The Bottom Line
- Street-level mapping and address-to-address customized routing.
- Real time navigation.
- Voice command GPS.
- Geo-locate your own databases.
- Also availabe for pocket PCs, Palm OS devices, Mobile PDAs and phones.
- Map must be updated annually for accuracy.
Description
- DeLorme Street Atlas and Earthmate GPS - 2008 now available.
- Earthmate GPS receiver is USB-powered.
- Address-to-address routing available on CD, no Web access needed.
- Voice-command GPS recognition.
- Split-screen GPS tracking with detailed maps.
- Print detailed directions.
- Plus version ideal for accessing U.S. phone listings and geo-locating your own databases.
- Annual DeLorme Street Atlas is updated annually, but requires purchase.
Guide Review - DeLorme Street Atlas and Earthmate GPS
Just before Christmas we made a trip to his sister's new country place for our family holiday gathering. Although it was only about an hour's drive, we were unsure of the rather sketchy directions given by family members.
My husband grabbed his laptop before we left. Since her place was in the country, far from any town, I was skeptical that any mapping system would be able to zero in on the location. I was wrong. The DeLorme Street Atlas gave us an exact location and superb directions. We arrived on time and without the usual stress associated with not knowing where you're going.
The DeLorme Street Atlas program is easy to install and use, and the Earthmate GPS simply plugs into the USB port on your laptop. You can track your progress — including speed and location — as you navigate in real time.
A less expensive version of DeLorme is also available with just the map program for at home use. If you travel often by automobile and have a laptop or mobile device, DeLorme could be a worthwhile purchase. The extensive "places of interest" would be an asset for either local or vacation travel.
