GreenAdam

I've been reading posts here for a while now - lots of talk about all sorts of GPS software with crazy names, lots of issues getting it to run, lots of talk about all the money required to get a system running...here's my question:

Why not just purchase the Microsoft software (for desktop and ppc) for 40 bucks and team it with a BT GPS unit like I've seen on Ebay and other sites and get a fully functional system for less than $150?

What am I missing here? Is there some major problem with the Microsoft software? Is a $99 BT GPS unit somehow not as good as a more expensive unit?

All I really want to do is have a functional system for establishing routes and tracking my progress while I'm driving down the road.

Thanks in advance.

JakeRich

Originally Posted by GreenAdam

I've been reading posts here for a while now - lots of talk about all sorts of GPS software with crazy names, lots of issues getting it to run, lots of talk about all the money required to get a system running...here's my question: Why not just purchase the Microsoft software (for desktop and ppc) for 40 bucks and team it with a BT GPS unit like I've seen on Ebay and other sites and get a fully functional system for less than $150? What am I missing here? Is there some major problem with the Microsoft software? Is a $99 BT GPS unit somehow not as good as a more expensive unit? All I really want to do is have a functional system for establishing routes and tracking my progress while I'm driving down the road. Thanks in advance.

The MS Pocket Streets doesn't do planning, doesn't do directions and doesn't have voice prompting on the PPC. It does do planning and routing on a PC, but you cannot transfer that to the PPC. The map sizes are limited on the PPC to a relatively small area.

The other software you hear about does do planning and routing on the PPC, and can adjust your route if you go wrong to get you to where you wanted to be. With some of them you can carry the entire US, if you have the space (and they don't take as much space on the PPC as the MS S&T maps, either).

So, if all you want is to know where you are, the MS S&T solution will work, sort of. If you want directions, voice guidance and routing, get something else.

As for the GPS, you get what you pay for, usually. The less expensive ones work, and will do fine for 99% of the time, but for more money you can get either increased accuracy (WAAS) or increased sensitivity for poor reception areas (SirfIII).

corona

I've used the PPC version of Microsoft's product. Let's just be real honest - it sucks rocks. Now, I LOVE the PC version. if I'm on a long road-trip, I'm using the PC version. It's a great general purpose electronic street atlas.

But, for everyday use, it's iGuidance for me.

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Corona :approve:

a.k.a.
-SBK|d00mz
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Short Bus Kids Radio

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GreenAdam

Excellent information - thanks very much guys. This is the kind of stuff you can't get reading the software box.