Microsoft Streets & Trips vs. Delorme

[Jason Foster]

Question #2 = If the answer to #1 is no, then if I buy DeLorme software to get the split screen, will it work with my current GPS and GPSgate? Is anyone using the DeLorme software without the DeLorme GPS?

It should as Skip said with the GPSgate. But it always doesn't hurt to get a back-up GPS to make sure. Go to ebay or other sources like Craigslist and see what you can get there for cheap. The little puck (LT-40) that comes with DeLorme's software are only like $20+shipping in most online places selling used ones.

 

[Joseph McAllister]

Prefer DeLorme as well, never failed me, it also directs to where you want to go and if you get side tracked, will recalculate the route for you. As long as you got an AC adapter for your computer, you will never get lost on your way to your destination.
Just an opinion though.

 

[Joe Dorn]

So, I already have a GPS (BU353), GPSgate, and MS Streets and Trips 2009 and all is working as designed. This last week I saw someone using the DeLorme software and LOVED the split screen mode, one zoomed out and the other zoomed IN. Come on MS, why will yours not do that?

Question #1 = Will MS Streets and Trips 2009 do this and I just have not found how to turn in on?

Question #2 = If the answer to #1 is no, then if I buy DeLorme software to get the split screen, will it work with my current GPS and GPSgate? Is anyone using the DeLorme software without the DeLorme GPS?

My DeLorme is the 2007 version and it works with GPSGate with no problem.

I detest the program due to its cumbersome interface. I still use the old Version 8 circa 1997 for my planning because of its friendly interface. They changed with the 2000 version. I use the newer version when near the metropolitan areas since that is where the most critical changes occur.

Actually I use my Nuvi for primary navagation now with one of the map programs running as backup for better overviews. I have just purchased a Droid and find Google Maps interesting but it is not user friendly for planning or escape routes.

Based on the comments in this thread I will probably try MS S&T's next out... I really do not like the DeLorme interface...

 

[Marvin Hlavac]

Streets and Trips could add one awesome feature that would make them blow everything else away and that is the split screen - Having to zoom in and out is a pain, especially when trying to find paved options. I like the split screen so you can see an 'overall' view along with a 'zoomed in' view. If they add that, there will be no questions it is hands down the best mapping software out there.

Ben, Streets & Trips allows you to open two instances of the program. You could tile them vertically or horizontally, zoom each of them to your liking, and feed the GPS signal to both of them via GpsGate.

If that solution is still cumbersome, suggest a new feature to the S&T Wish List. it's an 'un-official' wish list, but it is read by folks in the product group, and numerous features requested have been implemented.

Street Atlas has an outdated interface, however, it also has several features that Streets and Trips lacks. The biggest one, and the reason that I use Street Atlas over Streets and Trips is GPS logging. It will log the entire trip, and then you can export that log as a drawing file to make custom maps out of to supplement your chase logs.

The new Streets & Trips 2010 introduced GPX file import/export. This could do the trick for you.

 

[Joe beier]

I use the Microsoft setup and haven't had a single problem yet.

 

[Adam Lucio]

I recently upgraded to S&T with the BU-353 puck. I've mad minimal problems and am very satisfied. There was one time I tried to start S&T and it told me my COMport was already in use and thus wouldn't work, I had used the same setup 3 times with no problems so it was a bit of a mystery to me but after tinkering with GPSgate for a couple minutes all is well again.

For what the entire setup costs I dont think there is a better option. I cant wait to use this for the upcoming season. The past 3 years I used an emulator along with my Garmin and I had to constantly unplug the USB cord to reset the signal. What a pain in the ass that was, I wont miss that chore one bit.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

Delorme amazes me because it really is like flipping a coin if it will start up worth a crap or not, or force you to completely reboot and flip the coin again. Half the time I have to let it run for 30 minutes before it will decide to plot me, even though it already locked me. It only gets worse if I try and use SN or GR3...via serial emulator. Will keep Streets and Trips in mind this year. Seems like if I boot the pc and don't do anything, like connect to the internet or anything first, and wait a few minutes before opening Delorme.....it will work. But not all the time!

I usually just use the net for things and no gps until the chase starts. And pretty much every time it requires rebooting the laptop, let it sit for a bit without doing anything, rub a couple rabbit feet together, and hope for the best. If that didn't work, often won't, then it is a matter of letting it run for a half hour and hoping within that 20-30 minutes it will finally decide to plot me(in motion or not first never makes a difference either). But hey, once it starts and is going, it works pretty damn well!

Sometimes I wonder why I even bother though. Half the time the bigger paved looking things aren't paved. Half the time your gravel connector is a cow trail with a fence in front of it. I guess it is good for telling you how far you are from pavement again, so you know how fast you'd better be driving as the new rain drops start to get you.