7/31/2011

Callaway uPro MX GPS Review

Callaway uPro MX GPS
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I purchased the Callaway uPro MX today so I would have it for a golf vacation starting this weekend. Imagine my disappointment to learn that it's promised gee whiz functionality was nowhere to be found. The courses are pre-loaded, but you have to download the software from a new Upro website. Only the new website doesn't work yet, so the uPro MX does almost nothing and is worth almost nothing.
Update on 6/21: Evidently the website worked for a fraction of the day on 6/17. Although I signed up for email alerts, I didn't receive one. The website promises a status update today. The "update," from Dr. Alan Hacknell, Sr. VP, Research and Development, was posted a couple of hours before midnight. It stated, "We're getting close, folks!"
I found out quite by accident that Callaway has a secret uPro MX tech support team with an unpublished number. I've managed to get transferred to them twice. The first time was when my battery went from 100 percent charged to less than 50 percent charged within two seconds of turning it on. The tech rep. told me to remove the battery for eight hours and then recharge it. Ugh. It worked though.
Tech support has no idea why the touch screen is choppy and inconsistent, why my unit shuts down completely-- not just sleep mode-- repeatedly during a round of golf, or why the unit sometimes doesn't keep up with what hole I am on! Each of these problems alone would earn the uPro MX a poor rating. That it has all of these problems make the devise a disaster.
On another note, I asked the tech rep. when the software is expected to be available and he quite rudely told me he had no idea and that was not his job. I'm shocked that Callaway has botched this product launch so badly.


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Callaway uPro MX Golf GPS...Incredible Capabilities In A Compact Size! Callaway's uPro MX GPS System is ready to go right out of the box with no annual fees! With advanced viewing and scorekeeping capabilities, this compact device takes care of the details so you can concentrate on your shots. Callaway uPro MX Golf GPS System features: The state of the art color touch screen allows golfers to quickly scroll from one feature to the next with the swipe of a finger You can control the devices settings, view different holes or record your score in just a few seconds Preloaded with over 25,000 courses in Basic and GoMode for instant playability Gain a comfortable feel for different courses before you even play them Virtual Green View shows the green and the surrounding area in vivid detail, and also allows you to measure off any point on or around the green complex Scoring Plus allows players to keep a group scorecard, note personal stats and even record individual shot tracking Store up to 50 rounds on the device and an unlimited number of rounds online Sleek design offers a conveniently compact profile that is easy to carry in your pocket Includes rechargeable Li-Ion battery Dimensions: 2 1/2 x 4 x 5/8 *ProMode enhanced functionality available for additional fee SmartView - Displays the ideal view for the upcoming shot based on the golfers position on the course Video Flyovers - Includes Tour-style video flyovers that provide a preview of the hole to help golfers plan their strategy AnyPoint Technology - Allows golfers to measure to and from any location on the course Provides Quick And Accurate Measurements!

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7/30/2011

Earthmate LT-40 with Street Atlas USA Review

Earthmate LT-40 with Street Atlas USA
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I recently went on a long train trip, and wanted a way to track my location. I considered a number of handheld GPS's for general use, since auto-based GPS's are useless once you leave a mapped road. All seemed expensive and with various issues for railroad use.
I planned to take along my ASUS netbook, and decided to try this GPS antenna/receiver combo, along with the included DeLorme mapping software. The GPS antenna will work with any GPS-enabled charting software, but I found it to be a good match for the DeLorme atlas.
The antenna worked acceptably well. Once I completed the initial almanac download, it restarted reasonably quickly with a clear view of the sky. It took longer when I used it with a train window (with half the sky blocked) or if I tried to restart it while moving quickly. It appears to be a 3 channel receiver, only locking into three satellites during the start up process. Once it established a 3D fix, it locked on to other satellites and worked very well.
The atlas seemed pretty up-to-date, with some recent road changes in my neighborhood. The interface takes some getting used to, as it works in a way very different from other maps. For example, you can't simply grab and scroll, as the cursor has other map functions that would conflict with it. You have to either use a "recenter" option, or grab a scroll function from the side of the map. Also, you cannot use the standard mouse wheel for zooming in and out, but rather draw a box around the area you want to zoom into, or use a complicated "stairway" graphic to zoom out. The map software would be greatly improved if DeLorme used a more standard interface.
The software also seems to be really oriented toward planning and saving customized maps, routes, and points of interest. Every time I tried to turn it off, I had to answer several dialog boxes asking if I wanted to save changes to the chart, points of interest, and the GPS track. These are good features, but you should be able to ignore them if you don't want them.
But aside from these quibbles, the GPS and the charting software worked very well for my purpose, and saved me a ton of money over a handheld GPS. There are no restrictions on using a GPS on a train, and many people passing my seat stopped to ask about the large, clear moving map on my seat tray. It really made my trip more interesting.

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7/29/2011

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2011 Review

Microsoft Streets and Trips 2011
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I have been buying each version of this program for many years. This time, I really think that Microsoft simply did a text replace operation 2010 --> 2011 and shipped the thing out. The 2011 program seems to be bug-for-bug identical to the 2010 iteration.
Were any maps updated for 2011? Maybe. I don't have the resources to check this. Here is one data point. Over a year ago, a new freeway entrance was added near my home. A few months ago, the maps on my TomTom GPS were updated to include this. Finally. But Microsoft Streets & Trips 2011 does not include the new freeway entrance.
Microsoft has a web page dedicated to its Streets & Trips product line. There is no mention of new features there. For a marketing-driven company like Microsoft, this is remarkable.
At this point, I could copy and paste my review for Microsoft Streets 2010 right here. Nothing has changed! The maps are still very good, although perhaps becoming old. The user interface is great, except for Microsoft's treatment of "bookmarks." Searching, editing, and organizing saved locations is primitive and inconvenient.
As in previous versions, maps will not print out at 1200 DPI (dots per inch). I can print them at 600 DPI though. I have tested this on three different printers.
I use this program from Windows 7 and it installed cleanly. However, I cannot launch it in the normal fashion. Windows complains that the program was not installed properly. The solution to this problem is to always launch the program with administrative privilege. This is slightly inconvenient.
If anyone finds a difference between this program and the 2010 version, please post your findings.

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Microsoft Streets & Trips helps you plan and map your travels in advance, make your business travel more efficient or inspire your next RV adventure. Streets & Trips allows you to tailor your trip to your personal style, such as preferred road types, start and stop times and more. Streets & Trips makes your travels an adventure with 1.9 million points of interest to help you find interesting stops along the way--no Internet required. Get lost in the adventure not trying to find it.
Get accurate driving directions to just about anywhere in the United States and Canada. Click here for a larger image

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7/28/2011

TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator Review

TomTom  XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator
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History with GPS Navigation:
I've used built-in Honda (Alpine), standalone Garmin, and Ford 'Sync' audio GPS navigation devices.
I loved the Honda navi for its size, and I hated it because updates were sparse and expensive.
I loved the Garmin for being up-to-date but I hated it because it always seemed to change its mind a lot, or direct me into strange areas.
I didn't really care for the Ford Sync navigation, as it wasn't a visual navi. Included for free with the car, but I choose not to use it. Maybe only good as a 'back-up' in case the TomTom fails-- though I don't think it ever will.
I sold my Honda and needed a new navigation system.
I bought the XXL 540TM for...
1) Screen size
2) Frequent map updates (4x a year + Map Share)
3) Ability to customize it (lots of settings to play with)
4) Well Known & Quality (I've always heard 'Garmin' is the best, but when I've tried Garmin, I didn't like it!)
5) Lane Guidance
6) IQ Routes (figuring out which roads were best to use)
By the way, in case you were wondering the "TM" stands for "Traffic" and "Maps", indicating there are free traffic and map updates. I had NO problems entering the "Lifetime Maps & Traffic" code provided.
What's in the box:
-> GPS device itself
-> Window mount (with suction cup)
-> Dashboard 'sticky' pad
-> USB cable (to connect to PC)
-> Car Power adapter
-> Set Up Guide
-> Slip of paper with 1 code, valid for Lifetime Map/Traffic updates
The first thing I did was hook it up to my PC and run all the updates. (A newer map was available + GPSFix + Map Share.) It took about 1.5 hours to update all of it. After it was done, it took up about 96% of the 2GB built-in memory. (I didn't check how much it used before updating.) Not a lot of 'wiggle room' to add more features. No built-in SD slot to add memory, either.
One major downside is that I don't like how easily the device 'pops off' the windshield mount. (See further explanation under "The BAD" below.) I am considering getting a (non-adhesive) weighted/padded mount to put on the dashboard.
The GOOD:
+ Screen size met my expectations. Easy to see everything on the screen
+ Startup time (including time to lock onto satellites) seemed fairly quick
+ Roads were up-to-date and labeled properly. Didn't find any errors
+ Allowed me to customize just about everything I wanted to.
+ It functioned perfectly as a Navigation device. This is where I felt Garmin was lacking. With all the features a Garmin has, it never seemed to 'navigate' the way I liked. Of all the features, the 'Navigation' is the most important, and TomTom does it well from what I've seen.
+ It pronounced some 'hard to say' roads perfectly! I'm sure I'll find some that are not right, but Garmin/Sync had a hard time saying road names.
The "OK":
+- Traffic is only updated by RDS (sent by local FM radio stations). This is what I paid for. RDS updated only major roadways (Interstates) and marked some accidents / road construction / road closures. It only worked when the power cord was plugged into the accessory power port on the car (as the cord functions as the antenna.) I would have preferred TomTom's GO/Live line of products which has a built-in 'cell phone' to grab more detailed and current traffic information. But, these were out of my price range. The XXL 540TM does "just enough" traffic to make it useful.
+- It takes some time to calculate a long distance route. But, I also know that it is using IQ Routes to choose the best roads. It seemed 1 or 2 seconds longer than it needed to be, but certainly not a huge problem.
The BAD:
- Internal memory not expandable. 96% used up without any 'extras' installed? Hope I don't need more...
- When browsing maps (dragging my finger) it is a bit 'laggy'. I don't expect perfection, but it seemed sluggish. Fortunately, I don't plan to browse maps often, so I'll deal with it. I tried turning off Points Of Interest (POIs), and turning off 3D maps (using 2D maps instead), and it really didn't seem to make a difference. I'm impressed with the detail it showed, but wasn't thrilled about waiting 10 seconds for the entire screen to finish 'drawing'.
- Windshield mount seemed to 'pop off' too easily. When suctioned to the windshield, I have to use 2 hands to 'hold' the GPS and keep it attached to the mount while I adjust. I suppose it is useful for people who leave the mount stuck on the windshield. I prefer to remove the device AND the mount and hide them when not in use. (I figure a thief will know that the mount is for a GPS, and that the GPS is hidden in the car somewhere.)I have yet to try this out on a LONG or COMPLEX road trip, but I have no doubts from what I've seen so far that it will be just fine.
OVERALL, I'm happy with the device. Happier than I was with Sync, Alpine, or Garmin. I consider myself an 'Average' navigation user (not a beginner, not an expert) and will update the review after using it more.
Sidenote: I ordered through Amazon, using "Beach Camera" seller. It was delivered ONE (1) business day after I ordered it! I used 'Standard' shipping, and FedEx (Home service) had it delivered fast. Very pleased with Beach Camera's shipping emails and speed!
=========================
UPDATE 11/18/2010:
I thought I'd provide an update after 6 months of using this TomTom device:
1) I am still very happy! It's the 1st GPS I've used that "just works" and I'm glad I don't have to mess with it.
2) I've mastered the technique of adjusting the screen position while simultaneously holding the suction base. Back in May when I first reviewed it, I was concerned about how 'easily' it popped off. Now, it is still annoying, but I've minimized the amount of times it happens by holding it appropriately. It doesn't annoy me enough to buy a different stand/holder.
3) The suction cup still holds on quite well. It hasn't fallen off yet. (I attach/detach from the windshield every time I use it.)
4) Traffic Receiver: I've been satisfied with alternate directions/road closings. It is quite accurate, even in rural areas where I didn't expect road closures to be displayed.
5) Long-distance travel: I've used it for a few long trips (1000+ miles) and had no problems whatsoever with it. I found the 'estimate' of time to be extremely accurate. It was no more than 10 minutes off. (I calculated the time I stopped for gas and added it to the original estimate.)
6) Battery life: I've found the battery life to be holding a little less charge than it used to, but nothing that I feel is alarming. Most of the time, I have the power cord connected anyway (so I can grab the traffic updates with the antenna built into the cord.)
Overall, this is my favorite GPS. I've been hooking it up to the computer less and less (meaning I am forfeiting new 'map share' corrections). I even decided NOT to get the latest map update. Why? Well, I feel everything is working just fine the way it is. I may update if I have the free time. This is in sharp contrast to my previous GPS experience, where I'd pray for updates to fix stubborn issues. The TomTom is just fine and I have had no major complaints. I am NOT in the market to buy a new GPS because I'm finally satisfied.
=========================
UPDATE 06/03/2011:
Here is an update after 1 year of using this device!
1) The battery is holding less charge than last year, but it still lasts 6-8 hours without needing a charge. Not a problem for me, because I use the car adapter most of the time.
2) I drove to Canada, and the maps were accurate! In fact, I liked that TomTom still told me the speed limits of the roads. (Sign said 100kph speed limit, TomTom showed 60 mph limit.) I found this helpful so I didn't have to squint at the tiny "kph" on my car's speedometer. I've made this trip before in the past (without my TomTom), and I chose to "Avoid Tolls" on this trip. TomTom found a very nice route that I had not known about. It used IQ Routes to get me around the rush-hour traffic too! I used the "Itinerary" feature for the first time, and found it worked quite well. I programmed 6-7 destinations the night before my trip. The next day, I simply opened the Itinerary and it asked me if I wanted to travel to the 1st one. I also ended up re-ordering a destination to later in the trip, and found an option to re-order. Very helpful!
3) I updated my map just once (right before my trip to Canada). I installed this on a new computer. I was worried that TomTom wouldn't 'know' that I was eligible for free maps on my new computer. But, I had no problem whatsoever! For those of you who don't know, all your map updates, downloadable color schemes, icons (etc) are done through the TomTom HOME software. You create an account with TomTom, and the TomTom HOME software uses that account to 'know' you're eligible for Lifetime Map updates.
4) I did discover 1 piece that doesn't work for me. I cannot use the "Safety Cameras" add-in from TomTom HOME. I haven't researched it though. I got an error message when trying to add it. No big deal for me, since I only planned to add it for curiosity. A quick Google search didn't reveal it as a widespread problem. I'll update this review if I find a cause/solution.
5) Yes, the GPS still "pops off" the mount too easily. It bugs me from time to time, but still not enough to buy a different mount/base.
6) Am I in the market for a new GPS? Nope! Still very happy with this one. (I got sick of every other GPS within 6 months of using it. But, knowing I still love this TomTom after 1 year says a lot!)
Good job TomTom, you exceeded my high expectations. Thank you!

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XXL 540S 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator

The TomTom XXL 540S is complete navigation in a XXL widescreen device. Switch on and it's ready right out of the box. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions, including street names, will guide you to any address in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico--including more than 7 million pre-loaded points of interest.




Complete XXL Widescreen Navigation and Spoken Street Names
IQ Routes IQ Routes technology* gives you the fastest route every time by using actual average speeds of travel on your route to calculate your trip rather than only posted speed limits, so you'll always travel the smartest route.

Advanced Lane Guidance Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.

5-Inch Touchscreen An extra-wide 5-inch touchscreen helps you find your way, worry-free.

TomTom Map Share TomTom has the most accurate maps, and with TomTom Map Share technology, you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds, and turn restrictions on your own device.

Get Help With the "Help Me!" menu, there are added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers.

EasyPort Mount The award-winning Fold and Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take with you from car to car.

The XXL 540S is complete, widescreen navigation.

*Feature only available in the U.S. and Canada**Feature available in the U.S. only

What's in the Box TomTom XL 540S device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user's guide.

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7/27/2011

Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-Inch, 16GB, Wi-Fi) Review

Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1-Inch, 16GB, Wi-Fi)
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Although I bought this for my wife as a birthday present during pre-release sales in NYC, I've since used it far more extensively than her so I've purchased a second Tab 10.1 from Amazon for myself. As a background, I also have a good amount of experience using a Motorola Xoom (none with the other Android tablets though) and an iPad 2. Anyway, here are my thoughts comparing the Tab 10.1 with the iPad 2. I won't do a comparison with the Motorola Xoom (which, as of writing this review, is the Tab 10.1's major Android competitor) as the two products are really similar. I'll leave the Xoom/Tab 10.1 decision to you. Here are my thoughts:
Operating System/Interface/Web Browsing - Slight edge to the Tab 10.1 running Android 3.1 (Honeycomb). This may just be more of a personal preference as I don't like products (like the iPad 2) which are locked down. I feel a company has no right to tell a consumer how he/she is allowed to use a product (as Apple does with theirs). Anyway, Android 3.1 OS is blazing fast and going along with the Android Open Source Project's philosophy, the OS and by rote, the Tab 10.1, is ultimately configurable. Out of the box, you can easily personalize an Android 3.1 tablet any way you want, and if you can't, there is free software out there to let you do it -- there is no hacking/jailbreaking required. The Tab 10.1's interface is also a lot cleaner than the iPad 2's which can get downright cluttered the more apps you have installed. I'll also note that there doesn't seem to be a discernible difference in the actual speed/performance (loading pages, etc) of the two products. So, we're pretty even so far, but Tab 10.1 clearly gets the edge for one thing -- Flash. Enough said.
Battery life - Strong edge to iPad 2. Both the Tab 10.1 and the iPad 2 are rated for 10 hours. Keeping the screen at about 75% max brightness, I seem to get between about 7 to 8 hours on the Tab 10.1 and 9 to 10 hours on an iPad 2. This may be a result of the screen brightness as I've noticed the Tab 10.1 has a slightly brighter screen at 100% than the iPad 2. Regardless, the iPad 2 has better battery life.
Resolution/Screen - Strong edge to the Tab 10.1's 1280×800 screen vs the iPad 2's 1024x768 one. If you think this is negligible, you are very wrong. This means the Galaxy Tab 10.1 screen has a 30% greater resolution than the iPad 2. You'll notice this difference in every thing you do -- not just when watching movies and photos. The increased resolution causes much less eye strain especially when reading webpages. Additionally, the Tab 10.1's widescreen aspect ratio seems to work a lot better for watching anything in HD. It's a shame the iPad 2 uses the dying 4:3 aspect ratio as there is a lot of wasted real estate on the screen in the form of black bars when watching anything in widescreen. With the Tab 10.1, the screen is entirely filled with video.
Cameras - Strong edge to the Tab 10.1. The Tab 10.1 blows the iPad 2 out of the water here and it's not even close. The Tab has a front-facing 2.0 megapixel (vs iPad 2's 0.3 megapixel) camera and rear-facing 3.0 megapixel (vs iPad 2's 0.7 megapixel) camera. Sure, you're never going to replace your P&S/SLR/video camera with a tablet, but it is nice to have a camera on there that can take a decent picture/video when you're in a pinch.
Portability - Even. The Tab 10.1 is a negligible 0.03 lbs lighter and 0.2mm thinner than the iPad 2.
Cachet - Strong edge to the iPad 2. Apple has a monopoly on this, it seems. Apple is just the trendier product. Odds are nobody will look at a Galaxy Tab 10.1 and think "Wow, that looks really nice. I need to get me one of those." I'm not saying the Tab 10.1 is ugly, but the brushed metal finish on the iPad does feel and look a bit nicer.
Price - Even. I'm really surprised Samsung didn't undercut the iPad 2 prices, even by $50.
Is this the iPad 2 killer as has been reported here and there in the media? Honestly, no, but that's more because most Apple consumers purchasing iPad 2s are brand loyal -- not necessarily looking to buy the best product. I really wish I could rate the Tab 10.1 with 4.5 stars. For reference, if I were to write a review of an iPad 2, I would give it a 4 stars. Giving the Tab 10.1 5 stars seems a bit too generous as I feel the lack of an SD slot and slight plasticky feel are noticeable drawbacks, as is the price (which isn't lower than an iPad 2 with the same amount of memory). And giving the Tab 10.1 4 stars seems a disservice as I feel that it is ultimately an outstanding tablet and, in my opinion, definitely has an edge over the iPad 2.

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Discover the next generation of portable entertainment with the thin, light, and powerful Samsung WiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1-Inch. Showcasing a 10.1-inch widescreen HD display and a dual-core processor for stunning detail and speed, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 delivers sharper movies, better game graphics, and crystal-clear video chats. Surf the web in its full glory with Adobe Flash compatibility and WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Android 3.1 Honeycomb OS provides open access to over 200,000 Android Market apps, giving you the freedom to customize your Tab however you please. At 1.25 pounds, this sleek, 0.34-inch-thick tablet is designed for premium mobile computing around the house and on the go.
Dual-Core Processor Provides Speed and PowerA dual-core Tegra 2 processor and 1 GB of RAM deliver lightning-fast speed whether you're surfing the web, watching HD video, or playing the latest games. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 also features Adobe Flash compatibility, allowing you to experience unrestricted browsing on millions of web pages. And with up to 10 hours of battery life, the Galaxy offers endurance as well as power.

The Galaxy supports WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth v2.1 connections. A 30-pin IF connector and USB 2.0 compatibility offer easy file transfer and charging.

This version of the Galaxy Tab offers 16 GB of onboard memory. For additional memory storage, Samsung also offers the 32 GB Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Light, Sleek Body with HD DisplayEnjoy your media in beautiful clarity thanks to the Galaxy's 10.1-inch widescreen display with 1280-by-800-pixel high-definition resolution.

At 1.25 pounds, the Galaxy Tab is remarkably light. Measuring 10.1 by 6.9 by 0.34 inches (H x W x D), this easy-to-grip tablet is designed to fit comfortably in your hand and travel with ease.

Access to Android Market for Full CustomizationThe Galaxy Tab 10.1 features the Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system, which offers exceptional speed and power for immersive web browsing and multitasking. With open access to Android Market--the fastest growing app market--over 200,000 apps are only a touch away, giving you the freedom to customize your tablet for all of your web and entertainment needs.

Intuitive Android OS Designed for MultitaskingSince Android 3.1 is designed specifically for tablets, computing is visual, fluid, and intuitive, making multitasking a breeze. The Quick App Tray can float above other applications, keeping important tasks at your fingertips, while multiscreen scrolling allows you to view up to five screens at the same time. The system's enhanced browser includes tabbed pages, form auto-fill, bookmark syncing with Google Chrome, and private browsing.

Integrated Google ServicesAndroid 3.1 also features key Google services that you can easily access through convenient apps on your home screen. Use Google Maps with the Galaxy Tab's built-in GPS to point out your current location, search for businesses and addresses, and get directions. View your Gmail inbox and conversations side by side, and drop Gmail widgets on your home screen to stay on top of all your accounts. The mobile YouTube app provides a simple way to search, browse, and watch videos on your mobile device, while Google Talk lets you swap between multiple chats at a time, search your chat history, and see previews of videos and images within conversations or video chat.

Back- and Front-Facing CamerasThe Galaxy Tab 10.1 is equipped with a 3-megapixel camera for snapping crisp pictures and capturing 720p video. It also features a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for Google Talk video chat. You can share Tab content on your HDTV through the Tablet Extender feature, or stream it wirelessly with Allshare.

Compatible with Popular Media FormatsDesigned to handle all of your portable entertainment needs, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is compatible with major audio, video, and image file formats, letting you enjoy all of your media whenever and wherever you please. Stay entertained with Samsung's music and media hubs, where it's easy to purchase a wide range of content, including music, books, and magazines.

Security Suite Ideal for Business UseThe Galaxy Tab 10.1 is compatible with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files, making it ideal for handling your business needs as well as your entertainment. An enterprise-friendly tablet, the Galaxy Tab includes a suite of security solutions. Relationships with SAP, Exchange ActiveSync, Cisco AnyConnect, Sybase, and Cisco WebEx make it possible to operate efficiently, confidently, and securely.

The Samsung WiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1-Inch is backed by a limited one-year warranty.

What's in the BoxWiFi Galaxy Tab 10.1 (16 GB), 30-pin IF connector, USB 2.0 cable, charger and plug, earphones, product registration, and instruction manual.




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7/26/2011

Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic Review

Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic
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I have this unit for 10 days now and overall I am very happy with it. For its mainstream feature, navigation, it is excellent. I had a Garmin 350 before this which I loved but it was stolen from my car. I had a Magellan after that which was crap. The price on this unit was great ($247 - Amazon).
I chose it over the 1390T because I opted to not get bluetooth. It is the only difference between the units. I felt the bluetooth quality would be poor based on other reviews of bluetooth in general on GPS units. The main reason was in the way most people use bluetooth. In a typical day I am in and out of my car often. I always need my bluetooth immediately in case I get a call. I don't always need my GPS. And since my previous unit was stolen, and theft of these units is a big problem everywhere, I keep the unit hidden or sometimes remove it from the car. So if you are like me but you get this unit for bluetooth, you will need to stop and mount your gps everytime you get in the car whether you need it or not, just to have blue tooth capability. If you forget and the cell phone rings, you have no bluetooth. So I purchased a separate bluetooth speaker phone from Jabra (very good unit# which is always attached to my visor, pretty good quality, and always there when I need it. I saved about $75 by opting for the 1350T over the 1390T.
A few minor disappointments. The Lane Assist feature works great but is not available everywhere. I used it around NYC and it was helpful. I drove through Pennsylvania and upstate NY and it was not available. Marketing material hypes this feature but they neglect to tell you this one point. But when it is available, it is a great feature. That brings me to traffic. Same story here. I was driving through PA and hit a 1 hour traffic jam. No warnings from the traffic feature because it was not available in that area. When I got to the Scranton, PA area the traffic alerts started working. It alerted me of a major traffic jam ahead and it even rerouted my trip automatically. The reroute would have been a significant addition in miles but would be worth it to avoid the traffic, right? I decided to ignore the re-route just to test the unit to see if the alert was accurate and I was willing to endure the traffic. As I drove my original route, no traffic anywhere. So had I listened to the traffic alert, I would have driven 50 miles out of my way for nothing. Bottom line is, don't let the traffic feature be a deal breaker for the unit you choose. But then again, I got the 1350T for about the same price as the 1350 #same unit without traffic). Updating the map was more difficult than it should have been. I consider myself a very technical person with computers and gadgets but the map update did not go smoothly and took me several tries. I could see where many people will have difficulty with this if they attempt to update the map.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin nüvi 1350/1350T 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic

The widescreen nuvi 1350T adds free traffic alerts to the nuvi 1350. In addition, this ultra-thin GPS has preloaded maps for North America or Europe, announces streets by name, guides you to the proper lane for navigation, offers pedestrian navigation options and calculates a more fuel-efficient route with ecoRoute.


Navigate City Transit With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, nuvi 1350T is the perfect travel companion for getting around town. Download optional cityXplorer content to help you navigate city public transit. Know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe. And with prices as low as $9.99, you'll have money left over to spend in the big city.

Take It With You Twenty-five percent slimmer than other nuvis, you can take the ultra-thin 1350T anywhere. It easily fits in your pocket or purse, and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery makes it convenient for navigation by car or foot.

Know the Lane Before It's Too Late No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate.

See More With nuvi 1350T's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch display is easy to read--from any direction.

Get Turn-by-Turn Directions nuvi 1350T's intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Map." Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps, nearly 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps and the speed limit for most major roads. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. With the 1350T's enhanced user interface, you can slide your finger to conveniently scroll between screens. You can also upload custom points of interest (POIs). And with HotFix satellite prediction, nuvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.

Receive Free Traffic Alerts Steer clear of traffic with nuvi 1350T's integrated FM traffic receiver and free lifetime* traffic updates. Receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Next, simply touch nuvi's screen to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

Go Beyond Navigation Navigation is just the beginning. nuvi 1350T saves you gas and money with ecoRoute--a green feature that calculates the most fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more. The 1350T includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. It's also compatible with MSN Direct (receiver purchase and subscription required). With its "Where Am I?" emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. The 1350T features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom custom voices and vehicles. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards.
What's in the Box nuvi 1350, pre-loaded City Navigator NT for North America, lifetime traffic, FM traffic receiver with vehicle power cable, vehicle suction cup mount, and quick start manual.

Compare all Garmin nuvisClick the button below to compare by series, user type, and features.
Visit Garmin.com at https://www8.garmin.com/support/download.jsp to get the latest firmware updates for your nuvi to keep it current and performing at its best. *Lifetime traffic extends for the useful life of your Garmin traffic receiver (as long as you own a compatible Garmin GPS) or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier, whichever is shorter. Traffic content not available for all areas. See www.navteq.com/rdstraffic for traffic coverage areas and www.garmin.com/traffic/fm/navteq.html for program License Agreement containing complete terms and conditions.

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7/25/2011

Superpad 10.2" Tablet PC, Google Android 2.1, Webcam, GPS, HDMI, USB, WIFI, 2 micro SD card slots Review

Superpad 10.2 Tablet PC, Google Android 2.1, Webcam, GPS, HDMI, USB, WIFI, 2 micro SD card slots
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I have been using this android Superpad now for about a week. I wanted to wait until I had a chance to see how it works before I wrote a review.
The Superpad came with everything as promised. It was shipped from China and arrived quickly via FedEx at no additional charge. Upon opening the box, I found everything inside that was promised- pad, soft case, 110v charger, GPS antenna and manual. Of course it needed charging and I plugged it in overnight.
When I started to use the pad I found it was just like my Android phone in many respects. It took me little time to get familiar with the pad because of my past experience. The Google Marketplace was installed and it was easy to browse and install various apps that I wanted.
I have been able to upload many of the apps that I use on my phone as well as an "office" suite for all my docs I want to have with me. I was able to find an internet browser that supports most of the movie formats and that is a great addition. I have been using the 2- USB plugs to bring many items from my desktop into the pad and the fact that it has two memory card slots- micro sd- makes its memory grow to 64 gb. The camera works well and overall, I have had no problems with the unit.
I think my experience with the Android phone has helped in knowing how the OS works and understanding the Superpad better. It is no different than when you go from Windows to Windows 7- it takes a little time to get used to something new.
This is one slick little gadget that I am finding very useful- at $200-300 less than an i-Pad and with more standard features- it is a great buy!

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7/24/2011

Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic Review

Garmin nüvi 265W/265WT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Traffic
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Spent a weekend reviewing various GPS devices to replace my less than 1 year old Mio C320 (avoid these like the plague) that had its battery die about 4 months after purchase. Went back and forth along the entire line of Garmin devices, and finally settled on this one for the blue tooth and traffic, neither of which I'll probably hardly ever use, but nice to have when I want them.
I was disappointed with the map, the "new" 2009 one, because I have some streets in my neighborhood that have been around for over four years and they're not to be found on this unit. Even the piece of junk cheap Mio had these streets.
But that's about the only downside there is to it, the only reason I haven't given it 5 stars.
Having been used to the MIO, and the horrible refresh rate, it is a pleasant change to see smooth scrolling as my vehicle moves. The ability to change the car icon is nice, especially with the plethora of icons available on the garmin website.
Accuracy is very good as well, and even in turns the unit isn't so laggy that it becomes annoying. And also unlike what I was used to with the MIO, when I come to a stop at the intersection, the map doesn't start rotating randomly on me.
Speaker is about as I expected, won't hear much over a loud stereo but crank it up enough you can at least hear it if you keep the music down a bit.
The option to easily download voices is also appreciated.
It did well with my testing of going point to point, following the instructions, and for the most part you're given the instructions in plenty of time. only once or twice did it not tell me "turn right on such and such" until I was about 20 feet from the street, but that was when I was coming up on stop signs and had slowed down, so it may be compensating for the speed factor.
Recalculation notice is a bit annoying, my MIO would say it once, sometimes this says it three times before it starts to display the alternate route.
Still has about 900MB free on the internal memory for additional voices, icons, maps, and such, and with the SD slot there's plenty of room to grow.
I have a Verizon XV6900 phone with Windows Mobile 6.1, and while the bluetooth paired well and it can see the phone status, battery power, signal, even dialed and missed call lists, it never does get the phonebook. it gets a random entry and that's it - so whenever I turn it on, I have just one user to select from, and it's different each time. Still haven't tracked that one down yet. But every other bluetooth option worked just fine.
I'm not a fan of the very thick double power cable for it though, and it would be doubly annoying (no pun intended) if I were mounting this somewhere higher up on the window to have that double cable dangling down.
I can see how the ads would get annoying sometimes (the free traffic is because it is advertising driven) but you don't get them at all if you turn off the traffic feature, and since most of my driving isn't around times that traffic is a concern, i can just leave it for when I really have a use for it.
Good response to finger input, and while the unit is overall much better quality than the MIO, I really do miss the MIO's ability to have an info pane down the last third of the screen and the map on the first two thirds of it when desired. But there's some of that info available in the data bubbles on the bottom and top so I'll survive.
Overall happy with the unit, it works well and was worth the cost.

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7/23/2011

Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue) Review

Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)
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After using the Forerunner 305 for over two years, I decided to replace it with the 405cx and am very happy with my decision. But first let me address the main criticism of the 405cx and its predecessor the 405--the bevel and touch system.
Garmin is not Apple, so the bevel and touch are not on par with the scroll wheel on an Ipod or the touch on an iPod Touch--but they still work fine. Granted, if the bevel gets sweaty or I touch it with sweaty fingers (not something unexpected for an exercise watch) it becomes nonresponsive until I wipe off the sweat. But this is not a big deal for me. When I run I simply use auto scroll, which is unaffected by moisture. And if I want to override auto scroll by using a manual touch, it takes only a second to wipe the sweat off the bezel or my fingers. So don't be discouraged from buying this unit based on the bevel and touch.
While the 305 is a great unit, here is why I like the 405cx better. Note: I use this on an Intel powered Macbook running the latest edition of Leopard without any problems.
1. Although the 405cx is as thick as the 305, it is noticeably smaller and lighter.

2. I like the wireless ANT technology that automatically transfers data rather than having to place the unit in a USB cradle as with the 305 (though doing so is not a big deal), and also effortlessly pairs with my heart rate monitor and foot pod (which must be purchased separately).

3. The 305 has no power save mode, and I inadvertently drained the battery a couple of times when I forgot to turn it off after running or put it in the charger. The 405cx not only has an automatic power save mode, but you can turn off the GPS when running indoors to further save power. With the GPS turned off, barely any power is used. Also, this ability to turn the GPS off makes it easier to use the footpod when running indoors (the 305 first has to search for a satellite signal before realizing you are indoors, and that can take several minutes).

4. I find the bevel and touch system on the 405cx much easier to use than the buttons on the 305 in order to change various features. But I like electronic gadgets, and as I said above, the sweat issue is not a big deal for me.

Here are some tips:
1.Rinse the unit, the heart rate monitor and the strap after each use with plain water.
2.Keep the unit in the charging clip after each use to ensure you always have enough power. A simple touch of the bevel will tell you the percentage of power left. The charging clip can be powered via a USB port on your computer or via an electric outlet using an AC adaptor. The included AC adaptor with the 405cx is very clunky; I use the Apple travel charger for the iPod instead. Make sure the charging clip is properly attached to the unit or you will drain the unit instead of charging it (already happened to me).3.Although the unit lists three training fields, there are actually four if you have the heart rate monitor--by default only the heart rate shows up in the first field, but you can modify that to include two additional data items.
4.Unlike the 305, where you can move forward and backward between data fields, the 405cx lets you move only forward. Therefore, when I run indoors I turn off my "outdoor only" data fields--grade, elevation, etc.--so that I don't waste time looking at them.
5. For a first time purchaser to whom cost is important, I would say get the 305. My reasons for switching to the 305 may not be important to you.

6. Buy the new version of the footpod rather than the old version (I have reviewed both on Amazon) for running indoors.

7. I use a Mac software program called Ascent that I think is far superior to Garmin Connect and Garmin Training Center, and unlike the former does not require an internet connection to upload data.
Bottom Line: I have had this unit for three weeks and run over 100 miles both indoors on a treadmill and outdoors in all kinds of weather--light rain, cool nights, and hot humid days. I really like this unit. Due to the bevel and touch issues I would have rated it 4 ½ stars if I could, but since there are no ½ star ratings I gave it 5 stars despite those issues because for me they are negligible compared to the rich features on the 405cx. If you are a serious runner, you will love this unit.
Update July 22, 2009: I have now been using this for about six weeks and logged over 200 miles. In that time I have had the bevel lock up due to sweat only twice: once in the gym and once outside. The point is that this is even less of a problem than I thought, and should not discourage you from buying this unit.
A more serious issue is with the ANT technology. Sometimes I will get a message on my laptop that the transfer of data to the laptop from the 405cx was not successful. I then quit the Garmin Ant Agent on my laptop (and sometimes remove and reinsert the ANT USB stick as well), restart it, and have to go through this process three or four times before the data finally transfers to my laptop. The problem began after I updated the ANT software, and I see from Garmin forums that other users have experienced the same problem. Hopefully this is just a bug that Garmin will fix in a later update. While I would not let this discourage you from buying the 405cx, just keep in mind that a wireless transfer of data, while convenient, is not always problem free.
Update August 21, 2009: Garmin released an update for Macs (and I assume for PCs as well) that solved the download problems using the ANT technology. Now the data transfers work perfectly.
The more I use this watch, the better I like it. Here are my latest comments:
1. The backlight is far superior to that on the Forerunner 305. It produces a much brighter light that I appreciate when running at night either outdoors or on the treadmill at my gym (the treadmill area is kind of dim at night).
2. The battery life is excellent. Even with BOTH the backlight AND the GPS on for a couple of hours, battery capacity is still 75% when I am finished running. What this means as a practical matter is that if you forget to hook this watch up to the charger after a long run, you will still be good to go for your next run. The battery life per charge on the Forerunner 305 is not as good, and sometimes when I forgot to charge the 305 between runs, the battery would die during the second run.
3. The "sweat issue"--i.e. the watch becoming non-responsive when the bevel gets sweaty--has become a non-issue for me since I haven't experienced any problem in months. Perhaps that is because I periodically "towel off" the sweat on my wrist and forearm during a long run.
Update January 9, 2010: I continue to recommend this watch as the best GPS watch for serious runners. Using it this winter has been a pleasure. Here is why:
1. I have run in sub-freezing temperatures where the "real feel" with the wind has been as cold as zero. I keep this watch around the outside sleeve of my running jacket so the GPS function is not impeded (as it would be if the watch was covered up). The bitter cold has had no adverse effect of any kind so far.
2. When I take a break during my run at a local convenience store, the watch does not fog up when I go inside, and after I have warmed up, it does not fog up when I go back outside.
3. I have run in light snow, which I just shake off the watch periodically without any adverse effect (and I did not expect any, since I have run in light rain during warmer weather without any problems).
In short, this watch is performing great during a very cold winter in the Northeast.
Update May 24, 2010: I have been using this for almost a year, and it still works great. On a recent vacation to Mexico, the satellite signal was picked up quickly and without any problem, and the same was true when I returned home to New Jersey. Also, I ran outdoors in very hot and humid weather, and was drenched with sweat. It just took a couple of seconds to wipe it off the unit so that it would function properly. Here is a cleaning tip: At the end of each run I stop the timer, then touch the Time/Date at the top of the unit to switch to the time, and then lock the bezel before I rinse the watch off. I found that if I tried to lock the bezel while the unit was still on the exercise screen, sometimes I would accidentally restart the timer. But that doesn't happen if you switch to the Time/Date before locking the bezel.
I still believe that this is the best GPS watch on the market for serious runners.
Update June 27, 2010: The other day after I had finished running and transferring my data, I noticed that the time was wrong on my 405cx. I discovered that the screen had completely frozen, and nothing was responsive. I did some quick internet research and solved the problem as follows: I connected the 405cx to the charging clip, which I plugged directly into my PC instead of into my USB hub. Without touching the bevel, I simultaneously pushed in both buttons for about 30 seconds, after which the screen unfroze and the charging screen appeared. The watch has worked fine ever since. I have no idea what caused the problem, but in case it happens to someone else, I wanted to list what worked for me.
Update November 4, 2010: I have now had this unit for over 16 months, during which I have run about 1600 miles indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather year round, and it still works great. I have a few miscellaneous tips:
1. I have seen some reviews complain about battery life. After a 2 1/2 hour run outdoors I still have 70% of my battery life. However,...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue)

The Forerunner 405CX is the evolution of GPS-enabled training. This sleek sport watch tracks your distance, pace and heart rate, then wirelessly sends the data to your PC for later analysis. The 405CX features heart rate-based calorie computation and comes with a second wrist band option suitable for smaller wrists.
Watch Results Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405CX continuously records your time, distance, pace, calories burned and heart rate. Each workout is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved. And advanced training features will challenge you to step up your pace--race against Forerunner's Virtual Partner to improve your times, or set up interval workouts without having to circle the track. You can even download recorded courses to compete against previous workouts. To use the watch, simply tap the touch bezel to change screens without fumbling for a button.

Track Heart Rate Forerunner 405CX comes with a flexible, wireless heart rate monitor to help you make the most out of your training. The digital heart rate monitor continuously tracks heart beats per minute and uses your heart rate for advanced calorie computation, so you know how many calories you're burning. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level or compare your pace and heart rate to past performance on the same run.

Share Workouts Wirelessly With Forerunner 405CX, you can share your locations, advanced workouts and courses wirelessly with other Forerunner 405 users. Send your favorite workout to your friends to try, or compete against someone else's recorded course. Sharing data is easy: just select "transfer" to send your information to a nearby device.

Run, Sync, Store and Share Once you've logged the miles, innovative ANT+ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data's just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through our online community, Garmin Connect or our optional Garmin Training Center software. You can even plan workouts on your computer and then send them to your Forerunner.

Train Year Round Take your training inside with the versatile Forerunner 405CX and optional wireless accessories. Pair it with an optional foot pod to track your speed, distance and running cadence indoors when GPS signals are unavailable. The wireless foot pod clips onto your laces for easy removal and automatically turns on when you start moving. Or pair your Forerunner with an optional speed/cadence bike sensor to track the speed and distance of your cycling workouts.

What's in the Box Forerunner 405CX, USB ANT stick, Heart rate monitor, Two additional wrist straps, AC charger, Charging clip, Owner's manual on disk, Quick reference guide


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7/22/2011

NEEWER Wireless FM Transmitter + Car Adapter Charger for iPod Touch, iPhone, Nano, Classic, + MORE Charge your iPod / iPhone 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 120GB, 160GB (**Remote Control NOT included**) Review

NEEWER Wireless FM Transmitter + Car Adapter Charger for iPod Touch, iPhone, Nano, Classic, + MORE Charge your iPod / iPhone 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 120GB, 160GB (**Remote Control NOT included**)
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I give this a three mostly for the price the sound isnt great but decent for what you pay. I do like the fact that it is wireless so unless you are charging your ipod you dont need it pluged in. What I dont like about it is there are no buttons to pre-set so if you get static you have to fumble around til you find a clear station. If all you wanna do is listin to your ipod to and from work go ahead and get this but if you travel alot Id go with something else

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7/21/2011

TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition) Review

TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition)
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History with GPS Navigation:
I've used built-in Honda (Alpine), standalone Garmin, and Ford 'Sync' audio GPS navigation devices.
I loved the Honda navi for its size, and I hated it because updates were sparse and expensive.
I loved the Garmin for being up-to-date but I hated it because it always seemed to change its mind a lot, or direct me into strange areas.
I didn't really care for the Ford Sync navigation, as it wasn't a visual navi. Included for free with the car, but I choose not to use it. Maybe only good as a 'back-up' in case the TomTom fails-- though I don't think it ever will.
I sold my Honda and needed a new navigation system.
I bought the XXL 540TM for...
1) Screen size
2) Frequent map updates (4x a year + Map Share)
3) Ability to customize it (lots of settings to play with)
4) Well Known & Quality (I've always heard 'Garmin' is the best, but when I've tried Garmin, I didn't like it!)
5) Lane Guidance
6) IQ Routes (figuring out which roads were best to use)
By the way, in case you were wondering the "TM" stands for "Traffic" and "Maps", indicating there are free traffic and map updates. I had NO problems entering the "Lifetime Maps & Traffic" code provided.
What's in the box:
-> GPS device itself
-> Window mount (with suction cup)
-> Dashboard 'sticky' pad
-> USB cable (to connect to PC)
-> Car Power adapter
-> Set Up Guide
-> Slip of paper with 1 code, valid for Lifetime Map/Traffic updates
The first thing I did was hook it up to my PC and run all the updates. (A newer map was available + GPSFix + Map Share.) It took about 1.5 hours to update all of it. After it was done, it took up about 96% of the 2GB built-in memory. (I didn't check how much it used before updating.) Not a lot of 'wiggle room' to add more features. No built-in SD slot to add memory, either.
One major downside is that I don't like how easily the device 'pops off' the windshield mount. (See further explanation under "The BAD" below.) I am considering getting a (non-adhesive) weighted/padded mount to put on the dashboard.
The GOOD:
+ Screen size met my expectations. Easy to see everything on the screen
+ Startup time (including time to lock onto satellites) seemed fairly quick
+ Roads were up-to-date and labeled properly. Didn't find any errors
+ Allowed me to customize just about everything I wanted to.
+ It functioned perfectly as a Navigation device. This is where I felt Garmin was lacking. With all the features a Garmin has, it never seemed to 'navigate' the way I liked. Of all the features, the 'Navigation' is the most important, and TomTom does it well from what I've seen.
+ It pronounced some 'hard to say' roads perfectly! I'm sure I'll find some that are not right, but Garmin/Sync had a hard time saying road names.
The "OK":
+- Traffic is only updated by RDS (sent by local FM radio stations). This is what I paid for. RDS updated only major roadways (Interstates) and marked some accidents / road construction / road closures. It only worked when the power cord was plugged into the accessory power port on the car (as the cord functions as the antenna.) I would have preferred TomTom's GO/Live line of products which has a built-in 'cell phone' to grab more detailed and current traffic information. But, these were out of my price range. The XXL 540TM does "just enough" traffic to make it useful.
+- It takes some time to calculate a long distance route. But, I also know that it is using IQ Routes to choose the best roads. It seemed 1 or 2 seconds longer than it needed to be, but certainly not a huge problem.
The BAD:
- Internal memory not expandable. 96% used up without any 'extras' installed? Hope I don't need more...
- When browsing maps (dragging my finger) it is a bit 'laggy'. I don't expect perfection, but it seemed sluggish. Fortunately, I don't plan to browse maps often, so I'll deal with it. I tried turning off Points Of Interest (POIs), and turning off 3D maps (using 2D maps instead), and it really didn't seem to make a difference. I'm impressed with the detail it showed, but wasn't thrilled about waiting 10 seconds for the entire screen to finish 'drawing'.
- Windshield mount seemed to 'pop off' too easily. When suctioned to the windshield, I have to use 2 hands to 'hold' the GPS and keep it attached to the mount while I adjust. I suppose it is useful for people who leave the mount stuck on the windshield. I prefer to remove the device AND the mount and hide them when not in use. (I figure a thief will know that the mount is for a GPS, and that the GPS is hidden in the car somewhere.)I have yet to try this out on a LONG or COMPLEX road trip, but I have no doubts from what I've seen so far that it will be just fine.
OVERALL, I'm happy with the device. Happier than I was with Sync, Alpine, or Garmin. I consider myself an 'Average' navigation user (not a beginner, not an expert) and will update the review after using it more.
Sidenote: I ordered through Amazon, using "Beach Camera" seller. It was delivered ONE (1) business day after I ordered it! I used 'Standard' shipping, and FedEx (Home service) had it delivered fast. Very pleased with Beach Camera's shipping emails and speed!
=========================
UPDATE 11/18/2010:
I thought I'd provide an update after 6 months of using this TomTom device:
1) I am still very happy! It's the 1st GPS I've used that "just works" and I'm glad I don't have to mess with it.
2) I've mastered the technique of adjusting the screen position while simultaneously holding the suction base. Back in May when I first reviewed it, I was concerned about how 'easily' it popped off. Now, it is still annoying, but I've minimized the amount of times it happens by holding it appropriately. It doesn't annoy me enough to buy a different stand/holder.
3) The suction cup still holds on quite well. It hasn't fallen off yet. (I attach/detach from the windshield every time I use it.)
4) Traffic Receiver: I've been satisfied with alternate directions/road closings. It is quite accurate, even in rural areas where I didn't expect road closures to be displayed.
5) Long-distance travel: I've used it for a few long trips (1000+ miles) and had no problems whatsoever with it. I found the 'estimate' of time to be extremely accurate. It was no more than 10 minutes off. (I calculated the time I stopped for gas and added it to the original estimate.)
6) Battery life: I've found the battery life to be holding a little less charge than it used to, but nothing that I feel is alarming. Most of the time, I have the power cord connected anyway (so I can grab the traffic updates with the antenna built into the cord.)
Overall, this is my favorite GPS. I've been hooking it up to the computer less and less (meaning I am forfeiting new 'map share' corrections). I even decided NOT to get the latest map update. Why? Well, I feel everything is working just fine the way it is. I may update if I have the free time. This is in sharp contrast to my previous GPS experience, where I'd pray for updates to fix stubborn issues. The TomTom is just fine and I have had no major complaints. I am NOT in the market to buy a new GPS because I'm finally satisfied.
=========================
UPDATE 06/03/2011:
Here is an update after 1 year of using this device!
1) The battery is holding less charge than last year, but it still lasts 6-8 hours without needing a charge. Not a problem for me, because I use the car adapter most of the time.
2) I drove to Canada, and the maps were accurate! In fact, I liked that TomTom still told me the speed limits of the roads. (Sign said 100kph speed limit, TomTom showed 60 mph limit.) I found this helpful so I didn't have to squint at the tiny "kph" on my car's speedometer. I've made this trip before in the past (without my TomTom), and I chose to "Avoid Tolls" on this trip. TomTom found a very nice route that I had not known about. It used IQ Routes to get me around the rush-hour traffic too! I used the "Itinerary" feature for the first time, and found it worked quite well. I programmed 6-7 destinations the night before my trip. The next day, I simply opened the Itinerary and it asked me if I wanted to travel to the 1st one. I also ended up re-ordering a destination to later in the trip, and found an option to re-order. Very helpful!
3) I updated my map just once (right before my trip to Canada). I installed this on a new computer. I was worried that TomTom wouldn't 'know' that I was eligible for free maps on my new computer. But, I had no problem whatsoever! For those of you who don't know, all your map updates, downloadable color schemes, icons (etc) are done through the TomTom HOME software. You create an account with TomTom, and the TomTom HOME software uses that account to 'know' you're eligible for Lifetime Map updates.
4) I did discover 1 piece that doesn't work for me. I cannot use the "Safety Cameras" add-in from TomTom HOME. I haven't researched it though. I got an error message when trying to add it. No big deal for me, since I only planned to add it for curiosity. A quick Google search didn't reveal it as a widespread problem. I'll update this review if I find a cause/solution.
5) Yes, the GPS still "pops off" the mount too easily. It bugs me from time to time, but still not enough to buy a different mount/base.
6) Am I in the market for a new GPS? Nope! Still very happy with this one. (I got sick of every other GPS within 6 months of using it. But, knowing I still love this TomTom after 1 year says a lot!)
Good job TomTom, you exceeded my high expectations. Thank you!

Click Here to see more reviews about: TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition)

Outsmart traffic with the TomTom XXL 540M, complete with five-inch widescreen navigation plus Lifetime Map Updates. On average, 15% of the road network changes each year, so it is important to have the most up-to-date maps. With the TomTom XXL 540M you'll always stay current with the latest and most accurate maps. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions including street names will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico--including more than 7 million preloaded points of interest.


Only TomTom has IQ Routes Technology* which shaves time off even the shortest trips by calculating the fastest route based on time of day you are traveling. You'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route and save time, fuel and money. Advanced Lane Guidance** uses photorealistic images to bring even more clarity to complex multi-lane exits so you can be more confident on the road.

TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, road speeds and turn restrictions on your own device.

The "Help Me!" menu provides added safety features so you can easily access local emergency providers. The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount folds flat against the device, making it easy to take it with you from car to car.

Maps of US, Canada & Mexico Preloaded with maps of the US, Canada and Mexico. TomTom has the most accurate maps and with TomTom Map Share technology you can instantly modify street names, street direction, POIs, and more on your own device and receive daily verified updates from TomTom. Spoken turn-by-turn instructions and 3D graphics will guide you to any address in the US, Canada and Mexico, worry free.

Lifetime Map Updates Roads change, but you can keep your map updated for life. Start fresh every few months by downloading a new edition of the industry's most accurate and up-to-date map. Updated versions include verified Map Share interim updates, plus official road change updates, including those altered or added for new buildings, roads and communities. Only TomTom has the capacity to cover millions of miles and make changes required to maintain our reputation as the leader in accurate navigation. New editions of the TomTom base map are issued every four months.

7 Million POIs Preloaded with more than 7 million points of interest in over 60 destination categories. Easily find millions of gas stations, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and more on your route. Or, seek out a new tourist attraction, nightlife spot, or shopping center and navigate directly to it. Customize by adding your own points of interest.

IQ Routes Technology* TomTom IQ Routes Technology puts the driving experience of millions of TomTom users into your maps to shave time off even the shortest trips. Calculates the fastest route possible based on time of day. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the smartest, most efficient route. IQ Routes saves you time, fuel and money.

Traffic isn't the same during Monday morning rush hour as it is on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heavy traffic, rotaries, traffic lights, and even pedestrians can slow you down. The route you need changes depending on the day and time, so the shortest route isn't necessarily going to be the fastest. With TomTom IQ Routes you'll always drive the fastest route.

Advanced Lane Guidance* TomTom Advanced Lane Guidance gives you extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions by showing you which lane to take, so you won't miss your turn or have to make sudden, dangerous lane crossings. Photorealistic images and a pulsing green arrow indicate exactly which lane to use, so you can go confidently.

Spoken Street Names Announces turn-by-turn directions aloud, including street and place names.

Five-Inch Touchscreen Expand your horizons with a five-inch, extra-wide touchscreen. A wide screen allows an expanded driving view and easier menu operation.

Fold & Go EasyPort Mount The award-winning Fold & Go EasyPort mount provides maximum portability. The EasyPort mount folds neatly onto the back of the device, so both are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. The EasyPort mount makes your device even more portable so you can take it with you wherever you travel.

Traffic Ready Optional RDS-TMC traffic receiver accessory keeps you up-to-date on traffic events to minimize potential delays.
What's in the Box XXL 540M PND with pre-loaded maps, Fold & Go EasyPort mount, USB cable, car charger, adhesive disk, documentation, and redemption code for Lifetime Maps
*Feature only available in the US and Canada**Feature available in the US only

All TomToms Feature
Plug & Go--Works right out of the box.

30 Day Latest Map Guarantee--Up to date, off the shelf.

TomTom Map Share--Modify your own map and benefit from others' verified changes with TomTom Map Share.

Help Me! Emergency Menu--Easily access local emergency providers such as police, fire stations and hospitals.

TomTom HOME--Always up to date.

Fuel Price Service (optional)--Know more, pay less.

What's in the Box TomTom XXL 540M device, EasyPort mount, USB cable, adhesive disk, car charger, and user guide and lifetime maps voucher
About TomTom Founded in Amsterdam in 1991, TomTom has established itself as a global leader in navigation by being an innovative company with a strong brand, clear customer focus, and high quality products and services.
TomTom is the world's leading navigation solutions provider with navigation products sold in 30 countries and in over 20 languages. To further our commitment to car navigation, TomTom acquired Tele Atlas maps in 2008 so we can continually provide the most up-to-date maps and intelligent routing.

We have our own mapping company! Did you know that every year roads change by up to 40% in high-growth areas? Tele Atlas manages this by using the world's most comprehensive systems to identify and incorporate these changes into our maps with unprecedented levels of speed and accuracy. All TomTom devices benefit from the Tele Atlas advantage--more coverage, more points of interest, and more freshness and accuracy.

Why TomTom? At TomTom, we believe that personal navigation should be as easy and safe as possible. We develop smart technology that gives you straightforward solutions, innovations to make life easy.


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7/20/2011

Garmin nüvi 1390LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map & Traffic Updates Review

Garmin nüvi 1390LMT 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have this unit for 10 days now and overall I am very happy with it. For its mainstream feature, navigation, it is excellent. I had a Garmin 350 before this which I loved but it was stolen from my car. I had a Magellan after that which was crap. The price on this unit was great ($247 - Amazon).
I chose it over the 1390T because I opted to not get bluetooth. It is the only difference between the units. I felt the bluetooth quality would be poor based on other reviews of bluetooth in general on GPS units. The main reason was in the way most people use bluetooth. In a typical day I am in and out of my car often. I always need my bluetooth immediately in case I get a call. I don't always need my GPS. And since my previous unit was stolen, and theft of these units is a big problem everywhere, I keep the unit hidden or sometimes remove it from the car. So if you are like me but you get this unit for bluetooth, you will need to stop and mount your gps everytime you get in the car whether you need it or not, just to have blue tooth capability. If you forget and the cell phone rings, you have no bluetooth. So I purchased a separate bluetooth speaker phone from Jabra (very good unit# which is always attached to my visor, pretty good quality, and always there when I need it. I saved about $75 by opting for the 1350T over the 1390T.
A few minor disappointments. The Lane Assist feature works great but is not available everywhere. I used it around NYC and it was helpful. I drove through Pennsylvania and upstate NY and it was not available. Marketing material hypes this feature but they neglect to tell you this one point. But when it is available, it is a great feature. That brings me to traffic. Same story here. I was driving through PA and hit a 1 hour traffic jam. No warnings from the traffic feature because it was not available in that area. When I got to the Scranton, PA area the traffic alerts started working. It alerted me of a major traffic jam ahead and it even rerouted my trip automatically. The reroute would have been a significant addition in miles but would be worth it to avoid the traffic, right? I decided to ignore the re-route just to test the unit to see if the alert was accurate and I was willing to endure the traffic. As I drove my original route, no traffic anywhere. So had I listened to the traffic alert, I would have driven 50 miles out of my way for nothing. Bottom line is, don't let the traffic feature be a deal breaker for the unit you choose. But then again, I got the 1350T for about the same price as the 1350 #same unit without traffic). Updating the map was more difficult than it should have been. I consider myself a very technical person with computers and gadgets but the map update did not go smoothly and took me several tries. I could see where many people will have difficulty with this if they attempt to update the map.


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nuvi 1390LMT packs big features--including free Lifetime Maps and Traffic--into a slim design. This thin navigator also comes with lane assist with junction view, pedestrian navigation options, hands-free calling and ecoRoute to calculate a more fuel-efficient route.

Affordable, Widescreen GPS Vavigator With Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates
Includes Free Lifetime Map and Traffic Updates With free Lifetime Map and Traffic updates, you always have the most up-to-date maps, points of interest and navigation information available at your fingertips. Traffic information is updated constantly, and map updates are available for download up to 4 times a year. Both features are ready to go, right out of the box, with no subscription or update fees and no expiration dates.

Know the Lane Before It's Too Late No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist with junction view guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation. Lane assist with junction view is available in select metropolitan cities.

Navigate City Transit With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, nuvi 1390LMT is the perfect travel companion for getting around town. Download optional cityXplorer content to help you navigate city public transit. Know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation, and how long it will take to get there. nuvi 1390LMT easily fits in your pocket or purse. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe. And with prices as low as $9.99, you'll have money left over to spend in the big city.

See More With nuvi 1390LMT's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3-inch (10.92 cm) display is easy to read, from any direction.

Get Turn-by-Turn Directions nuvi 1390LMT's intuitive interface greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Map." Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination. It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps, nearly 6 million points of interest (POIs), 2-D or 3-D maps and the speed limit for most major roads. Its digital elevation maps show you shaded contours at higher zoom levels, giving you a big picture of the surrounding terrain. With the 1390LMT's enhanced user interface, you can slide your finger to conveniently scroll between screens. You also can upload custom points of interest (POIs). And with HotFix satellite prediction, nuvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.

Make Hands-free Calls For hands-free calling, nuvi 1390LMT integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Just pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the 1390LMT while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nuvi's touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap the screen and speak into its built-in microphone. Enjoy convenient one-touch dialing for contacts and points of interest.

Go Beyond Navigation Navigation is just the beginning. nuvi 1390LMT saves you gas and money with ecoRoute--a green feature that calculates the most fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more. The 1390LMT includes many travel tools including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. With its "Where Am I?" emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. The 1390LMT features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom voices and vehicles. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards.

What's in the Box
nuvi 1390; Preloaded City Navigator NT North America (U.S, Canada and Mexico); Lifetime Maps and Traffic; FM Traffic Receiver With Vehicle Power Cable; Vehicle Suction Cup Mount; USB Cable; Dashboard Disc; Quick Start Manual


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7/19/2011

TomTom VIA 1505TM 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic & Maps Review

TomTom VIA 1505TM 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic and Maps
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I just got my Tomtom VIA 1505TM yesterday, and having just got off the phone with the (easy to reach & very friendly & helpful) customer service here is what I wish I'd known before I bough this: it's still in Beta and isn't supported by a lot of Tomtom's infrastructure yet. For example, as of today (April 5th 2011) you aren't going to find it on most of the drop down menus on Tomtom's website or as an option on the phone menu when you call customer service. More seriously, it can't connect to Tomtom Home which is the software that allows you to do the fun things Tomtom offer like downloading voices or other doodads to your device. I was really looking forward to customizing my GPS with various voices and I'm sad I can't do that. I am assured that over the course of this year Tomtom will send updates to the VIA GPSes that will eventually allow them to join the party but for now there is very little support for this product. I think it's kind of weird to release a beta that has less functionality than the models it supersedes without clearly warning potential purchasers so I'm writing this review today. I also can't buy a carry case sized just to fit my VIA - which is a different shape to previous models because it attaches to my car using a different system. I'm told its a better system but since this is my first GPS I wouldn't know.
Hopefully by the end of the year (as I said, I'm writing this on April 5th 2011) this review will be obsolete but right now, if you purchase this GPS today, you will not be getting a fully supported device. I'm not happy at having been lured into Beta testing Tomtom's new product line, this is my first GPS and I paid $200 for it, I wanted a great experience right out of the box. As it is I'm just feeling a bit sad about the whole thing, and even the charming customer service hasn't made that go away.
The thing is, this is a really nice piece of engineering. It is super easy to set up and use. It works in a fundamentally different way to previous Tomtoms, and you can use it while it is plugged into your computer. A friend of mine has an earlier Tomtom and I know she gets frustrated at not being able to access her Tomtom while it is attached to her computer so that is a definite plus. I'm not complaining about the device itself, it is very cool. I'm told that this model is the future of Tomtom, and that in time it will do everything the other models do and more, but the fact is that it doesn't do that now, today, April 5th 2011.
So. Early adopters and devoted beta testers rejoice! This is definitely the Tomtom for you. Buy one and enjoy yourselves. But those of you who, like me, just want to get where you are going with a bit of fun along the way, and the least amount of hassle, might want to pick something else.
Update, June 17th 2011: After using this device for a few months, I still feel that anyone looking for a drama-free GPS should go and buy something else. The TomTom VIA series is still a rich source of drama - it isn't compatible with TomTom Home, and the MyTomTom software it *is* compatible with is just AWFUL and hugely frustrating. I've owned this thing for months and tonight was the first time I have ever successfully managed to update it, and that has taken me two hours and much nailbiting (At one point it managed to wipe itself clean of all maps & I had to completely reinstall everything. Fun.) On the other hand, it does seem to have finally installed the extra voice I bought for it the day I got it, (before I knew that it didn't at that time support adding extra voices) so it will be interesting to see how that will work out. And the TomTom website does now acknowledge the existence of the VIA models, though it still doesn't offer much for them. Progress is being made by TomTom to bring the VIA series out into the general community of TomTom products but this is very much still a beta device and I do still wish I'd bought a different GPS system.
On the other hand it is a nifty little thing, and I do enjoy using it. It has a completely intuitive interface, and it gives excellent directions both spoken and on the screen. It recalculates directions incredibly fast. It sticks on my windscreen very well. The traffic feature is excellent, and has helped me stay out of many traffic jams, though sometimes the traffic feature just won't load, which is a shame. As many other people have pointed out it *does* take quite a few minutes for the device to locate the satellites (I had thought this was just because I live out in the sticks, in the middle of a forest with no cell phone reception even, but if other people are having a problem it must be something to do with the unit.) All in all, I've enjoyed using it, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd bought something that was a fully functioning product and not just a poorly supported beta.


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7/18/2011

Delorme Earthmate GPS LT-40 with Street Atlas USA 2011 Review

Delorme Earthmate GPS LT-40 with Street Atlas USA 2011
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I recently went on a long train trip, and wanted a way to track my location. I considered a number of handheld GPS's for general use, since auto-based GPS's are useless once you leave a mapped road. All seemed expensive and with various issues for railroad use.
I planned to take along my ASUS netbook, and decided to try this GPS antenna/receiver combo, along with the included DeLorme mapping software. The GPS antenna will work with any GPS-enabled charting software, but I found it to be a good match for the DeLorme atlas.
The antenna worked acceptably well. Once I completed the initial almanac download, it restarted reasonably quickly with a clear view of the sky. It took longer when I used it with a train window (with half the sky blocked) or if I tried to restart it while moving quickly. It appears to be a 3 channel receiver, only locking into three satellites during the start up process. Once it established a 3D fix, it locked on to other satellites and worked very well.
The atlas seemed pretty up-to-date, with some recent road changes in my neighborhood. The interface takes some getting used to, as it works in a way very different from other maps. For example, you can't simply grab and scroll, as the cursor has other map functions that would conflict with it. You have to either use a "recenter" option, or grab a scroll function from the side of the map. Also, you cannot use the standard mouse wheel for zooming in and out, but rather draw a box around the area you want to zoom into, or use a complicated "stairway" graphic to zoom out. The map software would be greatly improved if DeLorme used a more standard interface.
The software also seems to be really oriented toward planning and saving customized maps, routes, and points of interest. Every time I tried to turn it off, I had to answer several dialog boxes asking if I wanted to save changes to the chart, points of interest, and the GPS track. These are good features, but you should be able to ignore them if you don't want them.
But aside from these quibbles, the GPS and the charting software worked very well for my purpose, and saved me a ton of money over a handheld GPS. There are no restrictions on using a GPS on a train, and many people passing my seat stopped to ask about the large, clear moving map on my seat tray. It really made my trip more interesting.

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