Opinion

"dutch_105" <dutch_105@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:4kYTa.4031$ys2.308218@news20.bellglobal.com:

> I just bought a copy of Microsoft Streets and trips
> Can someone tell me the best CHEAP gps to use with this software. I
> have a old laptop and want to take the software with me.

> email dutch_105@hotmail.com
http://www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/usene...responses.html

As for your GPS question, I haven't used MS S&T, but you're better
off think of the 'problem' as a generic one - you have a laptop,
and you want to buy a GPS to connect, so software on the laptop
can 'work with' the GPS.
Things to consider:
1)
If the GPS doesn't come with a data cable, factor that
into the cost. For example, the original Garmin etrex
(the yellow one) doesn't include a cable. You can also
make your own cable - do a Google search for more info,
if you need it.
2)
Does your laptop have a free serial port for the GPS connection?
Some laptops don't have a serial port, and need a USB-to-serial
adapter, and some brands/models are problematic. Is the serial
port you plan to use 'free' - i.e. not being used by software
such as a PDA hotsync program?
3)
Of course you'll want to look at the specs for your version
of MS S&T to see what GPS(if any) it supports. If it supports
NMEA, then most GPS receivers will work, as most can output
NMEA data.
4)
There are three main things you can do with a GPS connected
to a PC/laptop:
- update the firmware, and, for mapping units, upload the
GPS manufacturer's maps
- transfer(both directions) "data": waypoints, routes, and tracks
- have the GPS output a data stream(e.g. NMEA) with it's
position, so that "moving map" software can show you your
location on a map image
5)
Even if you want to stick with MS S&T, there is other software you
should get 'right away', such as G7ToWin(free) for managing your "data"
6)
Some vehicles have a metallic coating on/in the windshield, which
will block GPS signals, in which case an externally mounted antenna
would be needed, in which case you would probably want a GPS with
an extrenal antenna connector

Although not related to MS S&T, there's some 'Canadian content'
on my website, and the Software page has a link to G7ToWin.

--
Dave Patton
Canadian Coordinator, the Degree Confluence Project
http://www.confluence.org dpatton at confluence dot org
My website: http://members.shaw.ca/davepatton/
Vancouver/Whistler - host of the 2010 Winter Olympics

Dutch,
Following upon Dave's response: Microsoft Streets &Trips 20003 supports NMEA
format. I can't speak to earlier versions. If you just bought it, you've
probably got the 2003 version. As it comes from Microsoft, it supports GPS
position updates at 15 second intervals. There's a patch available that will
allow your GPS unit to update your position on the map at one-second
intervals. It's at http://gpssoft.homestead.com/

The Garmin Legend comes with a cable to interface to your PC and can be
picked up for $150-$200 US Dollars. I got mine for $150 after rebate from
Amazon.com.

Bill

> The Garmin Legend comes with a cable to interface to your PC and can be
> picked up for $150-$200 US Dollars. I got mine for $150 after rebate from
> Amazon.com.

I got mine for $120 shipped, from eBay. Granted, I sorta took advantage of
a newbie seller, but that's okay.

Original poster, the Legend is definitely the way to go. Rugged,
waterproof, light, very detailed, and cheap(er) than other units, it works
great with a serial connection and uploaded maps, if you want to use it
hand-held in a metro setting.

--
Phil, Squid-in-Training

You can get the yellow etrex, and a cable cheap from ebay.
But then you will want a better one, so you might as well get the Legend to
start with.


"Phil, Squid-in-Training" <i@i.com> wrote in message
news:fF1Ua.60133$k85.2180016@twister.tampabay.rr.c om...
> > The Garmin Legend comes with a cable to interface to your PC and can be
> > picked up for $150-$200 US Dollars. I got mine for $150 after rebate
from
> > Amazon.com.
>
> I got mine for $120 shipped, from eBay. Granted, I sorta took advantage
of
> a newbie seller, but that's okay.
>
> Original poster, the Legend is definitely the way to go. Rugged,
> waterproof, light, very detailed, and cheap(er) than other units, it works
> great with a serial connection and uploaded maps, if you want to use it
> hand-held in a metro setting.
>
> --
> Phil, Squid-in-Training
>
>