Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
by Microsoft Software
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Software Reviews of Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
Customer Review: Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007
Summary: 2 Stars
Microsoft Streets and Trips Review
I have only limited experience with GPS navigation systems, so this review is not a comprehensive overview of either dedicated systems or laptop-based systems. My total first-hand experience is a few hundred miles of RV driving with the 2005 version of Streets and Trips and over 7,000 miles with the 2007 version..
BUGS, QUIRKS AND SHORTCOMINGS
BUG: "GPS trail" option malfunctions during long trips....First, the current location icon disappears; then the street names disappear and finally the program locks up. Best to avoid using this option except on very short trips.
BUG: Map display freezes on occasion. GPS continues to track (off screen) and proper voice commands continue.
QUIRK: User must agree to a disclaimer ("Safety Warning" risk notification) every time GPS tracking is initiated (UGH!...typical Microsoft nonsense).
QUIRK: Connection with the GPS receiver consistently takes at least two attempts (disclaimer must be accepted with every attempt).
SHORTCOMING: Streets, roads and highway data-base updates not available on-line (data may be 2 to 4 years old). Ditto for "Places".
SHORTCOMINGS: Coordinates on "Places" sometimes wrong and can't be updated so, if possible, double check routing to location against independent directions.
SHORTCOMINGS: Distance-to-go voice command intervals are inconsistent.
SHORTCOMINGS: Computer messages popup, sometimes partially obscuring map or driving instructions (one of the disadvantages of using a laptop as a GPS system)
SHORTCOMING: Location icon visibility....improved over the icon on the 2005 version but still tough to see when user is wearing Polaroid sunglasses.
QUIRK: Be careful, program sometimes selects "shortest distance" where there is no road.
SHORTCOMING: IMHO GPS tracking defaults are wrong (QUESTION: did the folks who wrote the software ever actually use it on a long trip?). E.g.: "Recalculate Route" (F3) returns you to starting location unless a forward destination is selected; Present location does not stay centered in display unless selected as an option.
SHORTCOMING: Heading, speed and altitude do not display on "full screen" view. GPS pane must be opened.
NICE
Low price (remember, you usually get what you pay for)
Voice turn-by-turn directions (not on 2005 version)
Driving guidance panel shows distance-to-go to next turn via graphic and text (not on 2005 version)
RECOMMENDATION
If you need an inexpensive, laptop-based GPS device to determine your location, this is a good buy. If you want a reasonably priced, laptop-based GPS system for navigation, opt for CoPilot Live Version 10 by ALK Technologies.
Customer Review: Nice package with GPS included
Summary: 4 Stars
A nice set: software and USB GPS sensor. Installed easily and works fine. I was very happy with this package.Customer Review: Good for Immediate Location - Lousy for Finding Street Addresses
Summary: 3 Stars
I have both a Garmin Nuvi 660 and Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator and after using MS Street & Trips, I have found that for the price, it is a good alternative to expensive GPS systems for experienced computer users. The locator is always dead on and I have found the street maps to be excellent. The problem is that it doesn't find addresses very well. For example when first testing it, I set it too my friend's address and it chose a spot three blocks away from the correct location. Several other tests confirmed these results. I use it to get me in the general location of where I am headed and then look at the street addresses on the buildings.
PROS:
- Low price (by utilizing your own laptop)
- Excellent at providing current location
- Excellent maps
- Decent driving directions
- Great for trip planning
CONS:
- Lousy at giving correct location of street addresses
- Inconvenience of carrying around laptop in the car
- Difficult to view when driving
- Takes time to become familiar with software (I expect software to be intuitive and don't usually read software manuals at first)
- Associated power difficulties for continued powering of laptop
Since my car does not have an AC outlet, I purchased a DC inverter which seems to work fine. Overall, I have found the Microsoft Streets and Trips 2007 with GPS Locator useful and would purchase it again.
Customer Review: Great Item
Summary: 5 Stars
This item works great, easy to use and setup. wouldn't leave home without it now. It's an Alternative to expensive GPS systems if you already own a Laptop, if you don't than you may want a Portable Handheld one.For the price it's a great value, love mine. Used it for a trip from Miami,FL to Lancaster, PA, worked greatCustomer Review: no longer dazed and confused
Summary: 4 Stars
It is very easy to use. I set up the trip and also the return before leaving home. Be sure to get updated road construction by connecting to internet. It also has a place to enter fuel mileage and stops, to estimate time and cost. I like the gps screen because I can watch my husbands speed. The only thing that it is short on is the recorded voice says when you are approaching a turn a little late but you veiw the directions on the screen and they are acurate. Used it four times and love it. I put laptop on vehicle stand that attaches to the bolt of the seat, no holes to drill and it is awesome. Very comfortable, see laptop computer stand for car/truck on ebay well worth the money. Vehicle stand keeps laptop cooler. Laptop is better than windshield mounted gps because you have a bigger screen.