Review: Microsoft Streets & Trips + Bluetooth GPS Navigation for Treo 700W

[bhb399mm]

I picked up a GPS Nav setup today for the treo. So far, it seems cool. For those of you who dont know, basically, i'm using my phone's bluetooth connection to track Nav data on my phone for driving.

what i got:
-Microsoft Streets and Trips, with USB GPS Receiver - $129
-Pharos GPS Dock for Microsoft GPS - $70
-Radioshack Dash Cellphone Mount - $15

i havent used the unit much in the car, a more detailed review to follow.













the GPS unit recharges via USB, which is nice

[twomblys]

Does 2006 have the phone speak directions to you? I have 2005 and the software on the phone is just overhead view. No directions, no voice, no 3d view, etc. Is 2006 different?

[twomblys]

ah - it's COPILOT with GPS that I'd have to get for voice directions!
And it's on sale for $129 now for the 700w!

[chris]

Thanks for sharing the review.

-Chris

[twomblys]

I shelled out the $129 for Copilot Live6 for the treo 700w. I was not disappointed.
Install was done from the pc side and synched up with the treo. You can select regions of maps (east, midwest, canada, mexico, all/none) from the pc side and it downloads to the device or right to the expansion card.
It detected my pharos bluetooth gps and NO config was necessary, as it found it, detected/made the com port, etc.
I typed in an address far away after it found me with the gps (took seconds) and i clicked 3d map - off I went with a nice english lady's voice guiding me all the way.
SWEET - works like tomtom/garmin (easy) and NO special configs to get it to work on the treo. I am VERY happy, just saved myself from spending $500+ for a garmin, and the treo is always with me, so all i do it leave the gps in the car, with car charger and I ALWAYS have a ready gps when I drive now...with the 3d view and voice and directions that MS S&T 2006 does not have. It's worth the extra money in my opinion.
Thoise who have MS S&T with gps and want to upgrade:
Items: Pharos Bluetooth gps dock/gps (gps came with MS S&T and the dock was $100 or less at compusa)
ALK Copilot6 live for the treo 700w ($129)

[bhb399mm]

Review:

Dont buy this thing

i used it for a weekend trip to phoenix, and its about as useless of a toy i've ever purchased.

Problems:
-first and foremost, there are NO turn by turn instructions available for use with your win. mobile device. [the software does have this capability, but only for use with the full software on your laptop,]
-no selection for "track North" or "track up"

good stuff:
-it did what its supposed to do fine, displayed my position on a map.
-map sizes are very small, i was able to hold the entire phoenix area, and the entire LA area on my phone (stock memory) with room to spare.
-GPS antenna charging via laptop was nice
-extremely portable.

all of the problems would have not been an issue if i had done research before buying this product, so its pretty much my fault.

bottom line: this is NOT a navigation system, it is simply a moving map display for your treo/etc. it does what its made to do very well, but not worth the $250 price i paid.

[twomblys]

I don't follow you - which are you reviewing?
If copilot, you are doing something wrong because I get all the features you say aren't there.
If MS S&T 2006 - you paid $150 too much.

[bhb399mm]

did you read the first post? i reviewed S&T 2006. i paid $120 something for the software, and it has subsequently been returned.

[twomblys]

Yes I read your post. Did you read your post saying you paid $250? Then you say $120 - thus no one knows which product you are referring to.
If you paid $250 for MS S&T 2006 you are a fool.

"bottom line: this is NOT a navigation system, it is simply a moving map display for your treo/etc. it does what its made to do very well, but not worth the $250 price i paid."

[bhb399mm]

$250 total.

S&T software/GPS unit; bluetooth adapter