I've actually had so little need to upgrade that I never bothered. I haven't even used GPS in about five years, but am about to go out on the road again for some trips around the U.S. Since I'm an earlier user of Microsoft Streets and Trips on a laptop, I'm afraid I'm spoiled by the screen size and functionality of a full sized keyboard.
I'm currently looking at, for instance, this setup.
- HP 10.1" Mini Netbook PC
- Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010
- GlobalSat BU-353 Waterproof USB GPS Receiver
Look good?
Just a couple of questions.
What is the best deal currently on a separate USB antenna? I've seen many available online for less than 40 USD and some as low as 12 USD.
The most recent review I found suggested that the USB "dongle" included with S&T is adequate but may be less sensitive than others available. But I suspect that at least a few of the larger 'puck' antennas are no improvement, simply a bigger package.
I've read as much as I can about the improvements made but still cannot find reference to anything regarding my biggest beef with earlier versions. Map re-centering. Just drove me insane that the icon would reach the edge of the screen before the map would recenter. In order to maintain any clear anticipation of the route ahead I was continually having to manually recenter the map or scroll in the direction of travel. Has this been remedied?
I've read through the improvements regarding 2009, 2010, and nothing really applies to my use. I'm a bare-bones type of user and appreciate most the ease of use minus all bells/whistles. I follow the little icon and type in destinations to see where they are located and that's about it.
Since older versions can still be had very cheaply, is there a year to shoot for (2006 for instance?) that marked the most useful improvements?
I'm currently looking at, for instance, this setup.
- HP 10.1" Mini Netbook PC
- Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010
- GlobalSat BU-353 Waterproof USB GPS Receiver
Look good?
Just a couple of questions.
What is the best deal currently on a separate USB antenna? I've seen many available online for less than 40 USD and some as low as 12 USD.
The most recent review I found suggested that the USB "dongle" included with S&T is adequate but may be less sensitive than others available. But I suspect that at least a few of the larger 'puck' antennas are no improvement, simply a bigger package.
I've read as much as I can about the improvements made but still cannot find reference to anything regarding my biggest beef with earlier versions. Map re-centering. Just drove me insane that the icon would reach the edge of the screen before the map would recenter. In order to maintain any clear anticipation of the route ahead I was continually having to manually recenter the map or scroll in the direction of travel. Has this been remedied?
I've read through the improvements regarding 2009, 2010, and nothing really applies to my use. I'm a bare-bones type of user and appreciate most the ease of use minus all bells/whistles. I follow the little icon and type in destinations to see where they are located and that's about it.
Since older versions can still be had very cheaply, is there a year to shoot for (2006 for instance?) that marked the most useful improvements?
The HP mini is rated to be quite nice. The Globalsat BU353 is a very good receiver.
Here's my take on the BU353 versus the older MS receiver (Pharos 500) versus the new MS receiver (Navation 168) if you're interested.
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/2184-testing-three-usb-gps-receivers
If you are in the United States and buy Streets&Trips 2009 or older bundle you get the Pharos 500 which is, in my opinion, a better receiver than the newer one that MS bundles.
There isn't a huge difference among the three. The biggest difference is plugging them into their extension cables and making sure you get them A) away from the computer and B) into a spot where they get a good view of the sky.
2008, 2009 and 2010 all continuously center the map when doing realtime navigation. The position icon never drifts much from one spot. The map is redrawn every second so it's really easy to use for nav. It's not quite a smooth continuous scroll but pretty darn close. I have not used anything older.
Obviously the maps will be most up to date on the 2010 release.
Oh yeah, there is a free downloadable version of 2010 if you want to take a look at it. It's full function and good for 60 days, then you have to buy it or it dies. That will give you lots of time to take a look at it and see what you think. If you have a desktop PC you can download it and play with it to see what you think. I don't use Streets&Trips much and my use is pretty trivial like yours. I still think 2010 is worth it. It's not like it's expensive, even at full retail.
...ken...
Here's my take on the BU353 versus the older MS receiver (Pharos 500) versus the new MS receiver (Navation 168) if you're interested.
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/2184-testing-three-usb-gps-receivers
If you are in the United States and buy Streets&Trips 2009 or older bundle you get the Pharos 500 which is, in my opinion, a better receiver than the newer one that MS bundles.
There isn't a huge difference among the three. The biggest difference is plugging them into their extension cables and making sure you get them A) away from the computer and B) into a spot where they get a good view of the sky.
2008, 2009 and 2010 all continuously center the map when doing realtime navigation. The position icon never drifts much from one spot. The map is redrawn every second so it's really easy to use for nav. It's not quite a smooth continuous scroll but pretty darn close. I have not used anything older.
Obviously the maps will be most up to date on the 2010 release.
Oh yeah, there is a free downloadable version of 2010 if you want to take a look at it. It's full function and good for 60 days, then you have to buy it or it dies. That will give you lots of time to take a look at it and see what you think. If you have a desktop PC you can download it and play with it to see what you think. I don't use Streets&Trips much and my use is pretty trivial like yours. I still think 2010 is worth it. It's not like it's expensive, even at full retail.
...ken...
Quote:
There isn't a huge difference among the three. The biggest difference is plugging them into their extension cables and making sure you get them A) away from the computer and B) into a spot where they get a good view of the sky.
...and with the new Microsoft/Navation-168 USB GPS Stick you have to make sure it is placed the correct side up on the dashboard (or elsewhere). The correct side is the flat side, the side with the Microsoft logo printed. That's where the antenna is. The antenna has to face the sky for the best reception.
The problem with that unit is that the bottom side, the side on which we are supposed to place it on the dashboard, is round(!). In my opinion the bottom side should be flat (like BU-353), so it sits well where ever you place it.
The unit actually works quite well, I'm just a little upset about its physical design.
And just like Ken said, the recent Streets & Trips versions no longer suffer from the GPS icon traveling all the way to the top of your screen (and higher ). That has been corrected a few versions ago.