Garmin Mobile PC or nRoute for my car, boat, and travel tablet PC?

Hi all,

I just found out this site last week, as I finally decided to build myself a nice car/boat/travel PC with navigational aids. So far I have gone through all info from this Forum and found some answers to my open issues, thank you all for that.

Anyway to the build...

1. I am about to purchase a Viliv X70EX UMPC where I am planning to install different types of navigational software for all recreational use.
2. I have decided to go with Garmin Mobile PC software for car navigation, and maybe also use Garmin Blue Charts when on a boat. (there will be other marine navigation software also, but that is not for this thread)
3. I already know that Garmin Mobile PC (when bought as a software-only version) cannot work with other MapSource unlocked maps.
4. I understood that nRoute is capable to work with MapSource unlocked maps with any GPS device connected to the PC. But nRoute is already discontinued product... (I did already download the latest release 2.7.6)

Now my problem is, that I don't want to use the only USB port in the Viliv for GPS receiver (hence I don't want to buy 20x bundle), and the unit has built in GPS receiver. I also understood that the Viliv internal GPS can be hooked with Garmin Mobile PC software with GPSGate. So I don't think this will be a major problem.

Some background to clarify, location Northern Europe, no need for NA charts. Would like to use integrated GPS for practical reasons, Bluetooth GPS optional. Main use CarPC with probably Centrafuse on WinXP. Nor a total newbie with SW/HW configuration...

And finally to my question (thank you for reading this far); What Garmin software would you recommend for my use? Mobile PC or nRoute? nRoute is discontinued product, is there any harm for me to use it, and should Nuvi Lifetime/Onetime updates work as normal in nRoute?

If I missed some specs, please ask so I can clarify.

Reg

/Chris

The software version of Mobile PC probably won't work directly with the Viliv built-in GPS but will work using GPS Gate. The hardware version will only work with the GPS it ships with.

As you say, nRoute could use the internal GPS with the help of GPS Gate.

Bluechart maps (assuming you can buy them) are not recommended for Mobile PC. You would need the hardware version of Mobile PC (to unlock the maps) and it displays only a limited range of the Bluechart features.

Bluechart maps work fine with nRoute. GPS Gate will allow the use of these maps with a different GPS than the one they are unlocked to as well. Still, you do need a Garmin GPS to unlock them to.

Whether Nuvi updates work with nRoute depends on whether you have a Nuvi. If you do, the downloaded updates provide a map for use with MapSource on the computer. It can be massaged with MapReverseConverter to a format usable by nRoute. If you don't, then no.

Sounds like nRoute and GPS Gate is your best option in this case, but I don't know how it responds to a front end like Centrafuse.

Terry

Thanks Terry for your thoughts.

I believe that Mobile PC is actually a "Nuvi emulator" for PC, so basically I would assume that Nuvi updates would go through with Mobile PC SW version, maybe the same goes with nRoute..?? At least the Onetime upgrade which is delivered on a DVD. Right?
Then again, it is some 70€, so if it does not work at all, the loss is quite minimal if the update DVD can be sold used to someone..

I appears that my best option (for both road and marine) would be nRoute because then I can use what ever maps I can unlock with Mapsource and use the onboard GPS. But then I need one actual Garmin unit to unlock the maps for, and that was just something I thought I wouldn't need to buy.. :-)

Maybe I just have to forget BlueCharts from this combo, get Software version of Mobile PC, hook it up with GPSgate to Viliv X70 and use Mobile PC only for Road navigation... Then use marine navigation with better software.

Centrafuse CarPC SW has a separate Plugin that allows Garmin Mobile PC to run nicely, and even incorporates on screen keyboard and audio commands. But this is not for nRoute... (Centrafuse Garmin Mobile PC GPS Navigation -Rebellium OSK and Skin Plugin)

Any more ideas to wonder before buying things?

/Chris

Mobile PC ( the version with a GPS) is a candidate for single/ lifetime updates. However, those updates do not include the MapSource file and are not available for nRoute at all. They come as a precompiled image file .

The software version of Mobile PC will work via GPS Gate with your Viliv GPS as far as I can tell. It is very finger friendly and looks good on a small screen. It will not accept any locked maps or updates.

I thought the X70 had a keyboard which makes Centrafuse eye candy only but I could be wrong.

Terry

One other thing to consider. Because the software version of Mobile PC can not accept updates, make sure the company you order it from can guarantee it is new stock. If you receive an older map revision, you will not be able to update it. The software-only product has been available for some time, even in Europe, and the product code does not change.

Also, some older versions of Mobile PC (not the maps, the product) don't work with GPS Gate. You can download the latest version, 5.00.60 from Garmin once you install the software.

Terry

Terry,

lots of things to consider.

About OSK, I was under the impression that the problem is that Garmin Mobile PC does not have OSK, so this is why this plugin would be handy. Correct me if I am wrong.

I am sure I am getting the latest SW release, I know the store I am buying it from... and weird enough, I even trust them :-) But I will investigate more.

Then I would like to ask a favour from all Laptop GPS World readers. If you are reading this thread, put in your 50 cents.

If you had a Viliv X70 EX Slate PC, what GPS SW for car use would you prefer and why? (don't mind if you are in the US, I can always investigate if your choice would work in Europe as well)-

Regards,

/Chris

I see the Viliv x70, an Atom powered MID does not have a keyboard and, as you say, only one USB port. Centrafuse could be a good addition as Mobile PC does not have an onscreen keyboard at all. Also nRoute, without an F12 key to hide the tabs is a real pain on a small screen.

I have included 2 screenshots from my ASUS R2h UMPC which can fake 1024 x 600 on a 7" screen to give you an idea of how they would look. I wish this ASUS had an Atom processor as the Celeron 900 is just too gutless.

Terry

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For basic navigation, iGuidance is great on a small screen and very touch friendly. For UK, I would consider Navmii as well (not in NA yet).

I don't have iGuidance activated on this device but included a screenshot for Navmii.

Terry

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If the first one is Mobile PC and the second on is nRoute, there is no comparison for these two. The GUI in Mobile PC is what I am looking for, not nRoute type of 2D...

I'l ckeck Navmii , it looks quite nice. It seems not to have all EUropean maps, yet...

Thanks again,

/Chris