Getting From Here To There

[Patrick Greene]

I do part time work for FED EX Home Delivery.  We use the DeLorme Deluxe map
for the computer.  It is supposed to have every street in the country in its
database.  Well, I can tell you that it does not.  Many times I have to find
the customer's phone number and call them to get directions.  There are many
"un-named streets".  I do not know about the Earthmate Road Warrior.  I
wonder if one can use it on a regular computer to plot directions.
----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Newell <gnewell@ameritech.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2001 11:05 PM
Subject: Re: Getting From Here To There


> Rob,
>     My brother has used this software. According to him it is the best
> the GPS industry has to offer. I used it with him once on  a road trip
> to Michigan from Ohio getting lost intentionally. It took us right to
> the front door. The only problem we had was during a rather heavy snow
> storm it couldn't find satellites immediately. Once we were further down
> the pike it found 7 and established a lock. The newer software is even
> better. Judges road speed, ETA, everything. Nice toy! Make sure you have
> extra batteries for your laptop. You'll need them especially since you
> aren't fully recharging between appointments. Of course, you could just
> plug in everywhere you go.
> Have fun!
>
> Greg
>
> robert goodale wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I just bought a blazing new and beautiful notebook
> > computer.  I was wondering if anyone had experience with GPS
> > mapping software.  I'm talking about the programs which
> > contain a comprehensive graphical U.S. map and a GPS
> > receiver.  I just bought DeLorme "Earthmate Road Warrior"
> > ($200.00), but I haven't opened it yet.  The box claims that
> > it will pin point your location within about 10 feet
> > anywhere in the country.  The idea is that you tell the
> > computer where you want to go by entering the address and it
> > then speaks to you while you drive and tells you what
> > streets to turn on to get there.  It also has voice
> > recognition so that you can ask for updates along the way.
> > It will give you the shortest routes from point A to point B
> > or it can give you alternate routes to avoid traffic
> > problems.
> >
> > The idea is to make life easier in getting to my tuning
> > appointments.  I though if I pre programed the address
> > beforehand then all I would have to do is start driving.
> > The software is updated every year and contains every known
> > street in the country.  What I would like to know is if
> > there is anyone else here who has tried this program?  Does
> > it really do what it is supposed to do?  Reading the label
> > further apparently the system does not work in real time,
> > rather it needs about a minute and a half or so lag time to
> > triangulate it's position.  Between each satellite fix the
> > computer will continue to estimate your present position in
> > simulated real time.  This is what makes me wonder how
> > practical it will work.  The GPS receiver also requires 4
> > AAA batteries which last about 10 hours which can be a
> > slight inconvenience.  Obviously I want to make darn sure
> > this will do what I want it to do before I open the software
> > and I have a limited time to return it.  It is not cheep.
> > So what do you think, has anyone else tried one of these?
> > Just trying to bring piano tuning one step closer to
> > technology- first ETAs and now GPS.
> >
> > Rob Goodale, RPT
> > Las Vegas, NV
> >
> > P.S. It can also be used with Palm and includes the
> > neccessary cables.
>
> --
> Greg Newell
> mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net
>
>