Gps

[Bob Cochran]

I want to buy software that can be put on laptop computer and have external antenna working as a GPS. Needs to know where all the diesel fuel stations are!!!!! What have you guys used, experiences, good/bad, name of software, where did you purchase? Basically I need a good software program.

 

[Fuzz]

Delome Street Atlas+Map N Go

Been using the Delorme Products with an Eagle Explorer GPS.

The last rev. of MaP N Go has an RV friendly section ie,Wal Marts,

Diesel stops,campgrounds etc.

Works for us

 

[TowPro]

I use a Lowrance GPS which has a map built in. WIth there software (aditional money) you can download more detail of the area of your choice into it (Some Gormans will also let you do this). This works OK for when were doing local trips, and I need my wife to tell me "the turn you are looking for is getting close".



On long trips we use the Laptop with the GPS. I use Delorme Street Atlas version 7. I tried version 8, but there are actual mistakes on different route numbers on the map. This could really screw you up if the computer tells you (yes, it uses real voice to talk to you) to make a RT on rt 66, but the real name is rt 41!



Also the map and go program they sell is nice, but does not have the small/back road detail of the street atlas versions.

 

[Charley]

Bob:



DeLorme Street Atlas or MapN Go definately the best deal if you have the laptop already. Both have detail of services at every Interstate exit. Main difference in the two pieces of software is that Street Atlas has all roads in the USA including back trails. Map N Go only has main highways with some city detail but does include Canada and Mexico which Street Atlas does not. You can get a bundled kit that includes a GPS receiver that works with the software only for around $150. The cheapest Garmin GPS you can get that will do what you want will be around $230 plus $80 for the external antenna plus $40 for the cables and the software packages are about $40 each. The DeLorme combo unit has the cables and the receiver just sits on the dash near the window, buy the extra cable that supplies power from your 12V system, plug in, or the one that connects to your Laptop PS2 port.



Charley

 

[PHaller]

Get yourself a DeLorme street atlas with the GPS. 130$ and you are good to go with a laptop. The mapping software is great but the antenna eats batteries. Buy yourself a battery block that plugs into the lighter and no more worries about dead batteries while on the road. The mapping software includes all 50 states right down to individual streets and is incredibly accurate. I live on a 1 block road in rural Walnut Creek Ca. and when I turn it on to find home it detects the sattelites and finds itself I am on the map exactly where I should be. I like it. It appears to be accurate down to about 20 feet or so.

-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Todd G]

Hey Bob,



I use a Garmin GPSII and MapPoint from Microsoft. Have used Street Atlas in the past and it was a good product. I wish any of them worked in Mexico!

 

[jstyer]

I use the Delorme w/ street atlas 7. 0 and couldn't be more pleased. I would definately buy the adapter cable that allows the gps to run from the lighter. I also have an adapter for the laptop so it runs all the time. You had better be caerful since this is very addictive. Can't get enough of the toys!

 

[Rambling]

I like Street Atlas 7. 0. Don't get Street Atlas 8. I don't know about the problems already mentioned but the sort feature to identify all diesel fuel locations doesn't function. I had to switch back to 7. 0. We also use Map 'n' Go for other capabilities.



Like the SA software and will give the next version a try. We won't travel without the software.



I can tell you from experience, once you get use to the GPS indicating where you are, it can be a big suprise when you discover the "fun" you've been missing when the GPS function isn't working and are trying to figure out where you are on the map after you make a wrong turn into a downtown section of an unfamiliar city. (Still won't go back to paper though)

 

[Bob Cochran]

Hey all!! thanks for the awesome input. Sounds like Atlas version 7. 0 is the way to go. Accurate to 20 feet? I think that is close enough.

 

[TR7110]

RAND McNally

Some Great input on GPS and Software. I wil agree that DeLorme is head and shoulders above in the software department. Just my $. 02. I purchased a Rand McNally Package that had a GPS antenna like the Delorme Package. The Rand McNalley GPS antenna does not require any batteries. It obtains its power from the com port that it connects to on your notebook computer. I got the Rand McNalley on sale at an Office depot for $50. 00 and then purchased the Delorme Street Atlas 8. 0. My receiver works great with the Delorme software and I don't have to worry about another power connection, more cables running around or batteries. This antenna only works with computers, it doesn't connect to PDA's which is something you may want to consider also.

TR

 

[time1]

I use the Garmin III+ and the Delorme Earthmate. The Garmin unit is head and shoulders better than the Delorme unit. If you use a Garmin GPS get the dual cord to power the GPS and connect to your laptop. There is no reason for a remote antenna if you use the plastic mount on the dash. I use velcro to attach to the dash board so I can move it between vehicles. Street Atlas, Road Warrior, Map N Go, and a hand full of others are all good products but you must have the CD in the CD drive to use them. I got Microsoft's Streets and Trips 2001 last year and found that on a full install everythng works with out the CD! (Cost arount $20. 00 with a $20. 00 rebate!) Be carefull, this stuff is addictive.



BTW-I use this software on both PC laptops and Mac Powerbooks running Virtural PC. You don't have to be a computer nut to get things to work right.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Everyone is right on about the problems with Street Atlas 8. 0.



I used it for one trip and found 5 serious errors. I wrote Delorme and had them send me a copy of 7. 0. I had given my 7. 0 copy away when I received version 8.





Version 7. 0 with the TripMate GPS is great.

 

[TowPro]

I have a little power converter that I plug the laptop AC plug into. It was around $25. 00 from BJ's, most laptop power adaptors cost more then that!

Originally posted by jstyer

I use the Delorme w/ street atlas 7. 0 and couldn't be more pleased. I would definately buy the adapter cable that allows the gps to run from the lighter. I also have an adapter for the laptop so it runs all the time. You had better be caerful since this is very addictive. Can't get enough of the toys!

 

[TowPro]

No you don't need to run the CD anymore! Email me through TDR and I can send you the "fix"! I have both street atlas and topo usa versions 2 and 3 running without the CD



in fact street atlas 8, and topo 3 have a utility on the Cd so you can install them to run off the hard drive without the CD.

Originally posted by time1

Street Atlas, Road Warrior, Map N Go, and a hand full of others are all good products but you must have the CD in the CD drive to use them. .

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

GPS feedback

<font color=blue> Within the last year in the hard copy, quarterly issue of the TDR magazine, there was a comprehensive report on the style of "What GPS?", which should address most if not all your questions. Similarly a search here on the website, should put you right in the ballpark.



I can personally recommend the Garmin GPS III portable unit, which is both portable for backpacking and also be mounted in the truck, plus it has a PC interface for uploading additional mapping details.



For those TDR high rollers there is an Alpine Multimedia SatNav system, which uses GPS and is integrated into the truck's music/AV system. start saving now!! - details/pictures in link below.....



http://www.pacific-audio.com/products.html

 

[Rambling]

No CD needed.

Towpros is correct about the utility on the CD. SA 7. 0, SA 8. 0, Map 'n' Go 5. 0, 6. 0 & most likely 7. 0(haven't used it) all have a utility on the CD to load part(by state and points of interest)or all of the necessary CD software onto your HD. This eliminates the CD and makes for quicker response. Obviously, you'll need enough space on the HD. One note: the utilities aren't interchangable between Revs or Product lines.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I found this on DeLorme home page. Street Atlas USA® Road Warrior Edition and Earthmate® GPS Receiver with Power Adapter Kit they are asking $179. Will check Best Buy and see if they have it cheaper. What do you think is the the one to use? Shows deisel fuel stations kind of important to us? Since will be using with RV will need to find campgrounds etc. . I don't like always driving on interstate so how does it work for those wonderful side roads?

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Virtual PC & GArmin GPSIII+ on a PowerBook

Originally posted by time1

..... BTW-I use this software on both PC laptops and Mac Powerbooks running Virtural PC. You don't have to be a computer nut to get things to work right.

Tim, Good Post - the TDR comes through again.....

I also use a similar Garmin III+ unit and you mention that the Virtual PC emulation program delivers Windows 2000 compatibility on a Mac PowerBook, my own laptop of choice, like yourself .

One question however... . The Garmin supplied PC interface cable is a serial PC cable and my Mac Powerbook only has 2 x USB ports, so to get this to work, in virtual PC did you somehow fool Virtual PC into thinking the serial port was a klone of one of USB ports (aka COM1 or COM2?)

If so, how? Did you have to purchase some sort of additional cable which is a USB to serial convertor, to complete the gender bender?



I'm looking forward to your reply, and if it's feasible, I'll be replicating your setup PDQ!!



Cheers!

 

[Rambling]

Bob - Road Warrior(RW) is similar to Street Atlas(SA). In WA State, SA even shows some of the logging roads in the national forest. We used SA to navigate the backroads of OK. When the GPS indicated we were at a point of change in our route there was the road. Thank goodness because there were no road name signs. GPS works even better now that the dither is off.



I'm considering changing over to RW for a couple of added features. Seems to have taken the best of SA and added a couple of extras.



P. S. I don't think it will do CA or Mex if that's important to you.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Ratlin~ California or Mexico is not that important. Mexico, only go to Rocky point, California only visit friends and typically relatives. It appears the thing I was looking at is a combination of SA and RW to make one product the best of each. Since I have not used either only guessing. Was hoping someone had and could let us both know.