Marriage of desktop trip planning and handheld GPS?

[rustyh3]

I have used MS Streets and Trips for a few years. Both here and in Europe. (Autoroute) I really like the ease of Trip Planning. Tired of laptop in car though.
Question: Is there a product that offers trip planning on a desktop/laptop and then transfer to a GPS. I like the ability to add trip points and move them from Car to PC and visa versa.
If this is a really stupid question please excuse. I have used mostly basic GPS devices that offer few extras.
My optimum device would work like Streets and Trips and then load trip onto car unit.
Thanks, Rusty

[Tim]

You can use a program like GPSBabel to convert a trip file from s&t to formats commonly used with other GPS devices. Or some of them come with software themselves to plan trips, each with their own limitations.

For example the Nuvi 700 series supports the creation of routes from a PC, although the software doesn't come in the box from Garmin. Most (but not all) people who call and ask for it will get it.

The TomTom devices allow you to plan a trip from your computer, and the software is included. While you do get to use your keyboard, screen, and mouse, you are simulating using the GPS on the screen so it isn't a "full screen" size.

The new HP iPAQ allows you to plan trips from their website, but that (obviously) requires internet access.

[rustyh3]

Tim,
Thanks for the information.
I will research GPSBabel.
Rusty

[Continental Drifter]

For the Tomtom, I use TYRE.

http://www.janboersma.nl/gett/index.php

It is free and is an excellent program for creating itineraries and is extremely easy to use. It uses Google Maps (full screen) and also allows you to create POI's. I'm travelling to Europe in the summer and have already created all my routes through France and Italy and I haven't even bought a TomTom yet. You don't need a GPS to use it. It allows you to create waypoints (up to, I think, 48 ) so you can avoid roads when you want to or stop at a place of interest. I think if you have a TomTom this program is a must have.

[tomj03]

This is also a good program for ex S&T users who convert to TomTom. It handles both EST abd AXE.