Customer Reviews

DeLorme Earthmate GPS LT-40 Plus [Old Version]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Street Atlas 2009 is the 4th version of this program I've bought. Right from the very first version I was impressed with the completeness of the maps. Even dirt roads in campgrounds and in the desert are included. The maps are far more accurate and inclusive than any of the on-line maps and with the addition of the GPS receiver, you have a laptop GPS!

My only complaint is with the interface on this version. They have removed the menu bar and replaced it with arcane hieroglyphics (icons). Now when I need to find something, I have to hover over every icon to let the hint come up so I can read what it does. Very hard when you are trying to find a particular function. I don't use the program daily, therefore I can't remember them. However, I can read, so the old menus worked great. They were well organized and it took little or no thought to find what you were looking for.

I bought this software for the use on my EeePC 904H (8.9" LCD), and here are my thoughts:
Pro:
1. Fast satellite tracking even for the use of first time. Detection was instantaneous upon insertion of the unit into the USB bus (of course, you got to load the software first before inserting the hardware)
2. Accurate route maps (used in Washington DC Metro area)
3. Good interface. Large bold characters and window size can be enlarged or shrunken to fit your personal preference. Also shows next step in the direction following the current. Direction is repeated many times which provided good assurance.
4. Like the zoom in/out feature a lot. More levels of zoom since it will be used on a laptop screen which is larger than the conventional 2.5" portable unit.

Con:
1. The audio is only as good as your laptop's speakers. My EeePC's speakers are weak and therefore in a moving vehicle, the audio might not be very audible. Since your laptop should have a headphone jack, you can consider using an earbud if you so choose.
2. No touch screen so difficult to use while not in complete stop. While this might be a hardware issue, but consider if you spend about 30 dollars more you can get a dedicated portable device, this might be something to think about whether you want to acquire this software.
3. since most likely, you will use this software on a UMPC or regular laptop, and you won't have a laptop stand installed in your vehicle, you will find yourself move your eyes off to the passanger seat to look the screen. A dedicated unit will let you keep your eyes on the road better since it will be installed on your windshield.

In summary, the user experience will be highly dependent on the hardware you use it on. The hardware issue will be a non-factor in my opinion if you have a passenger acting as a navigator. The software in itself is wonderful. Very easy to use and accurate. Highly recommend.

The receiver is amazing. This GPS is so sensitive it picks up enough sats to get a 3D lock inside my house or even at work inside an office building. The software on the other had isn't as great. The software will do most everything you could want a mapping program to do it just takes a while to figure out how to do it. You have to go to too many separate screens for things that should be on just one or two. Overall I'm happy with my purchase and recommend this good laptop add-on. Great to have a big 15inch screen instead of a tiny 4inch gps screen for traveling. This program does most everything an expensive gps does but better with a real keyboard instead of a tiny touch screen when used on a laptop. Best deal out there for $69.

Good Product. I have been use to Streets and Trips, so the learning curve was a challange. The turn by turn instuctions were also good. There needs to be a construction update to avoid closed roads, if there is one I havn't found it yet. I have noticed that the program can't find any "Comfort Inns and Suites". Wonder why????

We were told about the Earthmate GPS by a fellow RV'er and went to Amazon and ordered it and received it quickly. It was well priced and with the offer from Amazon to apply for their Visa we saved even more. Thank you
Amazon.
We are still have some issues with the software, but it is more of us not being savvy on how to work with the downloads and such. There are a lot of great drop downs with this software. I think this product will be a real asset to us once we get some of the bugs worked out.
Linda

I bought the product for a trip I am taking and feel the POI's are more up to date than on my GPS but I like the GPS feel and convenience more. The product is as advertised and definitely worth what I paid for it on Amazon since it included its own GPS.

I found the DeLorme Eathmate LT-40 to be a complex GPS system. There are a lot of modes to work, so it is not something to use while you are driving. I installed a copy on my netbook using a memory stick. It works great if you are the navigator and can hold a laptop or netbook. I will use this product for cross country trips, where I can work the program while my wife drives.

I step by step tutorial would eliminate the need for "try it and see what it does" approack to learning. I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully use the GPS to it's full extent, as I don't have a guide (tutorial) to explaing the workings of the unit.

have downloaded DeLorme LT -40 and learning use of, especially the icons.
looking forward to using on the road, RVing.
Believe will be pleased with it, as compared to the "auto" one have been using.

The new Earthmate LT-40 is super fast at acquiring a GPS lock! The program however, is huge.