Rating: 
Summary: Good hardware, bad software
Review: This a nice, low cost GPS unit to hook up to your laptop with the distinct advantage of being fully USB powered, but be wary of the confusing interface of the Street Atlas USA 2003 mapping software. I wash rather shocked when I installed it, as it was a throwback to pre windows 98 style buttons. Anyone used to the ease of use of MS streets and trips will be frustrated by this package. However, the software is actually very comprehensive once you figure out how to use it. I think Delorme should focus on real UI enhancements instead of throwing in some very weak voice command tools that will not work for 90% of people in 90% of situations. Sorry, but the substandard interface gets two snaps down.
Rating: 
Summary: Only works with Delorme software
Review: This GPS receiver will only work with Delorme software. It will not work with Streets & Trips or any other non-Delorme GPS enabled software. This is a huge drawback for most people as the Delorme software, at least in my opinion, is far inferior to other mapping software out there.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent alternative to expensive Car GPS package
Review: This is an excellent GPS device, especially when you consider the price tag. I have been using it since last year. I tried it in various big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, etc. You definitely need someone in the passenger seat to hold and operate the laptop. The software is not very intuitive especially if you are not a computer sawy person. Otherwise, it is ok after you get used to all the functionalities. Topo Street Atlas 5.0 is much better than 4.0, it has dashboard like (big font) those GPS packages come with car. Also, the black background view mode increase the visibility significantly on daytime light condition. The GPS receiver device is well built with industrial standard interface. I tried it with Microsoft MapPoint software, worked fine but MS software lacks a lot of other cool features in Topo software. It will only give you basic position information. Definitely try to buy the bundle with receiver and software. If you are reasonable person, you will love it!
Rating:
Summary: Delorme Does it again.....
Review: This new GPS is VERY small runs on USB alone (no batteries) and is EXTREMELY FAST! If you want to know where your going before you get there and then some...this is for you. Only drawback DELORME is the unavailability of the AAA data currently. Most will never need this though and it is not required. Buy Buy Buy...
Rating:
Summary: Easy and Accurate!
Review: Very easy and fun to use. Drove from California to Missouri and back using this tool. Easy to search for places to see, stores, and food along the route. Love the way it tracks your route and time to destination.
Rating: 
Summary: Does not work with Windows XP
Review: Windows XP users beware:Although the software claims to work properly with Windows XP it does not work on all Windows XP systems. Delorme apparantely knows this; the installation instructions have about 2 pages of troubleshooting related to the installation and Delorme even offers a dedicated support line for installation problems! After spending 3+ hours installing and re-installing (as per the "workarounds") the support people acknowledged that "if you have performed all of the workarounds on the installation sheet, there is nothing else we can do. The software does not work on all Windows XP machines. You can return the software" Don't waste your time with this garbage.
Rating:
Summary: There's a better option!
Review: Yes! There is a better option. I considered this item and based on the not so great reviews on the Earthmate, instead bought the Royaltek Saphire Mouse (Search Google for Royaltek). At $199.00, it's a great product and I can use it on both my Toshiba Handheld PC E-330 (Royalteck has adapters for almost all PDA's and Handheld PC's) or my Compaq laptop. The IGuidance software works flawlesly and updates every 3 seconds. Just returned from DC yesterday, it does not miss one turn, the voice navigation is very accurate. If you do, quickly recalculates the route or tells you how to return. It also works with MS Streets 2003, althought at 15 seconds updates. You can actually run both programs at the same time, but only track with one program at a time. Drawbacks? Messing with the cables, and sometimes getting the PC to see the GPS. Just play with it until you get to know it and you'll be very happy to have it. And... no.... I'm not a salesperson trying to sell a product. Maybe Amazon will offer this GPS soon. Happy GPSsing.
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Summary: Used by the "real James Bond"
Review: Yes, its true. I am a licensed private investigator in Tennessee and California and my real birth name is James Bond. I recently purchased Street Atlas 2003 along with the Delorme Earthmate GPS receiver. I have been using it for surveillance work (both urban and rural areas) and it has been an incredible help. By using the "Route" feature, the built-in voice navigation takes me right to the location of my case first thing in the morning. Poor lighting is no longer a factor! Missing street signs, no problem! I have found that addressing is fairly accurate (It has produced some minor errors, but that is expected) along most streets. I've also found the majority of the landmarks to be accurate. While I am tailing my "subject," I get a bird's eye view of the entire area, upcoming intersections, landmarks, potential congested areas, etc. I make a wrong turn or whatever - all I have to say is "Where am I?" and the computer spits out my exact location, direction and speed. I've also used the routing feature while serving legal documents. This product saves so much time - its paid for itself ten times over in just a few weeks. Before I used paper maps or online mapping programs to print localized maps... all very tedious, time consuming and expensive. Not anymore! For anyone who drives frequently for a living, I'd highly recommend this product.
Rating:
Summary: Inaccurate Maps
Review: You got to have both accurate GPS receiver and maps in order to get accurate positions and directions. I believe that the GPS hardware works fine, the maps that come with it is grossly inaccurate. I drove around my neighborhood, it showed that I was driving way off road over other people's houses in certain sections of the road. The user manual does not list MS Streets and Trips as one of the support maps. I guess I will have to live with the DeLorme's own.
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