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Rolly

Sep 8, 2009, 8:01 AM

Post #1 of 14 (6566 views)

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Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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There is a very detailed review of the new Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010 here.

If you're a GPS traveler, you'll want to look at this killer software for your laptop.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

jimboynton

Sep 9, 2009, 5:20 AM

Post #2 of 14 (6505 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Always been a fan of S & T. I used it for the last 4 years traveling around the States on two months Fall trips with a IBM Laptop (leaving the bulky 50 State map at home). For the first time (2009 version) it had excellent map of Mexico. Last year we junked our Guia Roji map and used our laptop with 2009 S&T exclusively in Mexico.

Brian

Sep 9, 2009, 6:50 AM

Post #3 of 14 (6497 views)

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Re: [jimboynton] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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If being "bulky" is an issue, why not ditch the laptop and use a GPS-enabled smartphone instead? Mounted on the windshield, I would think it would be safer to use as well.

Brian

jimboynton

Sep 10, 2009, 6:05 AM

Post #4 of 14 (6436 views)

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Re: [Brian] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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I prefer the laptop for a number of reasons:
1. It is mounted on a special stand between the front seats of my mini-van (almost on the dash) and my wife operates it so I can keep my eyes on the road.
2. It's 15" screen vs. a 4" GPS gives me a wider view of the area I'm traveling.
3. Maps and updates every year.
4. Can configure a variety of views
5. Can pull into almost hotel parking lot during the day and piggy-back on a wireless signal to access email and search hotels for the evening.
6. Don't have to worry about it being stolen at night since it goes into the room with me (No tell-tale suction cup mark on the windshield).
7. I can plot next day travel that evening in my room.
8. Finally I already have a laptop and S&T only cost me $30 to purchase.

Brian

Sep 10, 2009, 6:39 AM

Post #5 of 14 (6431 views)

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Re: [jimboynton] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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I suppose if you want a screen that big then a laptop GPS is the way to go. I find myself listening to the directions more than watching the screen anyway. Does the software include TTS?

Brian

jimboynton

Sep 10, 2009, 7:03 AM

Post #6 of 14 (6423 views)

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Re: [Brian] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Yes it does. You can download a free version of the program with all functions operating free for 60 day trial.

chinagringo

Sep 10, 2009, 2:14 PM

Post #7 of 14 (6397 views)

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Re: [Brian] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Brian:

Out of curiosity, doesn't the constant chatter from the GPS unit drive you crazy when the street names change between blocks or it is telling you to you have to turn when the street makes a bend? I use my turn by turn vocal directions constantly in the U.S. but found that it talked way too much in MX. Finally ended up muting the sound!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Brian

Sep 10, 2009, 3:03 PM

Post #8 of 14 (6388 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Hi Neil

It only announces the name of the street one is to turn on but there are intermittent messages like "keep left" and "continue one mile" which are aggravating. Now that some of the IPhone GPS apps allow for background music from the IPod function while navigating I also find myself turning off the directions.

saludos
Brian

chinagringo

Sep 10, 2009, 5:16 PM

Post #9 of 14 (6376 views)

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Re: [Brian] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Well my GARMIN sounded like a "nagging wife" in drag since I had it set on an American male voice!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

ken_in_dfw

Sep 10, 2009, 7:56 PM

Post #10 of 14 (6358 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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In Reply To

Well my GARMIN sounded like a "nagging wife" in drag since I had it set on an American male voice!

Uh, Neil, wouldn't that be a "nagging husband" in drag? ;-)

Just sayin'...

Ken

Riverman

Sep 12, 2009, 8:31 AM

Post #11 of 14 (6302 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Looks good Rolly
Pity Canadians will have to wait a month longer before we can scoop up the new version before heading south.
John

Geos

Sep 22, 2009, 5:58 PM

Post #12 of 14 (6212 views)

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Re: [jimboynton] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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I tried using S&T on my laptop but found the screen just wasn't bright enough in sunlight and had too much glare. And the antenna I'm using lost signal quite often. A rooftop antenna would probably solve that tho.

chinagringo

Sep 22, 2009, 6:15 PM

Post #13 of 14 (6205 views)

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Re: [Geos] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Geos:

I have experienced a similar problem with my GARMIN GPS. Rather than brightening the screen, I darkened it to night mode and thus far less glare. Could you do something similar with your laptop?
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Geos

Sep 22, 2009, 8:29 PM

Post #14 of 14 (6190 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010

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Thanks for the suggestion Neil. I tried fiddling with the brightness settings but brighter is definitely better. Not much I can do about the glossy screen except sell it and get one with a matte screen.