Is Internet required for Microsoft AutoRoute with GPS?

Hi,

I decided to ditch my TomTom for AutoRoute on my laptop. I am currently using the trial version, but am considering buying the full version with GPS device.

If i buy the GPS device with AutoRoute, will I need a GPS mobile phone, or some sort of Internet, for it to work?

I just want it to be like my TomTom, where I can use the GPS without any sort of requirement of Internet connection or anything.

If someone could please explain, I did read on Microsoft website, and don't understand what the Internet connection is for.

Thanks for any response.

Mat

No an internet connection is not needed. Streets & Trips and AutoRoute already include a built-in map database and POI database...

Internet connection is like an extra that could help searching POI (Point Of Interest) or get a map up to date from Microsoft web site. I almost never use this myself...

Hi,

Thanks for a reply.

I thought I had to buy additional stuff or something for the gps device to work with laptop and AutoRoute.

Maybe you could answer something for me or someone else.

Reading online some people suggests not to bother buying the GPS with AutoRoute because you can get a GPS dongle or something for much less and works just as great.

Thanks
Mat

The beauty of a desktop/laptop trip planning and navigation system such as Streets & Trips is that you can have access to your maps and trip data when you are offline.


As more and more people are connected - even on the road, S&T has added some connected (internet required) scenarios such as:

• performing Bing searches from within S&T (just type something like "italian restaurant, Trenton, NJ" and you'll get a list of results from the web plotted on the map with ratings and reviews.
• Entertainment coupon searches - much like find nearby places except with coupon deals. Simple free 14-day trail to print coupons. (North America only)
• Show in Bing maps - if you want to know what a place actually looks like before you get there - this feature will link you to Bing maps for that location where you can view Street Side or Bird's Eye imagery.
• Send to GPS device (North America only - although this can also be done via GPX without an internet connection)

You are correct - the Microsoft branded GPS locator is not required however it may be a challenge to find a better GPS for the price of the one included with the GPS version. Keep your eyes open for deals.

mat22 said:
Yes it is true. S&T can work with any NEMA compatible GPS that provides a virtual serial port driver to access it and needs 4800 Baud rate speed (1 second refresh rate is enough).

But you may get sometime very good bundled offer for S&T software including a GPS that sometimes make the GPS cost almost nothing... The builtin GPS is also simpler to you, that is sure way to get a compatible GPS unit...

Wow thanks for the replies.

I will take a look around

Reason i asked these was i just started a new job delivering parcels upto 50 per day.

My TomTom does not provide route optimization or anything but when i tested Autoroute by entering addresses into laptop as i am only trialing the software i just printed the list off and sent to my TomTom using the itn converter and i was shocked, usually my deliveries took me up to 8 hrs, today it only took me 3 hrs .

It planned my addresses so it went in a order and my driving was much less stressful and saved myself approx 5 hours, unbelievable really. I live in a city and although i lived in the city previously i moved then came back and hardly know the city now and today I felt so confident and managed my deliveries perfectly.

I was going to buy the Garmin Nuvi 1690 as I feel it would have better support for route optimization but considering the price difference Autoroute works nearly just as good and is much cheaper in price.

Thanks for the replies

All the best
Mat

Mat, bear in mind that what you are getting with the AutoRoute with GPS is just a nice little GPS dongle. It is one that MSFT buys in from a builder/vendor. In my personal experience and from what I see written here, it is a pretty good device. But it is your choice whether you buy AR with or without. You won't go far wrong if you buy it with. If you already have a GPS dongle, you probably won't need Microsoft's.

You only need an internet connection to activate your installation of AR. After installed, your only real need of an internet connection is if you want to use the very interesting ability to go right from your active AR map to Bing for an internet take on the region you are viewing. That is great for route planning but once you are out 'navigating', an internet connection is not needed.

Sweet!

Mat, If you have to route to so many stops each day, I'd say no mapping or navigation product can beat AutoRoute. And why bother doing the planning on AutoRoute, and then exporting it to a Nuvi or a TomTom. Just use AutoRoute for navigation, too. That's what I'd do, anyway.

Hi Marvin,

Reason why i exported to TomTom is currently i am just using a trial version of Auto Route and obviously no GPS dongle so cannot use as a functional GPS device, but have decided to purchase AutoRoute 2010 with GPS device so i wont have to use my TomTom anymore.

Thanks
Mat

Mat, just one thing to remember about USB GPS dongles: They perform much better when not plugged directly to a laptop, but used with at least a short USB extension cable. Microsoft AutoRoute 2010 with GPS Locator does include a short extension cable for this purpose.

Thanks Marvin

Mat

mat22:

Actually there is a free addon for Sreets and Trips 2010 named S&T Keys 2010 which is in beta version state now that can greatly improved user experience if you are using a touch screen panel or you want to use keyboard shortcuts to make using of the program easy. This is specially useful for new S&T users. It even add new "S&T functions" by simply using this free addon.

Actually this beta version is only supporting S&T 2010, but i am expecting at release state in the following weeks to support AutoRoute 2010 as well.

You may get a feeling of what S&T Keys 2010 is by looking of the online manual of the 2009 version (see link in my signature).