Getting From Here To There

[Warren Fisher]

Robert,

I have the software, but I have the older GPS that runs on batteries
that need to be changed every couple of days.  Yours is a lot easier to
use.

The program from Delorme works well but there is some equipment you need
to make it usable in the car:
1.  The screen won't be readable in strong sunlight. You need the hood
that attaches to the front of the monitor to shade it. It is a forlding
thing that attaches with velcro.
2. Make sure your driving buddy is interested in the process or the only
time you can use it legally is when you're parked.
3. You need the adjustable platform for the computer mounted to the
floor of the vehicle.   Laptops get darn hot when they've been on for a
while.  Your sidekick won't put up with that long.  Also the computer
plus hood may occlude your sight of the right side mirror.
4. You need either a cigar lighter power converter for the laptop or an
inverter from radio shack that makes AC to connect your regular adapter
to.

The voice stuff sounds interesting.  Mine doesn't have that.

One problem with these rigs is that they have to lock on to 3 satellites
to work.  You either have to sit in the drive waiting for this to happen
or head out and hope it get's it's act together before you get on the
freeway.  Otherwise you wasted your time bringing it.  Getting it to
re-initialize on the freeway is not an option.  If you do, I'm going to
make sure I'm not on the same road with you! :-)  Also, when you stop
you need to safeguard the laptop from theft and most laptops won't run a
couple of hours even in sleep mode without a power source or a spare
battery.  Also, again when you leave your first appointment for the
second you will have to initialise all over again.

On a positive side, I do a lot of camping and traveling.  Every time I
use it it  puts me right at the entrance of the campground no matter how
far in the boondocks it is.

For finding an address for an appointment, I don't see how you can beat
a good book map for the area.  You can put it on your steering wheel and
look up a street anytime you want.  Works for me.


If you have a Palm Pilot you can use your GPS a lot easier.  I
understand that voice options are available for it also.  The downside
is you have to download the maps from your laptop and the options are
very limited compared to a laptop.

Warren


robert goodale wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I just bought a blazing new and beautiful notebook
> computer.  I was wondering if anyone had experience with GPS
> mapping software.  I'm talking about the programs which
> contain a comprehensive graphical U.S. map and a GPS
> receiver.  I just bought DeLorme "Earthmate Road Warrior"
> ($200.00), but I haven't opened it yet.  The box claims that
> it will pin point your location within about 10 feet
> anywhere in the country.  The idea is that you tell the
> computer where you want to go by entering the address and it
> then speaks to you while you drive and tells you what
> streets to turn on to get there.  It also has voice
> recognition so that you can ask for updates along the way.
> It will give you the shortest routes from point A to point B
> or it can give you alternate routes to avoid traffic
> problems.
>
> The idea is to make life easier in getting to my tuning
> appointments.  I though if I pre programed the address
> beforehand then all I would have to do is start driving.
> The software is updated every year and contains every known
> street in the country.  What I would like to know is if
> there is anyone else here who has tried this program?  Does
> it really do what it is supposed to do?  Reading the label
> further apparently the system does not work in real time,
> rather it needs about a minute and a half or so lag time to
> triangulate it's position.  Between each satellite fix the
> computer will continue to estimate your present position in
> simulated real time.  This is what makes me wonder how
> practical it will work.  The GPS receiver also requires 4
> AAA batteries which last about 10 hours which can be a
> slight inconvenience.  Obviously I want to make darn sure
> this will do what I want it to do before I open the software
> and I have a limited time to return it.  It is not cheep.
> So what do you think, has anyone else tried one of these?
> Just trying to bring piano tuning one step closer to
> technology- first ETAs and now GPS.
>
> Rob Goodale, RPT
> Las Vegas, NV
>
> P.S. It can also be used with Palm and includes the
> neccessary cables.

--
Warren Fisher RPT
fish@Communique.net
1422 Briarwood Dr.
Slidell, LA 70458-3102