I am not a big MS fan but this seems to be a good alternative to the various hardware GPS systems out there. Has anyone experience with this device/software? Pro's & Con's?
Should I stay away from something that requires a Laptop to run?
Where and how did you secure your Laptop for easy mounting and un-mounting when parked?
Where does the power come from for the LapTop GPS solutions? Are they powered through USB or is an external power (12V) needed?
SUMMARY FROM POSTS (I will add as we go...)
PROs
It works (dreamer)
larger screen (depends on Laptop but usually true)
cost (< $100 if you have Laptop)
can be combined with any GPS
allows for route pre-planning at home, this allows for a more scenic route
allows downloads for specific locations (WalMart, Camping World, ...)
has background tools that allow customizing, has night/day features for brightness
keeps DW happy and occupied!
CONs
mounting more difficult, especially in TV
no automated adjustment of screen brightness depending on day, night, sun, ... (Laptop's can be manually dimmed too)
no touch screen (unless this is purchased separately)
mistakes Burger King's with Animal hospitals (is this wishful thinking?)
routing questionable with regards to bridges, ferries, ...
this is not a 'hiking option'
Laptop in car might be easier target for thief's than a regular mounted GPS
Laptop is used only on the long trips, GPS system is always in the car - so it helps you out on a daily basis as well
Verdict so far - most posts like it!
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"...we're on the road again..."MODS & More
2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab Laramie, 6.7L Cummins, 6 Speed Auto, Exhaust Break
2006 Sunset Creek 298BH by SunnyBrook, 33 1/2 ft
In our previous MH - we bought a laptop table from Camping World. It was OK but wasn't the best fit for our particular MH. We liked Streets & Trips but have since moved on to a Garmin 7200.
Similar to Briteskys we stared out with the MS Street and Trips and still have it but found it too cumbersome to operate for one person when driving. Ok if you have a navigator to enter addressess for you. Also hard to read in sunlight unless looking righ at it. We also went for the Garmin 7200 with the 7.5 inch screen that adjusts for sunlight, day night etc automatically and it fits on the dash and can operate it with touching the screen.
I haven't had the MS GPS, but, I have had various years, up to 2007, of S&T make mistakes on where a street is, apt complex located where S&T shows a through street, animal hospital directions led us to a Burger King, etc.
I was wondering: What does S&T GPS say when, for example, it directs you to a Burger King when your dog is badly in need of care?? Or, does the GPS option correct these problems??
Plan for tomorrow. Live for today. Learn from yesterday.
I use the software from both MS (Streets and Trips) and DeLorme (Street Atlas) - along with the Earthmate gps receiver that came with SA. (both programs can use the others gps receiver and both programs can - for whatever reason one might want to do that - be run at the same time, side by side).
Advantages of this set-up - BIG screen (laptop) and cost (about $100 - if you've got a laptop).
Disadvantage - mobility - can't be hand-held, for "treking", for example.
I would venture a guess that most units have features similar to one another and that the maps accuracy are comparable.
As for "securing the laptop when parked", I've built a pedestal out of PVC and plywood (that sets-up on my F150s transmission hump, in front of the center console and between the 2 seats) and upon which I place the laptop - securing it with a velcro strap. When parked it's easy to "un-strap" the computer and "hide" it (tho I usually place a towel and paper road map over it).
The pedestal parts aren't glued and that allows for; 1) Easy set-up and take-down - and - 2) the unit to swivel so that viewing can be dedicated towards the driver, passenger or centered so both can view (I like having the pedestal in place - extra surface for storing "stuff" - and I leave it in place, vs taking it apart for storage).
If you would like a parts list, simple instructions and pics of the pedestal and it's parts, PM an e-mail address to me to which I can send the pics.....bill
We used MS Streets and Trips as our "guide" and for trip planning this past summer for a cross country trip. Yes, there were a few glitches. It once had us (without warning) taking a ferry (no way so we had to backtrack) and it had the mileage to one campground off by about 4 tenths which almost caused us to drive past it.
Other than that, it worked fine. The problem with other portable or dedicated GPS units is that you don't have the trip planning ability. That is why I liked Streets. I had our whole route done a couple of months before leaving and was able to tweak it thanks to some input from the good folks here.
For a mount I ended up getting one from Ebay, then found out it was nothing but basic plumbing parts and that anyone could make one themselves for under $20. It worked well though.
2005 F-150, Factory Tow Package
2006 Keystone Z271 Zeppelin II
Bill, Pixie, Honeybun the rescue and our DOTL cat Pita
I use it, I have one complaint, When you do routing it defaults to "Quickest" now it's idea of Quickest and mine are not always the same. Plus some of what it considers "Streets" are no fun in a 37' Class A (What I drive)
You need to check "MORE OPTIONS" on the routing frame and choose "Segments" and "Preferred Roads" any time it takes you anywhere that's not a freeway.
Other than that, great program and I use it all the time
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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