Directions: This does just what is says, step by step directions, including distances and heading

Map: Depending on how you told the website to configure your directions, your maps will vary in size. At the start and end points of the trip, you will be zoomed in extremely close and at street level. You will see crosshairs (you) and a dot showing heading within the crosshairs. The map will scroll as you move around. Neat! It will also indicate turns with numbers that correspond to the steps in the Directions. You can tap the screen and move it around to see Latitude and Longitude and distances from your current position.

Navigate: This is a great place to be to really get a feel for where you need to go. The top section of the screen tells you your next turn. Then, by setting the lower four table cells to show the information you want, you could, for example, set it to tell you how far it is in both estimated time and distance to the next turn. Once you approach a turn, the top then displays the next turn. In both Navigate and Map you can make marks and name then so you can come back to specific spots later.

 

That's it! So what do we really think?

We think this setup is pretty darned cool. Otherwise, why would we publish four pages on it, right? Following, are some of our comments:

• There really isn't much of a manual. There is a Help file but it does not go into any depth at all. We had to figure much of this out ourselves. This is another reason we did such an in-depth review.
• The Help file does mention that if you get off course you will get an audible signal telling you so. We did hear this on occassion, but tried really hard to replicate it and even went a mile or so off-course on purpose and it did not beep at us.
• Once you figure out where everything is located and how it all works, the setup is stellar. We have used several GPS's lately, since the Government has allowed them to be more accurate, and the DeLorme is one of the most accurate we've played with. Our crosshair was always dead on in the middle of the road, unlike some other dedicated GPS units we've used.
• The Earthmate and Solus Pro combination is hands-down, the fastest at acquiring satelites and displaying 3D navigation of any GPS we've tested.
• The Earthmate is also the best receiver we've used in a vehicle. Some GPS's do not pick up well in our soft-top TJ with the top up. The Earthmate, however, picked right up inside our Chevy Tahoe!
• Before plunging in and buying this setup, really think about what you do with GPS. You may want a dedicated unit. However, you may also want both. If you already carry your Palm with you all the time, then the Earthmate is a great item to toss in the glove box. The rubber bumpers around the edges and rubber feet keep it fairly well in place on your dash. However, keep in mind, that the Palm must also sit somewhere and it will slide easily and is very fragile. Not so good on serious off-road trips.
• If you own a GPS, chances are, that unless it's a high-end model, it will not allow you to upload step by step street directions. The DeLorme setup will.
• PLEASE do not attempt to use this while moving. Palms require two hands to use (usually), so keep your hands and eyes on the wheel!
• Our cable had a bit of a problem staying snapped into the bottom of our Palm and sometimes would slip out a little bit. A minor annoyance that is probably just something with our Palm's slot.

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