Laptop GPS World

I've asked that question as a follow-up to the Product Support response that I can't register Mobile PC. I'll let you know what response I get.

...ken...

Thanks guys. Since registering Garmin Mobile PC will not bring me a step closer to getting the activation code needed for the optional online service(s), I think I will not bother.

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Here's the latest update regarding the Online Services and Activation Key. Apparently the four services that appear on the Online Services screen are all that exist in North America and they are available as soon as Mobile PC itself is activated. So I've asked what the Activation Key reference means on the Subscription Status screen.

I've also asked what we do about qualifying for upgrade pricing on City Navigator when the next release comes out if we can't register Mobile PC (eg. City Navigator products only get registered when they are unlocked to a device. You cannot register them seperately/standalone. So they only show up in your MyGarmin account associated with the device they are unlocked to.) And I've asked how I would ever get an unlock code for a non-existant (unregistered) device if I ever want to buy a different Mapsource product for Mobile PC - software-only version.

...ken...

Ken, thanks for sharing that piece of info. I wonder if you are going to get an answer to your other question, or perhaps we will just need to wait a year, till next map version, to find the answer.

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Hi Marvin,

I can be pretty persistent when I want an answer. After being a tech support professional for many years I've learned how to ask the same question many different ways, until I finally find a way to ask it that the other person comprehends and is able to answer. Here's further clarification on the issue of the Subscription Services Activation Key:

So at this point it looks like it's just European customers of the software-only version who will have problems. If they want to sign up for, and activate, the Camera Service it looks like they're out of luck. Of course if the Camera Service, or some other non-free subscribable service, ever becomes available in North America we're out of luck, too. Since there's no such service available in North America I've dropped that subject for now.

I'm continuing to pursue the question of how will we be able to access upgrade pricing when the next release of City Navigator North America comes out and how will we be able to get unlock keys for any additional Mapsource products we want to purchase for Mobile PC software-only version.

...ken...

Okay, I got another answer from Garmin Product Support. It's slow going but at least the answers are coming. Here's the answer about upgrading the City Navigator North America maps when the next release comes out. I assume the same applies to versions in other regions of the world.

That's an interesting approach. My initial reaction was to protest but a couple of minutes of thought caused me to realize that it's correct ... it will be cheaper to just buy a new copy of Mobile PC.

On further consideration, it's the same model that Microsoft and DeLorme use for Streets&Trips and Street Atlas and nobody seems to mind.

Next question that awaits an answer is how to get an unlock code for Mobile PC if you want to buy maps for another country. Stay tuned.....

...ken...

That's not the answer I wanted to hear as it precludes MapSource of ever working with Mobile PC. GMPC needs some serious improvemnts if you want to use it beyond single day short trips.

I hope Garmin PNDs are not heading that way. I am told they work with MapSource right now.

Terry

Ken, you are a God send. Without you we would all be wondering about this the whole year, till the release of the next version of Garmin Mobile PC.

For the benefit of users all over the world I think I would prefer the software to be sold with no maps. A user in Singapore, Brazil, or in some other country, shouldn't have to buy the program with maps she doesn't need, and then to try to add map data for her own country. I don't understand why Garmin chose to do it this way. And yes, I understand that other programs have been doing it this way, too (Microsoft Streets and Trips, DeLorme Street Atlas, iNav iGuidance, ALK CoPilot, etc). I hoped Garmin would be unique in this respect. But to Garmin's credit, $59.95 is a good deal (so we have little to complain about ).

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Marvin Hlavac

Laptop GPS software reviews | Stores offering discounts to our members: Semsons & Co. Inc. and Deluo Electronics

Sounds like you need to send in a request to the Tech Support and/or Product Support team. I will, but not until I get my other outstanding questions all answered.

...ken...

This probably wont help you at all... I got the Mobile PC with 20x.. I registered using the SN on the 20x.. it then said I had just registered both the GPS and Mobile PC software..

Might help others with 20x though..as like you said..there is no place to enter just Mobile PC SN on their site.