Hi All,
I apologize if this has been answered before. I did some searches and couldn't seem to find it. First off, I'd like to say that this site is a really great reference.

Here's my questions and thoughts:

I own a Benq S6 mid that runs on Windows XP. I'd like to use it as a GPS also. I'd like to be able to see traffic overlayed on the map, either by TMC or MSN Direct. The Benq has Wi-Fi, but I'm not always near service, otherwise I'd use Google maps. So, I'm looking at Streets and Trips 2008 with Connected Services, which includes the MSN Direct receiver. My first question is whether or not the MSN Direct traffic features can be used with Streets and Trips 2009 or 2010? I was hoping to buy 2008 and then upgrade to 2010, if that is possible or can I just go straight to 2010 with the included GPS receiver? I'm aware that MSN Direct ends in 1/2012, but I'm OK with $29 for almost 2 years of service, just to tinker with. Also, are there any other options that would do the same thing (ALK Copilot v11?)? Are there any other options that I haven't considered? I hope this is understandable and not too long winded.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice,

Rich C.

Have you tried S&T on your Benq S6? I find the pixel count (native 800x480 ) on a 4.8" screen does not provide enough real estate for that program. I know it will scale to 1024x768 but that is pushing the clarity and may not be suitable. I haven't tried it myself and others are running S&T on a Viliv with the same screen size but a few more pixels. I suggest you try the free download of S&T 2010 as a test before you consider that approach. Also, if your Benq is like mine, download to another machine and burn a DVD; I find the wireless unbelievably slow!

I use mine with Mobile PC and a BT GPS but that does not offer traffic.

Terry

I hadn't thought of that. I currently have a Pharos 535 and I'm running Garmin XT on the 3.5" screen and it's pretty decent, so I assumed that the 4.8" on the Benq would be better. I'll have to check it out before I buy anything.

Thanks,

Rich

Yes but Garmin XT is specifically designed for that screen size and pixel count (I have it on a 4" 480x640 iPaq). Even Mobile PC chokes on 800x480 but is pretty good at 800x600. Most modern PC navigation programs seem to be designed for netbook (1024x600) or better pixel counts.

Terry

Rich, welcome to the forums. Streets & Trips is not just a (simple) GPS road navigation software designed to be too friendly on a tiny screen. Streets & Trips is first and foremost a full-featured desktop application, even though efforts have been made in recent version(s) to make it fit even on small netbook screens.

The "Connected Services" edition was launched, but also discontinued, in version 2008.

I did manage to track down a screen shot of S&T 2010 at 800x480 to give you an idea of the layout in full screen navigation mode. I see Marvin pointed out it doesn't support connected services though.

Terry

Attached Images

2010-800x480-2.jpg (17.2 KB)

Here is Mobile PC on the Benq at 800x480. It is actually not too bad but 800x600 is better if slightly distorted. The built in on-screen keyboard helps as Mobile PC doesn't have one.

I've got a question for you. The onboard speaker in the Benq is not usable in anything but the quietest environment (not my truck). Have you managed to find an adapter that will work with the sub mini 4 connection output jack to allow for external speakers?

Terry

Attached Images

Benq 800x480.jpg (212.7 KB)

Benq 800x600 OSK.jpg (226.8 KB)