UMPC GPS Software

Hi,
im searching for a GPS Software for my UMPC (1024x600) thats works in Europe and North America (USA/CAN). If theres no system supporting both continents 2 programms will be ok too.

What i really liked last time i was in the US was the function of a friends PDA Navi (TOMTOM) to see stores and resturants ... on the route. I entered my destination and the Software calculated the Route, afterwards we were able to see all POIs along the Road (or near the destination) - ordered by categories. For example the next PizzaHut, Wal-Mart, Gas Station......

So i would really like a Software with that funktionality and a huge database..

Is sth. like that available?

Thanks
Dennis

I'm gonna say Garmin Mobile PC would be the app for you. I think you can buy either the NA or EU version, and then buy the additional maps. I'm sure someone here can tell you for sure.

Does it have a huge POI database, and are objects on a special place, and more important o my road searchable?

That's a definite Maybe. See below.

Yes. Garmin's City Navigator North America maps have a searchable database of 6 million points of interest. Their City Navigator Europe maps have 1.5 million searchable points of interest. Check the links for more information on these maps.

If you liked the TomTom personal navigation device, you will like Garmin's Mobile PC. The interface is just like having a personal navigation device like the TomTom or Garmin's Nuvi on your laptop (or your UMPC). If you have a touchscreen on the UMPC, Mobile PC knows how to use it.

But be careful before you decide to go with Garmin's Mobile PC. Garmin's web site lists a part number for Mobile PC - Europe but it does not list a price. As far as I know, the European version is not being sold yet. Phone Garmin's toll-free number and ask them. While you are talking to them, ask them if you can buy the European version and then add the City Navigator North America maps to it later.

Be prepared to be completely confused. Even the Garmin product support specialists are still confused. Some don't realize that you cannot add maps to the software-only version.

Don't buy the software-only version because you absolutely cannot add maps to it. It works with whatever maps you buy it with and that's all. You can't even add updates to the maps when the updates become available next year. You will have to buy a new version to get the updated maps. In fairness to Garmin, If the Mobile PC - Software-only version pricing remains as it is, it will actually be cheaper to buy a new version of Mobile PC with updated maps than it will be to buy just the map update.

If you buy the version that comes with the Garmin GPS-20x USB receiver you might be able to add maps. It depends on which support tech you talk to. I spoke with one who was absolutely certain that you can add maps to it. But he was also certain that you can add maps to the software-only version and you can't.

If you decide to buy Mobile PC - Europe with the GPS-20x receiver, make sure you get a guarantee that you will be able to add the City Navigator North America maps. I personally think you will be able to but I don't have a spare unlock code to test with and I'm not going to spend my own money to test something that Garmin should have tested before they released the product. So get a guarantee ... get the Garmin employee's name and contact information so you can use that guarantee to get a refund if they're wrong.

...ken...

Sounds confusing .. so the link you posted above is not usable with Garmin Mobile PC? I have to buy Garmin Mobile PC WITH the map in need (USA/CAN is most important)
And whats the Software only Version for, if its not possible to use any map?

But why does Garmin have such "strange" registration rules?

Thanks
dennis

Btw. what's the difference between the NT Maps and the non-NT ones?

or 2nd question. USA and Canada is more important as i will travel there in 1 month. So which software Version should i buy.
I will use a "Holux GR-236 Bluetooth" GPS Receiver - will it work?
So, i need to order the Version withour GPS Receiver!? The problem is i can find this Version in Germany
And buying the Europe-Version and adding american maps wont work???
Thanks
Dennis

As I said, in fairness to Garmin it's actually cheaper to buy Mobile PC - Software-only version with City Navigator North America NT2009 included than it is to buy the City Navigator North America NT2009 DVD. So, in a sense, you can consider the Mobile PC - Software-only version as a disposable item if all you need is to update to a new version of the City Navigator North America maps.

If you need to have maps for two different regions of the world, like North America and Europe, you would have to purchase the Mobile PC - GPS-20x version with City Navigator North America NT2009 included. Then you would have to buy the City Navigator Europe DVD and add it to Mobile PC - GPS-20x version. The unlock code for the Europe DVD should work fine to unlock to the GPS-20x. But I have not tested this and I do not know anyone who has. That is why I recommend getting a guarantee from Garmin.

If you wish to understand Garmin's maps better I have written a three part explanation that I hope will help. It's in the Garmin nroute, Garmin Mobile PC FAQ. Just look near the bottom for the three links.

The difference between the NT (New Technology) maps and the non-NT version is just the compression method, as far as I know. The map data that is used would take much much more space than it does if it was not compressed.

...ken...

ok, one more question if i buy the version with GPS - can i use another GPS receiver?

No, the version with the Garmin GPS20x is locked to the 20x. If you want to use another GPS receiver, buy the software-only version.

Then when you go to Europe, buy the Mobile PC software-only Europe version assuming it is available. Its would be a cheap as buying the Europe map DVD anyway.

Terry

ok,
so the problem left is getting the US Version here in europe, couse i dont want to search for it when arriving in the US

Yes, and other reasons for buying it now (before your trip) would include:

1. Install it and make sure it works

2. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the software

Have a nice trip, dehein2