Garmin nRoute and Linux Ubuntu

Hi,

I am thinking of getting a new Dell mini 9 for travel and was wondering if anyone had experience using nRoute and MapSource with Linux ubuntu.

Or should I just spring for a unit with XP?

Have both nRoute and South African MapSource installed on my Dell 1420 (with a Garmin GPS 18x) and thanks to some great advice from members on this page I have used it to great success.

Looking at the Dell 9 for both size and it's solid state drive -

Thanks,

Alan

nRoute and Mapsource are Windows programs. You would need some sort of Windows emulator to run under Linux in order to run them. That might work for Mapsource but it might still cause a problem for nRoute.

nRoute needs to receive the GPS signal. I'm not sure what kind of receiver you are using with nRoute right now, USB or Bluetooth. But I think there will be problems getting a USB connection into an emulator and Bluetooth might be impossible.

Do you have major Linux use in mind? If not, you might be a lot better off getting your Dell 9 with WinXP on it, download the free Microsoft Virtual PC or the Open Source VirtualBox and run Linux in one of them.

...ken...

Ken,

All good points - I'll stick with Win XP - why make things difficult?

On another note. Being new to laptop navagation and GPS's in general, if I use the same antenna (Garmin GPS 18X USB) on the new machine will I have any problems loading and unlocking my MapSource maps? (using same map disc I installed on my orginal laptop)

Any suggestions on how to best proceed?

Thnx,

Alan

If you already have maps unlocked to the 18x, you must use it on the new computer.

Garmin's unlock codes are based on the Unit ID of the GPS receiver and the product code of the maps. If you try to use a different receiver the maps won't work with it.

Make sure you use the Unlock Wizard to back up your unlock codes. If you don't already have a MyGarmin account, you should create one and make sure your unlock codes are backed up to it.

When you install Mapsource and the maps on your new computer, you use the Unlock Wizard to retrieve the unlock codes for your maps and you'll be back in business.

Just to be totally safe, if you are using the new version of Mapsource (6.14.x or newer) use the UTILITIES > MANAGE MAP PRODUCTS menu. On the "Unlock Regions" tab, click on your map entry and click on the "Properties" tab. This will list the unlock code. You can cut/paste it into a text file. Save it, and perhaps print it off and stash it somewhere safe, too.

Can you tell I'm one of those belt and suspenders kinda guys when it comes to this stuff??

...ken...

Can you tell I'm one of those belt and suspenders kinda guys when it comes to this stuff??

Are you kidding? you are talking to a guy that backs up on an external drive and stores it in a Sentry fireproof safe...

Anyway Ken, once again thank you for clearing up matters. Anyway, have the Garmin account, backed up everything, and now shopping Dell outlet for deals...

Alan

Okay, you got me there. I do the external drive ... now I'll hafta look for a fireproof safe to stash it in when I head out of town. Do you suppose I can get one at Staples?

Do you also keep key files with you on a thumb drive?

...ken...

Staples, Lowes, Homedepot - all carry them. Bolt it to the floor away from the main part of your house I.E. by the garage door. (less heat in a fire) I poured a small raised slab of concrete to get it off the floor and avoid possible water damage.

Have not thought about carrying key files on a thumb drive - I do when I travel but no real need around town -

Enjoy

Alan