Review: Garmin Mobile PC

Just a quick "review: of GMPC bundle based on a 500 mile trip. I'm a devoted fan of NRoute so am experienced with the interface.

I really liked it. The graphics were very good and, for the most part, the info displayed was all that I would want (NRoute lets you add and delete things to show, which is better). I'd like to see more cross roads, On this trip the routing it suggested was very good since it picked out shortcuts that I have used for years. I experimented with a route to Fla and it came up with some screwy stuff but all of the other programs will do that too. Audio was plenty loud on my Dell 610. It did recalculating very well even it "she" gets down right PO'd if you don't make the U Turn "She" suggested..."she" finally gave up and did a different, correct route. As someone mentioned, I'd pay a few bucks more for a longer cable to the antenna, but I had an extender so it wasn't a problem.

The one thing that I was surprised about was that the ETA was very optimistic throughout the route. For grins, I had it simulate the route here in the house, and it consistently was "speeding" beyond my comfort range (+5mph). So, maybe this is why it was overly optimistic on my arrival. I wish it would show miles to destination rather than just time.
NRoute was always VERY accurate on ETA, even for a 13 hour, 700 mile trip...almost to the minute when I pulled out of the driveway. Maybe there is a setting I missed somewhere.

Bottom line: :clap::clap::clap::clap: JMHO, Steve

Steve, the text-to-speech engine I use doesn't change the tone of voice when I ignore the voice directions prompts, LOL.

Speaking of Speech...
Im using Vista.. those with Vista on a laptop usually have a built in mic.
Vista has built in Speech Recognition software that works fine with MobilePC as far as key commands go.
I set mine up in about 30 minutes.. now to hear what she said I just say "Press F1" and she repeats the turn directions without me ever taking my eyes off the road.

Vista users, just press your start and in command box type Speech Recognition to get it started on the tutorial.

might help some: [Video] Windows Vista Speech Recognition and Garmin Mobile PC

Try a (free) program called Goops..
http://goopstechnologies.com/

I just find out,that is GPS receiver that is came with GMPC working fine with MapSource,with out any additional software or drivers.Also it work simultionesly with those two program.

hi there!

just an info...Garmin Mobile PC software version 5.00.20 is now avialable.

thanks!

I think its still the old 5.99.10

Oops, 5.00.10 I mean :-)

No, its the real thing. Still listed as 5.00.10 but will update Mobile PC to 5.00.20

I have tested it successfully with Mobile PC software only and the 20x combo.

Terry

Hi j0sh818,

:welcome: to Laptop GPS World.

Yes, indeed, new version 5.00.20 is available. There is more info in the following thread: New Sofware Update for Garmin Mobile PC, version 5.00.20

thanks Marvin!

i have been using a stand alone GPS since i got here in the states. never knew that i could use my loptop for navigation until i saw an ad for S&T. from then on i did some online search and found out that there are so many PC program to choose from.

i have the S&T 2008, nRoute, and this GMPC. but so far the GMPC for me is the best. hehehe! its just like having a nuvi or a GMXT in a very big screen. text to speech and voice recognition is a great PLUS.

this site was referred to by another forum and i really find this very informative.

thanks again!

j0sh818

j0sh818, it's good to have you here. Keep an eye on other forum sections, too. When the next version of Microsoft Streets and Trips 2009 comes out, we may be surprised by some new interesting features, too.

5.00.30 is available

Hi Sanych,

Welcome to Laptop GPS World.

Yes, there is a bit more info about that version over at Software Update for Garmin Mobile PC, version 5.00.30