If you are looking for an alternative for GPS units, then steer clear from the Microsoft Street and Trips. From installation to the actual use of the software, the reviewer wasn’t impressed. Installation was quite painful, requiring additional downloads, and multiple connection cables. Once you do get the program started, searching the 1.6 million POI database, quite small and out of date as a matter of fact, is a chore due to the weird interface. The multi-panel feature of the Street and Trips doesn’t make things any easier. The reviewer pointed out that to make a route, have GPS guidance and then search for POIs, you would need three different panels. Routing with the Street and Trips is way too slow. The good points? You have access to traffic and weather. As the reviewer stated, it would be easier and far more useful to get even bargain-priced GPS units than the Microsoft Street and Trips.