Laptop GPS World

I am going to Italy and bought a very expensive Garmin so that I would not have to carry a PC in order to use Streets and Trips. However, after using the Garmin on many trips I have found that it is inferior to Microsoft Streets and Trips and decided to buy Autoroute 2007. But, I can't find it in the US. Anyone know where.

Thanks

Hi aconfrere,

Welcome to Laptop GPS World.

Yes, unfortunately Microsoft AutoRoute program is not widely available in North America. And if my memory serves me well, few years ago MS AutoRoute wasn't even allowed to be sold anywhere outside Europe due to licensing restrictions.

Over the last about three years, I've known of two stores in the US that carry AR: Semsons Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics. (They both give discounts to members of Laptop GPS World ). However, as of this morning I don't see Microsoft AutoRoute at Semsons.com, and even though Deluo Electronics does still have it listed, they only advertise it as part of hardware bundles which include various GPS receivers: http://www.deluoelectronics.com/cate..._-_Europe_maps

If you do decide to buy from Deluo Electronics, don't forget to use your 10% discount coupon !

__________________
Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Is it really licensing issues or is it just a matter of demand? We aren't as well-traveled as, say, the Germans. And when we do go to Europe, we don't tend to drive. And putting in Autoroute inventory might be counterproductive if customers order it by mistake instad of S&T, and find that North America is not included.

Worst-case, you can always buy directly from Europe and have it shipped. Right now, the falling (US) dollar means astronomical prices -- it's cheaper to buy from Deluo, and just throw away the extra GPS receiver, than to buy it retail from Amazon.co.uk. (Besides which, eBay now makes it easy to do the "unbundling" yourself.)

You are right about the demand factor. And in addition to that, prior to AutoRoute 2006 and Streets & Trips 2006, previous versions of these products were not licensed for distribution outside their continents. In October of 2005, when versions 2006 were being released, I inquired Microsoft about it, and they replied: "This is actually the first year that AutoRoute can be purchased in the North America, and Streets & Trips can be purchased in Europe".

I think your suggestion about eBay is quite practical. It may be a good idea to have a second (spare) GPS unit available while travelling, and when the vacation is over, the unneeded GPS receiver can be sold on eBay.

__________________
Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Followed Marvin's advice and found Autoroute 2007 for sale in the US - will order bright and early Monday morning.

Thanks

aconfrere