Paper maps are so old hat. If you spend any time in a car, GPS is the way forward. Never failing to jump on a passing bandwagon, Microsoft has released the latest version of its route planning software that can now be bought with a GPS locator.
The package sounds promising, until you realise that the software only runs on a laptop or full-size PC. Neither is the ideal medium for use as a mobile GPS device. Previous versions of AutoRoute were available for Pocket PC-based PDAs, which are perfect for use with GPS tools. Market leader TomTom produces a version of its software for PDAs that works effectively, too.
Apparently, the product development team at Microsoft feels that it's perfectly reasonable to drive along with a laptop on the passenger seat of your car. We've found that standalone GPS such as Garmin's Nuvi and TomTom's One sit on the dashboard in your eye line without being obtrusive. Having to look down at a laptop next to you isn't a good idea because you have to take your eye off the road.
We weren't hugely impressed when we used the software's GPS functions. We positioned the laptop on the front seat with the volume and the screen brightness turned all the way up. We could hear the directions, but we didn't dare look at the screen.
What you will also need to do, if you do use a laptop to help you navigate, is make sure that it doesn't shut down, or turn off the screen when left idle for any length of time. Doing this obviously shortens the battery life, so you may also want to invest in a 12V car adaptor for your power supply.
To be honest, we didn't feel comfortable driving with a laptop in the car. Every time we stopped at lights we felt that someone could run up to the car and snatch it. There's also the risk that if you have to brake suddenly, the laptop could slide off the seat and become damaged.
