This is my first post and I really need some answers. I apologize for its length. Chances are what I’m asking is premature as I’m in a bit of a rush. I’m posting it in the Garmin Mobile PC because I am leaning in that direction.

I’ve been looking at this wonderful website for a couple of weeks now and the more I read the more confused I seem to become. I know I should research so much more on this site before asking my questions but I need to make a purchase soon for a trip I’m planning in a month or two.

I “think” I’ll purchase the Garmin mobile PC for my laptop. But that being said that raises so many more questions. I’ve read where (and don’t ask me where on the website) it mentioned different features/accessories and different maps and upgrades that can be purchased when buying the “kit”.

Also is the Garmin receiver (antenna) that comes with it great, good, or what? Cold start and time acquiring satellites. (I read a review that DeLorme had long waiting time acquiring sats.)

I read so much on downloading this or that map or programs to interface to whatever?

What do I need or should look for to navigate the United States. I’m not looking for trip planning.

I’m looking for the most bang for the buck. A GPS for my laptop that 1) has the most features. 2) Easy to upgrade and have upgrades readily available with having a problem finding them. Either on disc or download, preferably disc after reading the number of people that had problems downloading maps or programs. 3) The latest version released i.e. 2010 nothing earlier 4) And who knows what else I’m missing?

I only wish I had the luxury of spending more time to gain a learning curve but I don’t. So I apologize for any inept questions. I’ll probably have a long learning curve just figuring out how a laptop GPS works !

I’m afraid that I haven’t made myself clear because as I read this back I’m lost myself. I hope everyone or someone knows what I’m trying to say

Thanks Chuck
Lost is Resume Speed, Montana

The Garmin Mobile PC product that includes a GPS (USB 20x or BT 10x) is eligible for yearly or lifetime map updates for an extra price. It is also eligible for the latest map version at the time of purchase. The only issue is the GPS must be disconnected when the update is applied, contrary to the instuctions. Updates are as downloads but can be requested on a DVD for a small fee if your internet connection is too slow.

Most other navigation products update the program and maps every year, generally for a similar cost.

The USB 20x is based on SirfStar III technology so is fine under most conditions. If you heard about problems with the Delorme one, it was probably the LT-20. That is a bit outdated and has been replaced by the LT-40.

If you have had any experience with a Garmin Nuvi, Mobile PC is virually the same product on a large screen. The options and operation is similar but some Nuvis have more bells and whistles.

You should consider where you would mount a laptop in your vehicle to make it user friendly and how you plan on powering it if the trip is longer than its battery life.

Terry

Hi Chuck

Welcome to the forum!

I can understand that you might have a ton of questions if you're starting out in the world of GPS. There's a lot of data to absorb, but it gets easier...

Garmin Mobile PC comes with all the maps for North America (Canada and United States) so if that's the only place you want to use it, you don't have to worry about compiling maps, loading maps, and so forth. The 2010 version has all the latest maps available. They're pre-loaded so you're ready to go.

Sure, you'll have to buy newer maps in the future, but think of this; When you bought that Rand-McNally Road Atlas 20 years ago, did they promise to give you a new atlas every time they printed a new edition. The world changes. Roads change. We gotta live with it.

The 20x receiver that ships with Garmin Mobile PC is a good receiver! Period! I've tested mine side-by-side with the Holux and GlobalSat 353 receivers and it has outperformed both of them, (connected to other programs) even though they're all based on the same chipset. My house has a metal roof, so it's not the most conducive place to be using satellite receiving equipment, but the 20x is the only one of the three that will keep it's lock after acquiring it outside and then coming into the house! Don't worry about the receiver!

Garmin Mobile PC will get you into the game at a reasonable price. ALL GPS systems are to be used with a big helping of common sense, so heed the words of the previous post. How will you use the PC in the vehicle? On the passenger seat? With a mount? Give it some thought. I'm sure you'll have more questions.

Mobile PC is not without it's little quirks, but it's a good place to get your feet wet. After you begin to understand and realize the possibilities, you'll have a world to explore!

Good luck!

First off I want to thank Terry and Resophil for responding to my newby questions

Ok I’m taking the plunge. I know my questions are going to be open-ended. I want to make sure I get the latest version (2010). But I want to make sure if there are any options or extras of any type to get at the initial purchase I want to be sure to include them. Looking at Garmins website it shows part number 010-00685-00 for Garmin Mobile PC 20X.

I must say I have seen so many different part numbers for sale on the internet that has me confused. Same goes for pricing. I don’t know what is what? To quote Terry, “…is eligible for yearly or lifetime map updates for an extra price. It is also eligible for the latest map version at the time of purchase.” Can this unit be purchased all ready loaded with the latest and greatest info/data? Or will I have to do some downloading after I purchase the unit?

I see where GPS city is selling a GPS 18 USB DELUXE? The GPS city website says it is a discontinued product and the current one is the above product number.On theforum somewhere I think I read this was either a discontinued or obsolete unit. I am using this as an example why I need to know exactly what I’m buying.

I see so many prices on the internet and not sure of what it is they are exactly selling. I see Garmin price is $99.99 on their site. But I have seen prices as high as $170 down to $60. Is there a reputabledealer that has a good price that someone can recommend? That would sure take some guesswork out of if for me. And I can get the ball rolling on this thing. I feel at this point just having it loaded in the laptop and working it would feel like game over, even though I know it won’t. I feel I’m running out of time to get this thing going so I got to start moving. I just can’t make a purchase until I feel comfortable knowing exactly what I’m buying. Last thing I want to hear is, “Oh, you should have got…..”

I know what I’m trying to say but I don’t know if I’m getting my point across? I just can’t find the definitive words so please accept my apology. I really hope everyone understands what I trying to say.

I will say “Thank You” in advance to everyone that helps.

Chuck

You can not guarantee the version you buy will have the latest maps. You will probably have to download an map update from Garmin to bring it to whatever is the newest map set at the time you purchase the product.

I wouldn't consider the GPS18. Others did all right with it and nRoute early last year (or was it 2008) but it is not a modern GPS and the nRoute program is quite dated and recent Garmin maps don't work with it.

Others on this site have had good luck with refurbished Mobile PC - 20x packages purchased from eBay. The price is good and Garmin has supported them. I don't know which eBay sellers have been tried. GPSCity in the US seems to have an good price for the new product with 20x ($80).

Terry

Chuck,

Garmin has always made sure that if you buy a product with preloaded maps you have reasonably up to date map data when you first start to use it. So, if you buy a unit and the map data is getting a bit stale, when you register it online you will find that you are eligible to download a free one-time update. Garmin recently went to quarterly map updates from annual updates so these days it's nearly a certainty that anything you buy that comes with maps will be eligible for an update when you register it.

Garmin has a map update service you can subscribe to that gives you quarterly updates for the life of that product. Some Garmin products are not eligible; some are. Garmin Mobile PC deluxe (the version bundled with either GPS receiver) is eligible. Garmin Mobile PC software-only version is not.

Stay clear of that GPS18 thing at GPSCity. I sent them an email about it:

Here is the relevant part of the response:

So it's aimed at existing customers who have one and don't want to switch if/when some part of it breaks. This I can understand because not everyone thinks Garmin's newer "replacement" products are actually better. (Number me among them ... don't get me going on the lack of replacement for their wonderful iQue 3600! I bought three of them from eBay so I won't have to switch if my original breaks.)

And give the customer service rep major creds for being honest!!

The GPS18 thing aside, my experiences with GPSCity have been nothing but good. Same with GPSCentral. I have made purchases from both over the past few years and have been satisfied in every case. They are both responsive to questions, even when they are rather pointed like the one above.

I know that GPSCity are now selling Mobile PC with the 2010 maps. When I first asked, they weren't sure. I asked because the part number for the 2010 version is the same as for the 2009 version. That's also why they weren't sure what their stock was. So they checked it out and got back to me that their stock is the 2010 version. That was a few months ago.

If you decide to buy a refurbed unit please be sure to check one of the threads here about registering refurbished units BEFORE you try to register yours. A couple of the folks who have bought them had trouble with installing the free map updates. They made the mistake of following Garmin's instructions which work for new units but apparently are a problem for at least some refurbed units. With one minor change to the process (do NOT plug in the unit when instructed to do so), it turns out to work just fine. But you need to know before you start or you're in for some frustration.

I hope that helps.

...ken...

Ok after doing some more reading and what great advice I have gotten for a response to my thread I'm going to buy the Garmin Mobile PC. I noticed Ken said GPScity has the 2010 version so I will try to confirm with GPScity that I get that version. If I ask will I get an honest answer from them or not?

Next I seen a post that showed the new version 5.00.70 is now out. So I will ask when I purchase the Mobile PC if that is included. Or may I ask the group will I have to down load that after I get it? Or what?

I want to make sure I get all map updates avaiable, preferably on disc because I'm on dial up and it isn't the best connection. So will I be able to get everything I will need to update this unit with a disc or are some items download only?

What does everyone think of GPScity for dealing with? Does anyone know of someone having problems with them?

Also I'll wait for a reply to this that way if there is anything I might miss someone can bring it to my attention so I get the order right the first time.

Thanking everyone in advance
Chuck

Yes. When I first asked them, immediately after the new version was released, they answered honestly that they didn't know. They noticed the same thing I did, that the new version had the same part number as the old one, which is why I asked in the first place. They said they would get back to me after checking.

It is worth being sure because all companies will refuse to allow return of software that has been opened. So if it makes you more comfortable, please call them and talk to them. It's toll free and the wait time is not usually very long.

You will not receive 5.00.70. It is too new. It will most likely contain 5.00.60. You will need to download any updates.

That is a good thing for two reasons. 5.00.70 appears to be broken. A number of users have already reported that it stops working and disappears from the screen regularly during navigation. So you probably want to wait until that is fixed before downloading an update. Second, the downloaded program updates are free so you can download an update as soon as it is posted without having to order and pay.

That will be a problem for you. The good thing is that the downloadable program updates are made available for download immediately that they are released. The bad thing, for you, is that they are only available for download. If you need a disk, the only way to get that is to wait until the next annual version is released once a year.

The same applies to map updates. The quarterly updates are only available by download (by paid subscription). To get new maps on disk you must wait for the annual version to be released.

Of course that is no different than all the other navigation programs, like Streets&Trips, iGuidance, Street Atlas, etc. They only come out once a year and there are no downloads in between. So if you cannot do downloads you are not any worse off with Mobile PC than with the others.

I have had no problems dealing with them or with GPS Central (also in Calgary) or with Prairie Geomatics (in Manitoba). All are knowledgable about their products and all have been good to deal with.

Those are my personal experiences. As with all things when you are dealing with people, your mileage may vary.

...ken...

That would be Gpscity.com as you are in the US. I have dealt with Gpscity.ca as well and had no issues with them.

Terry

You will get the .60 version from GPS City in Canada. I ordered and received that version just a few days ago. It updated to .70 without a hitch, after my friend installed it on his computer. (It was a gift....)

I received my Mobile PC 20x bundle today. I want to ask one question. I want to confirm something before downloading it. I've read and been told this program can be installed and work without having internet connection.(stand alone GPS) Is that correct? I know to register it withing 60 days I have to go online. But just to install and run the program for about a month plus, do I need an internet connection? I guess I should say I only have dialup currently and will go to DSL after I return from my trip that I need the GPS laptop for. And naturally my new laptop will not work on dial up.

Thanks everyone
Chuck

Mobile PC will work perfectly without an internet connection. However, when you register, you may be entitled to a free map data upgrade. This is about 1.2G and is not something anyone would attempt with dial up.

The map data upgrade expires after a certain length of time (60 days?) so you would not be able to download it for free after that time. However, I don't know if the clock starts when you register or when you start using the GPS. You might want to contact Garmin for that information and also to see if they offer a DVD mailed for a small fee.

Terry

Hi Chuck,

What Terry said. The stuff in Mobile PC that needs an internet connection will have no effect on your ability to do all the navigation functions.

The stuff that needs an internet connection are things like flight information, hotel reservations, weather reports and stuff like that.

I've used the flight information a couple of times from my desktop because it's way faster than going to the airline's web site and trying to find it there. But otherwise I never use any of those extra features.

As Terry suggested, phone Garmin and tell them you only have dialup internet and ask them to send you the free map update on a DVD.

...ken...