Microsoft streets trips 2009 reviews

If you are new to the program, the interface is simple enough that the learning curve is minimal. The GPS drivers are included in the program, so once you install the program, you are ready to plug in the GPS and go. The advantage of it coming in three pieces is that you can plug the GPS unit into your laptop without the messiness of a cable, but if reception is limited, you can still use the cable and place the GPS unit in a clear reception area.

The SiRF starIII part means that it has better reception in difficult environments mostly because it is capable of receiving 20 satellites simultaneously and using the best signals from five of them.

The iGPS also distinguishes itself by using only 50 milliamps of power, so if your laptop is one of those that current limits the USB ports when running on battery power, the iGPS will still function. Let me be real clear about something. This, like other driving GPSs, is not something that you can turn on after starting the engine and program while driving down the road. It is useful if you do some data entry before getting in the car. It is useful if your plans change en route, but you better stop the car to change the destination.

En route, the verbal driving instructions are spoken clearly in a female robot voice. They include turning instructions, street names, freeway names and numbers, and a warning of the next decision point after executing the turn. The map automatically zooms in when you are approaching a decision point, presenting a more detailed view of the upcoming route.

The program is much closer to a dedicated driving GPS than previous versions. The spoken instructions, a literal read of the onscreen text instructions, are generally comprehensible, but can occasionally be confusing.

Then the large font onscreen instructions become useful: they can be read at a glance. The whole package provides timely and comprehensible information most of the time, but there are times when the verbal instructions are not clear.

The GPS feature I put in the occasionally useful but mostly entertaining category. The refinements on the interface make this a worthy upgrade, and the new perspective view puts it more in line with the competition, notably iGuidance, who I think still has the edge with its map display.

If you need a fully capable mapping program, or just want it for the occasional driving instructions, get it.

Highly recommended. Please also make sure that you have inserted city name. New Navigation View with a perspective looking forward from above, similar to dedicated driving GPSs.

This reminds me of flying traffic watch. Spoken street names, notably missing from previous versions, make the program more like dedicated driving GPSs.

Automatic rerouting if you drive off the planned route. In previous versions you had to manually tell the program to reroute. Cant realy blame it because the road was very twisted and satillite reception was low. This is the only con so far.

Overall Review: Would recommend this product. Works great with a laptop and street tips software is very handy if you cant get any WiFi. Cons: Don't throw away older copies of this program. Microsoft has elimated a lot on the locations on the new version so hunting something down may take patience. The GPS module works with older versions so that's a bonus. Even the version has features better than this one. Overall Review: Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't but it again or reccommend it.

Cons: there are no Windows 7 drivers for the GPS adapter. I would have thought Microsoft would have this working, after all it is their own software. Overall Review: I bought this for buisness trips and I also happen to be running windows 7 on my laptop.

Pros: this works great. I am very mpressed with this. Cons: the speech engine has a hard time. I searched for POI's at my house and it located about No bit drivers! I love running bit to use all of my laptops ram but I am stuck with only half Overall Review: its actually that there are no drivers for bit OSes.

Sold by: Newegg Shipped by Newegg. Learn More. This item is currently out of stock and it may or may not be restocked. Out of Stock. Add To Wish List. Are you an E-Blast Insider? Get real-time, voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions that let you know where your next turn is. Automatic re-routing if you make a wrong turn.

Use the new perspective map view to get a view more like you would see through your windshield. See your exact current location. Track your route in real-time in an easy-to-read Full Screen display with simple, easy to locate navigation buttons.