Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 Standard and Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 with GPS Locator are the two versions of the Redmond company's offline alternative to Virtual Earth, launched officially on September 15. The Redmond giant has touted the evolution of the two offerings and for all the right reasons. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 delivers updated maps spanning across the U.S. and Canada, but also a redesigned graphical user interface, the entertainment online free trial membership designed to offer end users access to savings and special offerings, as well as integration with hands-free solutions.

“Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 is an especially good option if you are watching your pocketbook,” explained Lori Stock, senior product manager for Streets & Trips at Microsoft. Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 with GPS Locator offers not only the Standard version of the software but also a Pharos Science & Applications Inc. Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver set up to be connected with the PC via USB.

“Whether you are exploring regional hot spots or your very own neighborhood, Microsoft Streets & Trips will help you find nearby places of interest and calculate the most efficient route between stops. The GPS version has all the same great features but will also guide you to those destinations with spoken streets names, which gives you a hands-free solution to help make trips as smooth and stress-free as possible,” Stock added.

As of September 15, customers in the U.S. will be able to acquire Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 with GPS Locator for $74.95. The Standard version of the product comes with a price tag of just $39.95. The Redmond giant has extended beyond the U.S. and Canada and the Microsoft AutoRoute 2007, focused on Europe, is available for $39.95. Microsoft Streets & Trips is, ahead of version 2009, the best selling travel and mapping software in the U.S.