Worth the extra $50?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Kane, Sep 9, 2007.

  1. Kane

    Kane Light Load Member

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    Jun 27, 2007
    Michigan
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    Looking online at the 2007 Rand McNally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas. There is the regular version ($19.95 list) or the deluxe version ($79.95 list). Is the deluxe worth the extra $50? What does the extra money get you?

    PS - I know you can get 'em cheaper then list, just want to know if the deluxe is worth the extra cash.
     
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  3. Burky

    Burky Road Train Member

    I purchased a deluxe one time, and compared it closely to the older basic copy. I couldn't find enough extra value to pay the higher price for the deluxe edition. The basic one has all the info you need, and the plain and simple fact is that you don't even need to replace it annually. You can go 5-6 years without replacing one, and still be just fine.

    Rand McNally tries to market it like you need a new one annually, but that just isn't so in the real world.
     
  4. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    I always get the laminated version, regualar print. I keep it for 4 or 5 years then update it. Give the old one to my wife and who knows who she gives it to.
     
  5. Cybergal

    Cybergal Road Train Member

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    There might be a few differences in the two but the $20.00 one is actually just as good.
     
  6. GuysLady

    GuysLady Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    The eye of the storm....
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    I now have EIGHT deluxe editions! All of them are '05's. I really don't see much difference.

    Bonnie
     
  7. 2xR

    2xR Medium Load Member

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    Ol' North State
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    The spiral spine allows for opening to the page I need, and leaving it open until I'm finished. This is a handy feature if I need to reference the page a few times during a driving session, and don't want to open the book and re-find the page I need.

    The larger maps and print is easier to read when using cab lighting at night. In fact, at my age, it's easier in the bright daylight as well.

    The laminated pages stay cleaner and neater during the life of the book. I've yet to use a grease pencil on the pages, yet, but I understand you can, then just wipe it off.

    I only replace the atlas every four or five years, so the cost is amortized over a longer period than if I purchased annually.

    During the past few years I've found myself relying more and more on the on-line mapping services. Using those can give you street level mapping far more superior than the printed version. However, I'd feel unprepared if I left home without the old, trusty, Rand McNally.
     
  8. Sparky1982

    Sparky1982 Light Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2007
    Jackson, MI
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    Not sure if my deluxe you mean the laminiated version, or if that is a version under the deluxe.

    When I started school, I got a year old copy of the basic version, and it worked great, but my trainer had the laminated version, which was nice while driving, and half the size. I would recommend the laminated version, but maybe you can find a good year or two old version cheaper. I mean how much do highways change in a year?
     
  9. roadhog

    roadhog Medium Load Member

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    Jun 11, 2007
    No man's land, Ohio
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    Whichever you choose, make sure it's laminated. Like it was said, stays cleaner and easier to clean up. Don't have to worry about spills or stepping on it.
     
  10. WiseOne

    WiseOne Inactive contact bullhaulerswife

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    Truckers Report, TN
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    Don't pay $79.95 for it, that is a rip off. Yes, you are better off with the laminated version. Check out the price here: Trucker Road Atlas. He is selling it for $41.99 (my store manager).
     
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