Things to consider
With this last option, you can load tons of trips into the Palm device because they are all text-based. That might be necessary because this approach also limits your ability to change trip plans or create new destinations while enroute. Nor will using this approach tell you where you are or what progress you have made on your trip. However, it is the simplest navigational aid -- the equivalent of having very good directions typed into your Palm device.

Summary
The tools I used were very helpful and downright cool. The practicality of having a laptop in your vehicle all of the time, the possibility of theft, the visual distraction, the need for continual power supply, and so on makes the second option a little difficult in the real world. Certainly, this would be the case in New York, but perhaps not in your home town. Integrated versions of this navigation option are now available in some luxury cars, but even those systems lack the flexibility and usability of DeLorme's Street Atlas and Earthmate combination.

The first option (combining the GPS device with the Palm device) is the most pragmatic approach since it takes advantage of the PC software strengths and the portability of the Palm device. Add to that the advanced functionality of the Solus navigation software in conjunction with Earthmate GPS. This option is extremely portable and convenient and will allow you to navigate directly on your Palm device with a pocket sized GPS navigator tool plugged in.

The third approach is a good way to start because you don't need to spend on a GPS navigator to load directions into your Palm device. You can also share the directions with other members of the family by printing or emailing (also true with the other options). Option three is the cheapest to set up if budget is an issue.

I have to admit I was skeptical when I started on this assignment, but in the end I am addicted to the piece of mind I get by knowing where I am, where I am going, and how to get there using the DeLorme suite of products. I am now using these tools on a regular basis to find addresses and plan my account visits in strange cities and towns.

Chris Guella is a management and strategy consultant for financial institutions with American Management Systems, Inc. He may be reached at cguella@usa.net.