DeLorme Street Atlas 2009

Marvin Hlavac · 04-05-2008, 07:31 PM

Who would have EVER imagined DeLorme Street Atlas would one day (try to) be touch-screen friendly(!)

New version DeLorme Street Atlas 2009

fixerofallthing · 04-06-2008, 09:24 PM

Just ordered a copy. They say it will ship Monday so when it gets here I will let you know how it looks and works.

Rockhammer · 04-07-2008, 02:56 PM

'bout damn time. I always thought that Street Atlas had the best POI database and pretty decent turn-by-turn directions, but it always sucked for mobile pc use.

Outsider787 · 04-20-2008, 05:44 PM

So how is it?
Any comments on using it on a carpc touchscreen?

I have been thinking of getting it, but want to get some opinions first.

VATekMan · 04-21-2008, 11:10 AM

So I got the Street Atlas 2009, after using Street atlas for many versions (pre 2005), and all I have to say is that the UMPC addition is not worth the upgrade. As I have had the other versions, I will say that I do like Street Atlas for the quality of the data and the completeness of the maps. I have found it more and more difficult to really use the search feature in more recent versions...

So to the UMPC addition... Basically they take the standard map and lay it on a 3d object to give you a 3-d view, but all the labels are still designed for north facing, so if you are driving north, most of the labels will be upside down. They do add in some of the major labels as a "sign" on the map.

Second point, the UMPC version is really only good for once you have your route setup, there is no good way of finding things to add to the route, for instance if you are looking for a restaurant, you have to use the same old interface.

In the end, a very poorly thought out addition. The base program is the same as it was, so if you liked it before, this is a map/data update.

All that being said, I have use iGuidance, and I will say that I like their interface for use on my tablet. You want to find something, it goes through the menus to help you find what you are looking for. Much better interface for a touch screen based input. I was soo much hoping for an interface like iGuidance for the touch screen, but with the voice command of Street Atlas and the data set, but that has not come to fruition with this product.

I hope that this helps some people out there.

Matt

As for my setup, I personally use two tablets. An old HP TC1100, which I love, which uses a pen based input. I now use a HP TX1000, hoping for something like the TC1100 but with a touch screen, got the touch screen but got a much less well designed machine.

Marvin Hlavac · 04-21-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Not Impressed...

Yes, but it is a step in the right direction!

FordNoMore · 06-01-2008, 04:19 AM

Thanks for the review VATekMan - you just saved me $70. Funny how short-sided many of the "UMPC compatible" programs are. As you say, Marvin, at least they're trying, so maybe with some feedback they'll get it right in a few more years.

blk02si · 06-03-2008, 09:01 AM

Just installed this to check it out and is by far the worst GPS program I have used. Its not even close to being UMPC ready. In fact, clicking UMPC just toggles some of the options, it has a very clunky and hard to use/understand interface, but worst of all the map data is ancient!

Half the POI's on the map near my house are not even there anymore, all the new places are not shown on the map and the street I live on is not on the map. Granted its newer but its been in the last two releases of iGuidance.

Save your cash, this is just terrible, even mappoint is more UMPC friendly.

Marvin Hlavac · 08-08-2008, 08:08 PM

If despite the above opinion by blk02si anyone still thinks this may be the right product for them, here's a chance to win free DeLorme Street Atlas 2009 & USB GPS

blk02si · 08-08-2008, 08:36 PM

I retract my statements about Street Atlas, although its not useable on a 7" screen, it is pretty good while installed on a laptop. I just used it to navigate from detroit to DC and it has a good routing engine and it choose a quick scenic route. So if you have a laptop and some time to figure out all the options its ok, just don't plan on using this with anything smaller than a 12" screen with a keyboard.

Oh yeah cheers to free high speed internet in my hotel!

rogerdugans · 08-09-2008, 07:32 AM

Speaking as someone who has used Delorme software for a few years now, and think it far better than most of the other LAPTOP-oriented offerings.....

Yeah, it is useless on a small screen.
Mine is 8.4" and this is still far too small.
A 10 inch MIGHT be ok.

Routing engine and all the other stuff does work quite well, and is not all that difficult while being fairly full of features.
But for UMPC/mobile/carpc use with a small screen- skip it.

quantum · 08-09-2008, 10:08 PM

I'm using 2008 and was thinking about upgrading to 2009. The image in the first pic looks more GPS-ie to me.

I like the 2008, and on my 7" screen it's very usable. I hacked the registry to lose the 2 side menus and the top bars. So all that shows is the bottom strip with turns and directions and stuff, and even that can be minimzed.

Even got it to embed into RR.