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Last Post 11/07/2010 9:19 AM by  RandyC
2009 Delorme or Streets & Trips?
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dholman
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07/26/2009 6:00 PM

    Which is best to use with Xactimate 25? I have always used Delorme but if I am correct the Streets & Trips receiver just plugs into a USB port as opposed to having to stick the DeLorme receiver on the windshield.

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    Mike Smith
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    07/28/2009 5:26 PM
    When I worked for State Farm, they gave me the Delorme setup, but I found it too annoying to use. I have a GPS in my car, so I just punched the addresses in.

    I haven't ever used Streets & Trips GPS function, but I like Streets & Trips more than Delorme, just as a mapping program.

    I also don't recommend using a laptop to get you from place to place, that's how I broke my last one (had to brake suddenly, sent the laptop flying off my seat).

    Sorry if I can't answer your question exactly.
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    dholman
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    07/28/2009 8:31 PM

    Also used DeLorme for SF work. I have the laptop secured so that is not a problem. It worked great to download the addresses from Xactimate in order to schedule tight plus you never drive an inch out of the way. The reason that I am considering Streets & Trips is that the USB antennae seems less cumbersome than using DeLorme's yellow receiver and cord.

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    Mike Smith
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    07/29/2009 4:52 PM
    I can't say I gave DeLorme much of a chance, I was already used to using my GPS setup, so I gave up on it pretty quickly. Working for a company like SF, with the address info already entered/downloaded, I can see how that would be really easy. Most companies I've worked for (other than my time with SF) didn't assign claims through Xactimate, so I would have to do all the data entry anyway.
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    Jgoodman
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    07/29/2009 9:01 PM

    My versions are a couple of years old, but my Streets and Trips GPS receiver is almost exactly like my DeLorme GPS receiver, except for color.  Both plug into a USB port and have a 2 inch by 2 inch receiver on the other end of a cable.

    As satellite receivers must "see" the sky to locate the satellites, I do not think a flash drive type receiver (like a wireless mouse or wifi adapter)  plugged into a laptop would see the GPS satellites enough to lock in.  Thats why the receivers are set on the dash, or in the case of satellite radio, magnetically attached to the car roof.

    And both receivers can survive many sliding-off-the-dashboards, I can attest.  And that whole potential braking damage and theft thing is the reason I use an old laptop for GPS.  It is not used for much else.  The main laptop never leaves the metal case hidden in back.  I usually use the MS version since all my claims software is in Access and the address export is seamless between the two.

    Jeff

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    ddreisbach
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    07/30/2009 1:52 PM
    I've used DeLorme for several years for planning and for on-the-road, since it's easy to download addresses from MSB. They sell a bluetooth satellite receiver that eliminates the clutter of the usb cable. Last year I got a Magellan GPS which is much better than using the laptop while driving. Addresses are very easy to enter. Still using DeLorme for planning, however.
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    dholman
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    07/30/2009 11:49 PM

    What I am really wanting to know is if anyone has tried the 2009 Microsoft Streets and Trips. It has a "new" GPS Locater that plugs into the USB port. This is a new feature and is supposed to get the same reception as the DeLorme "suction cup" type. The only reason that I am considering the Streets and Trips is to have this feature and not have to deal with the cord dangling from the windshield.

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    okclarryd
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    07/31/2009 10:14 AM
    What windshield?

    I have always laid the DeLorme receiver on the dash. If you have a dashmat or put a pad of that perforated rubber shelf liner on the dash, it never moves.

    Just think how many more claims I could've done if I had just known what I was doin'
    Larry D Hardin
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    dholman
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    07/31/2009 10:49 AM
    Still missing the point. 2009 Streets and Trips does not even have a cord - the small receiver is about the size of a flash drive that inserts into the USB port. I am just wanting to know how the reception is. If the reception is as good as the DeLorme model why bother with the cord.
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    okclarryd
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    07/31/2009 10:53 AM
    Sorry. I seem to be missing the point more often these days.

    I think I have misplaced my aiming point.
    Larry D Hardin
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    RRobinson
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    07/31/2009 9:51 PM

    I've used both Delorme and MS S&T for route planning.  In my view, MS S&T offers a slight advantage, if only because it integrates with more software packages.  Also, MS has Europe maps available, if you like traveling over there.  It is true that the MS product plugs directly into the USB port with no need for a cord.  On aircraft, however, you WILL need a cord so you can place the sensor in a window, because the sensor cannot always "see" through the fuselage.   Don't get me wrong.  Delorme is also a fine product.  Their new LT-40 sensor is a great improvement.  And their customer service is first-rate.

    Whichever you choose, you'll be much better off doing your route planning on your laptop GPS, but navigating with a dash-mounted unit. When I was doing 10-20 inspections a day for FEMA, I'd plan my route with MS S&T, then spend an extra minute or two entering the addresses into my Garmin.  I got more work done with a lot less stress.  The Laptop displays can be hard to see in bright sunlight, they're away from  a driver's line-of-sight, and they need keyboard entry.   Very cumbersome and unsafe while driving.  It is not surprising that the author of an earlier post had to suddenly slam on his brakes.

    While we're on that topic, CARS MAKE LOUSY OFFICES.  I improved mine by making a small, level "desk" for the passenger seat.  I strapped on a 150 watt inverter, a plug strip, and securing devices to hold and plug in my laptop(s) digital camera, cellphone, bluetooth, laser ranger, extra batteries, and a note pad, thus keeping everything secure, organized and fully charged, even after a hot, exhausting 14 hour day on rough Louisiana roads.

    Hope this helps.    

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    RRobinson
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    07/31/2009 9:59 PM
    I forgot to add. You don't need a cord for the MS S&T sensor, because it is so sensitive. You can add a standard USB cord if you want, for use in an airdcraft or tank, for example
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    Roy Estes
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    09/20/2009 7:36 AM

    Why use All those GPS devices when you can utilize your Blackberry Navigator, It is as up to date as any GPS, and has a feedback feature so that when you have a new updated address that no GPS will recognize you can add it to the GPS feature and it will load the new address for all users.

    Plus, you can access your account and Load addresses for the next day, and connect and it will load all your addresses in snyc.

    "Each of us as human beings has a responsibility to reach out to help our brothers and sisters affected by disasters. One day it may be us or our loved ones needing someone to reach out and help." RC ESTES
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    dholman
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    01/31/2010 12:00 PM

    I recently purchased DeLorme Street Atlas 2010 as it turns out that 2009 is not compatible with Windows 7. ( The old receiver LT-40 still works. ) the choices are $39 for the basic or $59 for the "Plus". The main difference is that the "Plus" has complete phone listings for the entire U.S. By right clicking on a street, you pull up all personal and business phone numbers for the entire street or particular block. The other feature of the "Plus" is that it enables you to import address lists from Excel. I believe that this is needed when importing claim information from Xactimate but Excel is not needed when moving the insureds addresses from PowerClaim. While MS Streets and Trips beats out DeLorme in compatibility, simpler to use and a cordless receiver, I still believe that DeLorme is better suited for adjusters due to the new "phone" feature and more importantly the fact that the text is larger and easier to read if used in the vehicle.

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    ddreisbach
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    01/31/2010 12:39 PM

    As I noted 6 months ago on this thread, DeLorme has a wireless GPS receiver that connects via Bluetooth.  No cables.

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    RMartin
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    08/15/2010 2:48 PM
    Why limit yourself to using the map programs' supplied receivers? Get on eBay or wherever and get yourself a USB receiver that's NMEA 0183 compliant, you can use it with ANY mapping program. I use a Holux GR213 receiver, about half the size of a pack of cigarettes, magnetic and waterproof, just stick it to the roof, install the drivers, plug it in and go. Works with Delorme and Microsoft both flawlessly. Reliable too, I've had mine for 4 years with daily use, just recently had to replace the cord because of daily rolling up.

    I tried S&T 2009's free trial, and I was NOT impressed, to say the least. Best to stick with 2007 with 2009's map data. Install the 2009 trial, copy the USA_CD.mad and USA_HD.mad files somewhere and uninstall. Install S&T 2007, then overwrite the data files by moving your saved files into Program Files/Microsoft Streets and Trips/Data.
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    RandyC
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    11/07/2010 9:19 AM
    I used to hang out at the Delorme Forum. It was and is a great program. The problem with Delorme is that their sources of map information got greedy. As gps systems grew in popularity, the sources began to charge more and more for information. According to Delorme (some years ago) the most reliable sources of map information began to demand royalty fees rather than selling their info outright. Delorme is a very inexpensive program and it was impossible for them to pay this way. They were forced to find new sources.

    If you've used Delorme for many years, you will have noticed that each new update seems to decline in ability to find addresses readily. The program gets better, but the data gets worse. This is not Delorme's fault, but it does affect its usability. Sadly, I now use Garmin Nuvi! It is far better in finding individual addresses, but the driving experience is not nearly as good. It doesn't show cross street names very well. Driving across country doesn't give the sense of where you are on the trip like Delorme does.

    I had a crush on the female voice that navigates Delorme but the Nuvi voice is a bit harsh. It is great for cutting through the noise of a large truck beside you but not so good to keep you company in the lonely morning hours of a long trip.

    I still use Delorme to print off a large map (multiple pages that fit together) with all my claims flagged and tagged to make scheduling easier. I buy the updates because I want to support a great company, but I just can't use them the same way I did 7 or 8 years ago.
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