I’m sorry Microsoft, but I’m not very impressed with your new
version of Streets & Trips. The
older version, 2001, wasn’t very accurate, and neither
is this 2003 version. Even after
updating the program via the Internet, it still doesn’t
show the latest construction to roads and freeways. And in some cases,
it still takes the longest route to a given destination. Cul de sacs are shown as thru streets until
you get down to extreme zoom: i.e. almost as zoomed as
you can get!
When
I heard about this new version, I was really expecting a real improvement, but
instead, I am extremely disappointed. I hate the
fact that it still doesn’t give you the shortest
route. In one case, it actually took me
in just shy of a complete circle! In
another case, it took me on a route using tiny roads that were just barely wide
enough for a single car, instead of using the main streets that were much more
accessable and drivable!
After
updating the road data for this review (the 2nd update so far) the
road data is still out-of-date! It doesn’t show the latest freeway construction: a major
construction project!
The
new version now offers three “map views” which are:
- Road
Streets, roads and
freeways, etc.
- Terrain
Mountains, hills, valleys,
etc.
- Political Democratic, Republican, etc.
The
one improvement that I do like is the fact that directions are a little easier
to understand. They now include the
off-ramp’s street name when you exit the freeway. They never used to do that: they assumed you
knew exactly where you were, and the milage would give you a clue as to the the
exit name. It was very hard to follow those
kind of directions.
Other
than that, I can see no obvious improvements, or enhancements to the
program. Microsoft’s website states
there are additional points of interest included, “. . .including
ATMs, gas stations, museums and tourist attractions: 30% more than ever before!
“
Street
& Trips 2003
Microsoft
Corporation
$44.95
- 2 CD-ROMs
No
Printed Manual – All on the CD