Just wanted to get some reviews on some of the good softwares and receivers to purchase for my laptop. I'm leaning towards the EarthmateŽ GPS LT-20 with the Street Atlas 2006. Anyone have thoughts on this and others that might be better?

 

I have MS Streets 2k5 and Street Atlas... they're both alright but as far as "usability while driving" (which is probably a no-no) MS Streets is better. You can do things like recalculate route with a single button, etc., whereas Street Atlas is robust but really cumbersome to use unless you're paying a lot of attention (which is not a good thing if you're using it on the move).

Street Atlas has voice prompts and VR though, so if you want that in a commercial product that's probably your best bet.

I tried a lot (A LOT) of different software when messing with my car PC, and in the end I settled for Map Monkey (check mp3car forums) which is a PC port of Destinator. I just got a hold of iGuidance as well, and so far I like the looks but I haven't used it enough to give you an opinion.

As far as the GPS receiver... I have the re-branded Pharos USB one that shipped with MS Streets. It's decent, but sometimes it takes a while to acquire a lock from a cold start. I just ordered a Globalsat BR-353 from buygpsnow.com and I should get it in a couple of days. I went that route because I wanted USB connectivity and SiRF. The Pharos one is good, and they sell adapters to convert it to CF or Bluetooth (in case you have a PDA and you wanna move it around or something).

 

That's what you want. I used mine heading out the Maxus 2005 and it's great.

MS's software is trash from what I hear.

 

that's what i've heard also. thanks for the info, i'm going to pick one up on ebay.