Paperback-
Hi. We use DeLorme Street Atlas 2003 USA. We have used DeLorme products for a couple of years now. This last package of DeLorme software is a two disc set that came with the Earthmate GPS "pod".
The pod attaches to a USB port on the laptop. We use the pod more for when we need to find out where we are as opposed to using it for where we are going. In otherwords, we plug the pod thingy in and it tells us where we are. It pinpoints our truck's location exactly on the computer screen. Then we can either use this point to go to our next pickup location or we can use it just to route us out of a city etc. The program also has voice recognition capabilities and talks to us as well. It will instuct you when you are off route and when you need to turn. It also, if the pod is connected, will tell you and show your speed, and where the next truck stop is etc. It has lots of bells and whistles which we quite honestly don't use... We use it mostly for local directions. It does not show specific truck routes, however, you can dictate which type of routing you prefer and we use the interstate routing which may take you out a few miles but the roads are generally safe as truck routes. It also shows one way roads which is really handy in NYC and Chicago. It cost about $90.00 with the pod and about $60.00 without it. You can not install the entire program to your hard drive and must have the data disc in the CD drive for it to work.
We also use PC Miler version 14.00 for general city to city routing. This program appears to use truck routing for most of it's directions. This program is installed completely on the hard drive and it easy to use and no disc installation prior to use is necessary. Frankly, we don't use this much because it second nature for us now on what routes to use to get from city to city. We use it when we are trying to determine which route may be shorter etc.
We also have a Sanyo 8100 Srint telephone that we connect via the USB port to the internet and use Map Quest or another mapping program if DeLorme does not show the location. This doesn't happen often but it does especially with new industrial parks or economic developement zones that have not been addressed in the DeLorme version we have. We do try to keep our DeLorme updated and probably will be purchasing the 2004 version soon.
As far as a lap top-we use a basic pentIV, windows XP, with a CDRW CD Rom, two USB ports, two PCMCIA slots...etc. Cost about $1200.00. We bought a Gateway under the assumption that it could be repaired etc across country as they have many locations. Don't fall for it. It doesn't matter where you go they always have to send a laptop in for repairs and Gateways are more expensive overall costs and repairs. So, I would head to your nearest Sam's Club and buy a HP for about $1,000.
Hopes this helps-mcbride
SHARP327
