bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 w/ GPS Locator (Full Product)

• Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows XP

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Attractive price (under $60 including GPS unit!)

Weaknesses: GPS user interface is poor and non-intuitive.

Summary: The "original" non-GPS version features are very good and largely unchanged. Like a self-contained Google Maps without the need for an Internet connection, plus some nice trip planning features.The GPS addition is of course a very useful one, but it is poorly implemented. Poor quality synthesized voice (and it doesn't even read street names!), non-intuitive user interface (often-used features are buried deep in some menu), etc. Still fine for the price and will get the job done, but not as clean to use as a standalone unit (I use TomTom and like it, but some claim that Garmin is even more user-friendly--if you are used to either of these, expect less, other than of course a larger display).

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: Can zoom into your location and see the surroundings and make decisons before and while you're there.

Weaknesses: Some misinformation. I wonder if Microsoft really updates the product annually.

Summary: I drive tractor/trailer and I wouldn't drive without it. It won't show low overpasses, or other truck restrictions. you just have to use common sense and read all your signs. sometimes it shows me on nonexisting roads that were built within the last few years which leads me to wonder if Microsoft REALLY just makes minor updates and puts the same annual version in next years box. Sometimes tells you your next turn is left when it is right. again pay attention to your signs!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Best mapping product that I have found. I've used the product without the GPS since 2001. Like cost and use of GPS.

Weaknesses: Sometimes the directions are incorrect, i.e. have you turning right instead of left.

Summary: I'm a realtor and use this product daily. Before this purchase, I used the product without the GPS. It was great, but the addition of the GPS function makes this product the best I have found on the market.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Day

Strengths: intuitative

Weaknesses: no directions on tethering the GPS

Summary: I have been using street and maps since 2005 and was so satisfied that I decided to upgrade. This software is very handy when tired on a road trip at a click to have telephone numbers and locations of hotels and restaurants at your finger tips. The map accuracy and details seem very accurate.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Larger screen size than usual car GPS units. Nice to know where you are when not in car.

Weaknesses: When driving it can be hard to find a place to place laptop conveniently.

Summary: At first I couldn't get a signal from a satellite when inside, trying it out for the first time. I even went out into my backyard carrying the laptop around and still no signal. But when I actually went went driving around in my neighborhood it finally worked great. So basically this thing does need an unobstructed view of the skies (my backyard has large trees in it) to work. I didn't want to spend $200 or more for a GPS unit and when Best Buy had this for sale I snapped one up. I was messing around with it and it has a nighttime mode. That is very handy! Overall I am pretty pleased with this thing and will use it on my next roadtrip which will probably be to Houston, TX. It will probably prove its worth then.