Disappointed with MS AutoRoute – looking for updates or new GPS program for Europe

The point of this thread is not to harm or put down users of existing programs.

I have 2 handhold GPS – Garmin and Mio.
I do not use the handhold’s so often as my GPS programs on the laptop’s.
I have 6 -7 GPS programs working on my laptops.
So surely I’m still convinced, after 12 years, about the power of using laptops for driving around especially for turists.

After trying the new AutoRoute 2010 and buying it ( where ordered long time ago ), my optimism have disappeared.
I have Autoroute 2003 and can’t see the big difference comparing to handhold or Route 66 for PC.
New, but old-fashioned maps without house numbers or features to choose details and colour of details.
No TMC – which I have been used from Route 66 PC since 2004 (R66-05) – still working very good.

As turists we are driving around in Europe using the information’s we have downloaded home from webpages in files to reach from pushpins links on maps when they are near and suitable.
But the way to make personally pushpins is’nt good.
It seems to made for business with groups and single webpages.
Frankly I will say – underdeveloped.

Driving in a motorhome weight 2.8 ton and 3.1 x 2.28 meter ( h x w )
I find it reasonable to choose between at least two vehicle size.

The above features is to found on Route 66 2005 for PC to an competitive price ( app. 90 Euro in 2005 )
Consideration these facts I will still use Route 66 2005 – sorry to say.

I doo hope that one of the GPS programs will make an update (Route 66 ) or an much better program ( AutoRoute ).
I can recommend AutoRoute program makers to look at ROUTE 66 Sync http://www.66.com/route66.
Or the old Route 66 2005 Europe for PC.

That’s my point by making this thread.

Bredo said:

What do you mean about that

What feature are you talking about: routing for different vehicule size?

Hi MisterMoonlight

I’m gladly surprised if there is someone who can help me and many others, with easy handling the AutoRoute 2010 to make what’s needed.
Please inform me what I'm not able to find on AutoRoute in an essence way.
I have to hand it over to people which not are specialist with laptop gps, but maybe specialist in other things.

From the links you added you seems' to be quite an specialist in the matter.
I do not doubt your knowledge.

For Denmark, as example, the maps is without shape/edges of woods, communities, (industrial).
It’s not possible to make different arrangement of maps in detail’s and colours.
This features you can use for shortly recognize point’s in nature, streets you will avoid etc.
The firm colours in AR is very blurred to recognize in a moment.
The size of poi’s, pushpins and partly choose is not to vary.
House numbers is not visible on crossroads, corners etc.
Roadblocks must be simply to made and visible.

Is TMC possible with AR2010 ?
Most handhold GPS have TMC - even to a price of app. 50 £.
On R66PC the options is visible in a separate window, very detailed, and on the map with red colour and street signs.
Is to be updated for each 5 – 30 minutes and correction routes in 5 methods.

If you make routes for cars, there can be road blocks for bigger vehicle.
You can easily drive fruitless more than 10 km if you can not choose, driving in a motorhome, van, lorry.
I know that some Garmin have that possibility too.
Best I would prefer warning sign’s for big vehicles’ shown on the map – like TMC.
This could be changed when the road blocks is ended and you can choose your own route.

If I shall point it more exactly I will have to use pictures hoping the size can be bigger than 600 x 600 pix.
But what about looking at Route 66 Sync ( you can see streets and buildings in New York – Moscow etc. ) or Route 66 2005 Professional Europe.
I can make linked pictures if needed.

Yep what not adding some pictures to show what you are talking...

Hi
Here we go.
Still in the matter of showing better performing of laptop GPS programs.
I can show you pictures from programs which is to be found but no more for sale.
(R66 PC 2005 and then stopped)

Here is an exampel about add details and 2x change colours of small roads without asphalt.
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...6-pc-2005.html

and here exampel ( Route 66 compared to AutoRoute 2010) about forest and habitation areas + adding details in size of map
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...ion-areas.html

Ex. size of signs for pushpins - House numbers in minor roads - Starting threads of pushpins
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...-pushpins.html

Roadblocks simply to made and visible
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...p-ok-done.html

TMC read text under picture
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...cognition.html

Choose between 2 vehicle size - I managed to easy change language
on user interface - 15 language ( sorry a little late )
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...ilometers.html

Now you can see both this text and picture in seperate window.
Before making more pictures, is it the right way to show ?
( regret it’s Danish language – you will get the point )

Now the above # 5 should be completed in accordance to the thread.
Please give me some feed back if there is questions or doubts.
Other features can be engaged - also to the benefit of AR 2010.

Brado, thanks for uploading the pictures to your photo-album. Indeed Route 66 has some useful features we would love to see in AutoRoute 2011. Especially the vehicle type selector (car, truck, etc) would be useful.

P.S. I love how you cut the dashboard to accommodate your laptop PC!

Hi Marvin
Talking about vehicle size or pedestrians - see this picture from Route 66 Sync ( free download ) in 3D with buildings from Copenhagen
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...sync-2010.html

Just a matter of max. 12 months before it can be located of GPS on labtops - I think.

From the start of this thread I forgot to show picture from creating a URL link.
Now here it is
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/member...file-done.html

Get links / maps / picture / program - klick on pushpin - URL- go.
( like AR 2010 )