Mobile GPS navigation with
the talking "Laptop-NavStar"

The Ultimate GPS solution? ... judge for yourself!

by John Stead, Orangeville, ON email jstead@CarterRV.com In this review, I look at the Laptop-Navstar application as an alternative mobile navigation method to what was used in the "CarterGPS" article. According to the creator ... Laptop-NavStar is the best GPS Vehicle Navigation Solution based on GPS and Microsoft MapPoint Technology. It is an integrated product of the Microsoft's MapPoint software and Mobile GPS Online's powerful GPS Navigation Tools. It is the most feature rich, easy to use and cost effective navigation solution. Laptop-Navstar has all the features of Microsoft MapPoint as it is built right on top of Mappoint. The Laptop-Navstar screen offers additional funcionality and features. - Talking navigation directions and shortcut key for repeating. - Trip status for current position, distance to destination (DTD) and estimated time of arrival (ETA). - Shortcut key or automatic recalculation of route when off-track. - Zoom-in and zoom-out short keys. Note: If you are not familiar with the native features of MapPoint or Streets & Trips, you may want to review them on the Microsoft web site. In order to use the Laptop-Navstar application, you must have Microsoft Mappoint installed in advance. Either the full Mappoint or the "run-time" version will work. Microsoft Mappoint may be obtained at most local software stores or directly from the Laptop-Navstar web site. You also need a GPS unit which the Laptop-Navstar people can also provide. The download of the application takes time even on a high speed connection due to the size. Once the 30mb file arrives, installation is straight forward with the built in Windows Installer. Upon startup the program loads the "System Configuration", (Options), screen where you set your GPS info, voice settings, unit of measure and actions settings. Selecting "ok" saves your settiings and returns you to the main map screen. The main system menu consists of the following .. Options: Set your system configuration options. Address Manager: Planning: Open route planner. Status: Calculate and display your current trip status. Itinerary: See your current position on the map while you are driving. Navigator: Display detailed navigation information. Speak: Speak out the navigation direction. Zoom In: Zoom Out: Detour: Detour or amend your original route. Find: Find locations or nearby places. Toolbar: Displays the standard toolbar. Print: Exit: Help: Trip planning is the same as with Streets & Trips or Mappoint. Enter you start and end point addresses and you are set to go. Advanced users will additionally enter options for gas stops, rest stops driving start and stops times. Now comes the fun part ... click on "Navigate" and listen up. The talking Laptop-Navstar will provide you with verbal directions and position status througout your trip. The large buttons make it easy to select options like "zoom-in", "zoom-out" and "status" while travelling. Now that I have tried the "Laptop-Navstar", I have packed away my "Streets & Trips" forever. The talking "Laptop-Navstar" and "Mappoint" combination is my Ultimate GPS solution. Check out www.mobilegpsonline.com for further details. Check out www.mobilegpsonline.com for further details. Check out www.mobilegpsonline.com for further details. Check out www.mobilegpsonline.com for further details.

Click on image for a larger view. www.mobilegpsonline.com www.mobilegpsonline.com www.mobilegpsonline.com www.mobilegpsonline.com Have "Crystal" tell you directions. Have "Mike" tell you directions.

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