Getting From Here To There

[Farrell]

I have read the responses to your post. Only one thing to add. I use MS
Steets & Trips 2000. It has all but the newest streets. I get a call from a
new client, make the appointment, type their address into the map program,
and while they are giving me directions, I say "oh, you must be right near
the intersection of Street A and Ave. B, and your backyard must be on
Bullfrog lake." Of couse they are quite impressed. I then print out a map on
a regular size sheet of paper, and on the back I print out an Excel spread
sheet I have for appt. date, time, service, notes, piano, FAC, and all other
pertinent data. That way I have a map with me with their address pinpointed,
and the appt. info, and their service record all on one sheet of paper. I
also keep all the same info in PTBiz, but I like the security of computer
AND paper.

I don't really see the need for GPS to find an appointment, but I certainly
realize "to each, their own." And hey, a new gizzmo - what could be better!
Let us know how it works, if you decide to use it.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message -----
From: "robert goodale" <rrg@unlv.edu>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2001 11:16 AM
Subject: Getting From Here To There


> 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.
>
>