gps in europe
Jun 10th, 2006, 02:05 PM
#21
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This is an interesting discussion for me because I am seriously considering purchasing a portable GPS to use both at home and on my upcoming trip to the UK (during which I'll be driving around for about 6 days).
I like economy of using something that integrates into my laptop BUT I don't want to lug the laptop to Europe, much less use it for navigation in the car at home.
I'd like someone to excplain to me how a laptop sitting in the car would be as easy and convenient to use as a laptop in a car.
Another possibility would be to find something that would integrate into my Palm Zire which I will be taking to Europe.
OK, convince me.
I like economy of using something that integrates into my laptop BUT I don't want to lug the laptop to Europe, much less use it for navigation in the car at home.
I'd like someone to excplain to me how a laptop sitting in the car would be as easy and convenient to use as a laptop in a car.
Another possibility would be to find something that would integrate into my Palm Zire which I will be taking to Europe.
OK, convince me.
Jun 10th, 2006, 02:20 PM
#23
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If you "don't want to lug the laptop to Europe, much less use it for navigation in the car at home," I don't see what possible difference the answer could make.
Put a 320x240 pixel screen (Garmin c320) on the dash. Now put a 1280x768 pixel screen on the seat next to you. Notice how vastly more intelligible the large screen is than the small one, even though it's twice as far away. If you're having trouble visualizing this difference, just display this PPC screen on your big computer:
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/softwa...etstreets4.gif
Put a 320x240 pixel screen (Garmin c320) on the dash. Now put a 1280x768 pixel screen on the seat next to you. Notice how vastly more intelligible the large screen is than the small one, even though it's twice as far away. If you're having trouble visualizing this difference, just display this PPC screen on your big computer:
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/softwa...etstreets4.gif
Jun 10th, 2006, 03:43 PM
#24
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I appreciate your answer, Robespierre, and therin lies my one perhaps non-dilemma.
I do not want to have the seat next to me taken up with a laptop and I don't want the person who will be siting in that seat in Europe having to hold on to the laptop.
I certainly don't want to have to have my laptop in the car whenever I need to use the GPS at home and, sometimes that need arises on the spur of the moment.
If the laptop-associated technology offered a type of system in which the screen could be more conveniently placed rather than in the seat of a car next to you then I would probably consider it further. I suppose it ends up being a matter of personal preference which I already know you fully respect.
Again, I appreciate your answer and I can certainly understand the rationale for the choices you have made but as you can see, "convenience" sometimes costs more and prompts different decisions.
I do not want to have the seat next to me taken up with a laptop and I don't want the person who will be siting in that seat in Europe having to hold on to the laptop.
I certainly don't want to have to have my laptop in the car whenever I need to use the GPS at home and, sometimes that need arises on the spur of the moment.
If the laptop-associated technology offered a type of system in which the screen could be more conveniently placed rather than in the seat of a car next to you then I would probably consider it further. I suppose it ends up being a matter of personal preference which I already know you fully respect.
Again, I appreciate your answer and I can certainly understand the rationale for the choices you have made but as you can see, "convenience" sometimes costs more and prompts different decisions.
Jun 11th, 2006, 10:18 AM
#25
I already have the 2005 Streets and Trips which has maps of Europe you can put onto a pda and a CF GPS to use ith it. What does Autoroute have that would enhsnce the European driving experience.
BTW I am trying to use my CF GPS on my laptop using a PCMIA adapter but there is something I am not doing because it cannot find the GPS. Can anyone help?
BTW I am trying to use my CF GPS on my laptop using a PCMIA adapter but there is something I am not doing because it cannot find the GPS. Can anyone help?
Jun 11th, 2006, 10:35 AM
#26
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AutoRoute has cross-country maps, which Pocket Streets does not. It also plots routes for optimum cost or speed (your choice).
Have you checked for instructions on the PCMCIA adapter at the manufacturer's web site?
Have you checked for instructions on the PCMCIA adapter at the manufacturer's web site?
Jun 11th, 2006, 01:58 PM
#28
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What is the point in carrying a laptop with you. In the car?
1. It is far too big to sit on the lap of the passenger all journey.
2. Very difficult to hide when you nip into a restaurant for a meal en route.
3. With all the other baggage who wants to cart a laptop around anyway.
What is wrong with good map reading?
Some small pocket thing may be the answer but I am not convinced, those bloody womens voices grrrrrrrrrrr
"Turn right"......"Turn right"......."I SAID TURN RIGHT"...!!
Muck
1. It is far too big to sit on the lap of the passenger all journey.
2. Very difficult to hide when you nip into a restaurant for a meal en route.
3. With all the other baggage who wants to cart a laptop around anyway.
What is wrong with good map reading?
Some small pocket thing may be the answer but I am not convinced, those bloody womens voices grrrrrrrrrrr
"Turn right"......"Turn right"......."I SAID TURN RIGHT"...!!
Muck
Jun 11th, 2006, 02:12 PM
#29
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Well, there are laptops and there are laptops. My new one is a Compaq V2000 that weighs just over 5 lbs. and is about 1½" thick. So the answers are:
1. It isn't in the navigator's lap most of the time. Once you get out of the city and onto the highway, it isn't needed much until the next city.
2. If I don't want to leave it in the car, I slip it into my shoulder bag and take it with me.
3. People who want to have a computer with them. And would rather carry a small computer than two or three times its weight and volume in paper.
This IS good map-reading - where the map tells you where you are.
If you have a problem with women giving you directions, I can't help you.
Here ya go: http://tinyurl.com/lyzmw
1. It isn't in the navigator's lap most of the time. Once you get out of the city and onto the highway, it isn't needed much until the next city.
2. If I don't want to leave it in the car, I slip it into my shoulder bag and take it with me.
3. People who want to have a computer with them. And would rather carry a small computer than two or three times its weight and volume in paper.
This IS good map-reading - where the map tells you where you are.
If you have a problem with women giving you directions, I can't help you.
Here ya go: http://tinyurl.com/lyzmw
Jun 11th, 2006, 02:48 PM
#30
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in my experience, the only issue is whether the rental car company can guarantee that you will get a GPS, i have had it happen that despite the mercedes i was renting and the high price i was paying, on more than one occasion i was denied the GPS. Murphy's law would tell you that if you go out and buy one, no matter what when you rent a car, there will be one in your car, if you don't buy one.....
Jun 11th, 2006, 11:25 PM
#31
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Rob you don't convince, me.Or help me.
The only way to have these systems are to have them built into the car.
Carrying a laptop for this purpose and this purpose alone is ridiculous. I have a laptop with similar proportions and I don't want it in the car.
1. It needs to be secured and carried everywhere risking theft or loss.
2. It can easily get damaged unless your also carrying a suitable case that weighs much more than the laptop. Now by the time the rest of your stuff is upon your shoulder plus the laptop bag . It is inconvenient.
Anyway I love a womans voice except for when they nag....lol
;-)
Muck
The only way to have these systems are to have them built into the car.
Carrying a laptop for this purpose and this purpose alone is ridiculous. I have a laptop with similar proportions and I don't want it in the car.
1. It needs to be secured and carried everywhere risking theft or loss.
2. It can easily get damaged unless your also carrying a suitable case that weighs much more than the laptop. Now by the time the rest of your stuff is upon your shoulder plus the laptop bag . It is inconvenient.
Anyway I love a womans voice except for when they nag....lol
;-)
Muck
Jun 12th, 2006, 03:50 AM
#32
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Hi,
We have used a GPS in Italy and France. After first using it in Italy, we knew we wanted one for any of our self-driving trips in Europe. It was wonderful getting us around unfamiliar countries.
Rental companies do not guarantee a GPS. When going to France, we decided to take one with us “just in case”. It went unused, since the rental car did have one.
This year we are going to Central/Eastern Europe. Because of the types of cars they rent in this area, it is unlikely the car will have one. So, once again, we are carrying ours with us.
Just be careful. Be very discrete hiding the GPS in the car when you park. They are a popular target for thieves.
Have a great trip,
walkteach
We have used a GPS in Italy and France. After first using it in Italy, we knew we wanted one for any of our self-driving trips in Europe. It was wonderful getting us around unfamiliar countries.
Rental companies do not guarantee a GPS. When going to France, we decided to take one with us “just in case”. It went unused, since the rental car did have one.
This year we are going to Central/Eastern Europe. Because of the types of cars they rent in this area, it is unlikely the car will have one. So, once again, we are carrying ours with us.
Just be careful. Be very discrete hiding the GPS in the car when you park. They are a popular target for thieves.
Have a great trip,
walkteach
Jun 12th, 2006, 06:55 AM
#33
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I have a rollaboard computer/suitcase that weighs less than the laptop, so securing the machine in a padded compartment and transporting it aren't difficult. Dozens of these designs exist in the marketplace, because the manufacturers see a huge market in people who want to travel with a computer.
If you think you can do it, or you think you can't - you're absolutely right.
If you think you can do it, or you think you can't - you're absolutely right.
Jul 2nd, 2006, 09:28 PM
#35
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I am based in the US and looking for advice on carrying a portable GPS for walking / city touring vs loading-up a PDA with Maps & a seperate bluetooth GPS.
Ocacionally, I'd like to load a US city map for family driving vacations as well.
Anyone have experience with either the dedicated portable GPS for walking or PDA + GPS?
I'm very cost concious & will not pay $100's for European map kits.
Tom-Tom plus seems to have select Western European cities for <5 euros each..well within my budget, but are there <$300 portable devices use the Plus service yet?
Ocacionally, I'd like to load a US city map for family driving vacations as well.
Anyone have experience with either the dedicated portable GPS for walking or PDA + GPS?
I'm very cost concious & will not pay $100's for European map kits.
Tom-Tom plus seems to have select Western European cities for <5 euros each..well within my budget, but are there <$300 portable devices use the Plus service yet?
Jul 3rd, 2006, 06:00 AM
#36
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Microsoft Pocket Streets fits your requirements. Many Pocket PCs now have integral GPS, but you can also carry a bluetooth unit in your pocket or plug in one on a CF card.
Maps of several hundred North American and European cities are free at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobi...mapsearch.aspx
You can also make custom cross-country route maps in Streets & Trips and export them to your PPC. The software is sold bundled with a GPS unit for $80.
Maps of several hundred North American and European cities are free at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobi...mapsearch.aspx
You can also make custom cross-country route maps in Streets & Trips and export them to your PPC. The software is sold bundled with a GPS unit for $80.
Jul 3rd, 2006, 07:56 AM
#39
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The problem with Mapopolis is that it costs well over a trillion USD. Microsoft's AutoRoute can be had for under $50 and covers all of western Europe.
http://www.microsoft.com/autoroute
http://www.microsoft.com/autoroute
Jul 4th, 2006, 04:34 PM
#40
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Thanks for all the help.
I'm confused about the Micreosoft offerings. Can you load the European city maps into Microsofyt streets & trips? (for the US). Or Do you have to buy microsoft Autoroute (the European version of streets & trips).
Also, it looks like pocket streets (for the windows handheld) is included in streets & trips or Autoroute for note much more $$s???
I'm confused about the Micreosoft offerings. Can you load the European city maps into Microsofyt streets & trips? (for the US). Or Do you have to buy microsoft Autoroute (the European version of streets & trips).
Also, it looks like pocket streets (for the windows handheld) is included in streets & trips or Autoroute for note much more $$s???
