GPS choice and Internet access on the road
 

Hope this is the right place to ask.

I am going to move across country in June in my car, from NY to CA.

1. Any experience using "Microsoft Street and Trip 2006" with a GPS receiver (e.g. Holux 236...) while travelling? Any recommendation on choosing a GPS receiver? How useful is "Microsoft Street and Trip 2006" in terms of providing some desitination information?

2. Any idea about Internet access on the road? I wish I could access and check out next stop's information (sight-seeing, lodging...). Or even ask question here at flyertalk.com on the fly (and hoping for solutinon as problems come - real adventurous _). I guess I could sign up some dialup service with 800 number and get online in motel via their phone lines. I looked into Wireless Internet using my laptop but most companies require two-year contract if I want the service wth rate of $60-70/month. Wish there are some Internet Bars on my ways...

Thanks!

I just got a Holux to use with my Cingular 8125 - seems to work pretty well. If you've got the 2006 version of S&T, it should do full routing, points of interest, etc. I believe it's got some hotels, restaurants, gas stations, etc in its database.

As far as internet access, I'd just try and find hotels night-to-night that have free internet access, do your research the night before. My wife and I did that in Arizona on vacation last year - Priceline'd our way around the state.

I believe that every Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott have Internet access. In fact, nowadays, every Hilton, Hyatt or Marriot that I have used has Internet access. I don't think you'll have problems finding hotels that give you high speed access.

In my travels across the states I have found that the cheaper hotels offer free parking and high speed wireless in the room while more expensive hotels have limited availability of in-room wireless and like to charge up to $15 a night to park. Find a nice chain of Holiday Inns or Residence Inn's and you will be happy.