Delorme DeLorme Earthmate GPS Receiver

I have the USB type and I use it with my laptop o ...

Strengths: Affordable, quick and easy hardware setup (just hook up cable to USB port of notebook computer), and fairly reliable mapping software.

Weaknesses: One-way streets in Manhattan and other areas in NY not reliable (but can be corrected by using the Edit Roads... feature), takes time to master software, & map for Canada not very reliable/accurate.

Summary: I have the USB type and I use it with my laptop on the road. Other than the difficulty of setting up the laptop so that it's accessible while I drive, I find this tool useful.

If the software doesn't have it yet, the following would be my nice-to-have features:

1.) If I'm following a pre-calculated and pre-saved route and I deviate from it, the software should automatically recalculate to get me back on track. Currently, I go to the Route details and change my Starting point to GPS start and recalculate, but I often have to do this while I'm on the wheel so it's not convenient.

2.) The Find feature using GPS is very useful, and it would be nice to be able to search for a category (e.g. Restaurants) and also be able to specify a name to narrow down the search results.

3.) Interruping a long search needs to be more responsive.

4.) It would be nice to be able to right-click on a mapnote and be able to add a Via or Stop point to whatever it points to and the software automatically recalculates your route. This is especially useful if viewing a map zoomed out and all you see is that you're approaching a pre-saved mapnote above an interesting area (possibly a tourist spot or restaurant or gas station). And the software would (optionally) voice out what's on the mapnote.

5.) Adding mapnotes along your route would also be voiced out by the software, just like it notifies about route turns.

I guess that's it for now. I hope this helps...

Nico

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I bought this unit based on its versitility. You ...

Strengths: This unit is the least expensive GPS on the market (paid $99 with software including shipping) yet it's extremely accurate. Very versatile, can be used with laptop, palm pocket PC, Bluetooth, etc...

Weaknesses: The software could use some improvements, but other GPS software on the market aren't any better.

Summary: I bought this unit based on its versitility. You can connect it to pretty much anything with cable or Bluetooth wireless. I also did not want to pay too much for a GPS.

Installing the software was a breeze. I don't know why some other users ran into problems. I then connected the GPS to the USB cable and Windows XP found and installed the hardware. It took the unit about 30 sec to track.

The software is not perfect, but then again, you really cannot find anything out there that is significantly better. The only thind I didn't like is that you have to keep the CD in the drive. Too bad you cannot use GPS with Mapquest. Mapquest is far better than the commercial mapping softwares. I

The product has exceeded my expectations so far. For $99 you cannot go wrong with this.

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I am a map freak too. Inherited from my Dad, I gue ...

Strengths: Inexpensive, audio out, voice commands accepted, good map program

Weaknesses: requires laptop, some inaccuracies on rural roads,

Summary: I am a map freak too. Inherited from my Dad, I guess.

At any rate, I purchased the DeLorme device because one of my kids who lives in a different city would frequently call me and say "I'm lost--please help!", but I didn't want to fork out $700+ for a self-contained device.

Bottom line, I'm pleased. It does require a laptop, but does pretty much what it says it does. Have noted some inaccuracies on non-main roads (up to several hundred feet), but it works well on main roads. Most pleased with the voice command--"Where am I?" As you can probably guess, I gave the unit to my kid.

Was comfortable with the software from the start as I have been using another DeLorme Product (AAA Map'n'Go) for many years.

The breadcrumbs feature (little green dots that track your route), is neat. Playback even showed me turning the car around so I could back into my garage.

Best of all, I purchased a factory sealed package for $75 plus tax from a local electronics superstore (after rebates, discounts, etc.)

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Great Low Cost GPS

Strengths: Small size, great accuracy, low price

Weaknesses: Of course have to use with extra laptop or PDA, not compatible with Mac or Linux.

Summary: I got this GPS for a very good price from staples. Didn't expect it to be a decent device because of its small size and low price but it turns out to be a great bargain. The signal is strong, accuracy is vrey high and the included map software is very useful.. Someone claimed that the software is very hard to use but I think anyone with a liitle Windows experience shouldn't have too much trouble to install and master it.

It even comes with voice command ability but I haven't tested it.

I strongly suggest it for any price under 50.

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Easy to use and set-up. I love this product. Not ...

Strengths: Easy to use and set-up. Price.

Weaknesses: none

Summary: Easy to use and set-up. I love this product. Not sure what I did with out it. I reccomend to everyone who travels and is on the road all the time.

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I have been a user of DeLorme Hardware (Earthmate) ...

Strengths: Their competition (CoPilot, etc.) has a better product

Weaknesses: extremely non-intuitive, Low quality hardware, no support after 90 days

Summary: I have been a user of DeLorme Hardware (Earthmate) and Software (Street Atlas) for a number of years and have NEVER BEEN IMPRESSED. I have spoken to their product manager, who only had excuses for the poorly designed Street Atlas software.

- Street Atlas is extremely non-intuitive, and has no basis in any Windows or MAC standards. Delorme designed a completely proprietary, non-ergonomic user interface.

- Their drivers are hard to install and require manual Windows Registry procedures to uninstall.

- Previous versions of the EarthMate receiver sold only last year have components that are no longer supported.

Don’t expect to be very impressed with an out of box experience.

Don’t expect any reliable support. Once they have your money, their meager customer “support” can only quote the miserable 90 day warranty.

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