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A SCUG REVIEW: by Gregory West, Editor.
Product Name: Microsoft Streets & Trips 2008 with GPS Locator.
Company Name: Microsoft Corporation
Support Website: www.microsoft.com/streets
Price: Upgrade: $99.00 US $129.00 CDN

System Requirements:
oPC with Pentium II or higher processor; Pentium III recommended
oWindows Vista, Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, or later operating system required
oMicrosoft Internet Explorer 5.5 browser software or later, Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 included (will not displace your primary browser)
oFor Windows Vista: 1 GB of RAM
oFor Windows XP: 128 MB of RAM (256 MB recommended)
oFor Windows Server 2003: 256 MB of RAM
oRunning additional applications simultaneously may require additional memory
oAvailable hard-disk space: 1.6 GB. Some users may require up to an extra 100MB for System Files Update (hard disk usage will vary depending on configuration)
oA DVD-ROM drive
oSuper VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor with 256 colors
oMicrosoft Mouse, Microsoft IntelliMouse, compatible pointing device

Additional items or services required to use certain features:
oFor Voice Output: Windows XP or later and compatible soundcard oMicrosoft Exchange, Internet SMTP/POP3, IMAP4, or MAPI-compliant messaging software required to use Send To as attachment; Microsoft Office Outlook 2000 or later required to use Send To as picture
o14,400-baud or higher recommended oBroadband Internet service strongly recommended for Live Search
oSome Internet functionality may require Internet access and payment of a separate fee to an Internet service provider; local and/or long distance telephone toll charges may apply
oGPS functionality requires a GPS device that supports NMEA 2.0 or later (included) oA free COM port below 20 required for GPS)

Webpage: www.microsoft.com/streets

Pros: Streets & Trips came complete, boxed with a concise manual to get you started, a DVD program disc and an ultra-compact GPS device with SiRFstar III technology. Although I only peeked at the compact manual, one only needs to test drive this program to see how user friendly the entire GPS mapping system performs and the functionality is quickly compiled. Cons: Sometimes the voice commands are slow putting out a direction, which could have something to do with your speed. However, the on-screen directions are virtually flawless, as is the locations of restaurants, gas stations, hotels, etc. Streets & Trips turns your entire laptop into a virtual mapping device that hosts many features to assist you in your travels and while planning trips. This GPS navigation system is a must have for any traveler and it can be summed up in one word: amazing.

Streets & Trips allows you to plan out your trips before you start out on the road with its "Route Planner". You can plan from point A to point B and also set side trips to some favourite scenic spots. If you get off route along the way, the "Auto-Routing" will get you back on track. This is all done with both voice and on-screen directions. As well, you are given, on-screen, your current location, longitude and latitude, altitude, travel speed and direction. There is also a night vision feature that turns the screen green and black allowing you to view the map in the dark with ease. You can also switch to full screen mode wherein the map fills the entire desktop screen. In your pre-planning stage, you can set the gas price, miles per gallon, and mileages to certain wayside stops and scenic detours to give you precise information. This documentation can be set both in metric and imperial systems. You can plan multiple trips and routes with fuel cost estimates, with free updated road construction and detours live from the Internet. As well, you can also download and update your maps with new points of interest, stores, restaurants, hotels and businesses. The list is virtually endless and will only get better as the Internet grows.

The live updates for your GPS system from the Internet are free of charge using Microsoft's "Live Search".

While en-route you can easily search out gas stations and rest areas along the highways and side roads. Of course you can set these spots in markers prior to setting out on your trip. You can also save as many maps and plans as you choose. Streets & Trips requires no prior knowledge of GPS systems. I found this product extremely user friendly, however quite sophisticated in performance and exacting the information data.

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