HP for my laptop to use a lighter socket at 12VDC. I'm not sure whether it steps up or not, but it's their own product.

The Earthmate takes it's power from the computer through it's USB hookup line to operate. Nothing else needed.

So if you can power your laptop from the truck 12V however it's done, the GPS will be sufficiently fed too.



I know nothing more, nevermore.



(the birddog knows)

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Originally posted by dresslered

Tim-

I was thinking along the lines of a DC-DC converter to step up my Cigar lighter to the appropriate DC voltage or go all the way up to the 110VAC.

Wooooops my bad wron item. I fixed it.

 

[dresslered]

Thanks Tim, that is more along the type of device that I was looking for. I wonder why they only mention "Works with Compaq, HP, Sony, Toshiba, IBM and others"? I'll have to see if it supports my Dell.



Your right Ken, I'll run it by the Birddog.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Dell may have different wattage requirements. Most run between 78 - 110 watts. This unit is capable up to 120 but the dell may require much less (60 ?? ) I really do not remember. What dell laptop?

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

This Link Is the cut sheet for the unitHere is the device tip selector.

 

[radar doctor]

Good stuff

Now all i need is a Laptop. . Tks Guy's Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[99guy]

I’ve been using Delorme for several years, have updated the program every couple years to keep a current database. Made a laptop for our 04, have one in our class C camper too. You guys are right, really a great product. It will really spoil you if you’ve been using printed maps. Couple of other things, has a real accurate m. p. h readout, it will talk to you i. e. coming turns, exits etc. The “radar” function is really cool, you can ask it to look for a particular business, restaurant etc. along your route, and as you travel by it’ll let ya know. Great for finding your favorite restaurant as you travel. Database includes hotels, motels, lots and lots of businesses, locations, addresses, even phone numbers. Route preferences and speeds are fully customizable to suite your style … have fun … oh , one more cool thing, it will rotate the map on the screen so the top of your display is always your direction of travel.

 

[willyslover]

Dave. . go over to Costco. . they have a good inverter [plugs in cig location] then your ac power cord for your lap top plugs into it. . low priced as usual. . s/b in auto parts aisle



I have this system also . . haven't used it much yet. . but played with it and looks like it works good

 

[99guy]

Originally posted by willyslover

a good inverter [plugs in cig location] then your ac power cord for your lap top plugs into it. .

That’s OK, we have done that too, but if you’re picky about a lot of clutter in the cab find a 12v supply and skip the inverter.

 

[RMcCulloch]

Originally posted by 99guy

That’s OK, we have done that too, but if you’re picky about a lot of clutter in the cab find a 12v supply and skip the inverter.

What clutter?

My "El Cheapo" 800 Watt inverter rides under the seat (along with the laptop transformer) and draws power from the lower 12V power outlet.



One advantage with it is that I can recharge power tools and use other 110V items while driving.



The only issue I've had with the Delorme maps is that, on occasion, they've shown me to be in the middle of the median when I wasn't.

 

[willyslover]

I had to go that route as HP didn't have a auto/air 90 watt power supply [no one else either] for my lap top. . It's a new hot rod requires 90watt constant

 

[Pawpaw]

I'll chime in and give the Delorme products two thumbs up.



I've been using their software and hardware for several years and have found it invaluable.



I'm on my 3rd Delorme GPS. None of them ever quit on me, they just keep coming out with newer/smaller/better units. The new USB unit is outstanding, but I thought the others were when I got them, too.



The software has been hit-and-miss at times. One version (9?) was almost unusable. The last few years have been very good, for the most part. The voice input will really spoil you.



Occasionally the voice navigation will go haywire. That seems to happen when the laptop goes into standby with the software running and tracking with the GPS. The best solution I've found for that is Windows XP's "System Restore" utility. Just restore to a day or two ago, when the software worked right.



For anyone that has not used Streets Atlas before: Some people get very irate that Delorme does not offer online updates to the map files, pay or otherwise. The only way to update the map files is to buy the next version. If the software cost $200 or even $100, I might agree. Instead, the suggested retail price for the software alone is only $50. Based on that low price, I don't see how any company could offer free updates and still turn a profit.



For mobile power, I use a Targus DC to DC converter. It will handle all but the most power hungry laptops. They make adapters for literally hundreds of different laptop models. It works in airplanes too.



Bob