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Marvin Hlavac

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

Are these of any use to us?


National Geographic TOPO

http://www.mapnow.com/ Looks good for trails but I can't find any info on them using gps live mapping, not print or downloads?

rodolo, here's a bit more info on that topic here: National Geographic TOPO

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Marvin Hlavac

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

Hi I'm a newbie and have been looking at the Garmin OEM GPS 18 Deluxe with USB connection for my Acer Aspire one. I didn't see a review of this unit in the Garmin reviews. The unit (Garmin) with software is available for $69.95 CND. Is this a decent unit and is it a better purchase if you want maps other than NA ie Austriala, NZ than something like the Garmin 20x?
Robert

Hi Robert,

We need a little more information to give a good answer. What "software" does the bundle you are considering come with? That makes a difference in determining whether it's a good buy or not.

Something to be aware of.... The GPS 18 USB only provides the locator data stream in Garmin's proprietary data format. It does not have the capability to output the standard NMEA format that all non-Garmin software programs expect to see. That limits you to only Garmin maps and navigation software, unless you want to spend a little more money and get a program called GPSGate that translates a Garmin data stream into NMEA format.

If you want to use Garmin navigation software, like nroute and Mobile PC, and only Garmin-compatible maps that's a non-issue.

Let us know what software is bundled with the one you are thinking about, and more importantly, let us know what you want to use it for, and I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions on it.

...ken...

Thanks Ken for the reply.
This is directly from the data on the Web site for the package:
"The GPS 18 package also includes City Navigator North America map data with detailed maps of the United States and select cities in Canada. This data is fully unlocked, and map detail includes highways, interstates, business and residential roads, with turn restrictions, speed categories, and other navigation features. It also features more than five million points of interest including restaurants, lodging, attractions, shopping, emergency services, post offices, and more."
I'd like to use the unit in AU and NZ so I would need those maps. I've seen some links to MapSource maps of AU and NZ. Also from the web site quoted above:
"USB DRIVERS FOR GARMIN SOFTWARE: To use the Garmin GPS 18 with Garmin MapSource Software, you require the Garmin USB driver. You can download it from the Garmin Updates and Downloads Page."
Does this mean I could use those types of maps?

The package would include the necessary USB drivers. You would not need to download them seperately. Also Garmin Spanner, a free download provides standard NMEA output from the GPS 18 USB (also the GPS 20x) as long as you are using Windows XP.

I think the GPS18 is older technology than the 20x but it is a much more robust unit and would survive outdoors. The GPS18 is more suitable for a permanent mount.

Terry

Thanks both Ken and Terry: I will go ahead and get this unit and let you know how it turns out.
Robert

Hi Rab,
The package that you ask question included Garmin nRoute software.

Hi Robert,

As has already been mentioned, yes, you will be able to use that receiver with any Garmin maps.

But that begs the question of what you want to do with those maps. Do you simply want to be able to look at them and do trip planning with them? Or do you also want to be able to do realtime navigation in your vehicle?

The City Navigator North America maps will come with a program called Mapsource that you use to view those maps. It lets you plot routes and figures out the quickest way to drive from one place to another. It also lets you search for addresses, intersections, cities and points of interest (POIs) like restaurants, gas stations, etc. There are a bunch of other things you can do with it. But it doesn't provide realtime navigation functions. You will be able to go under the help menu in Mapsource, have it check for updates and get the latest version.

If, as Fluor said, it also comes with nroute, that's a navigation program. It has an interface that works just like Mapsource and it uses any maps that are installed in Mapsource. It has all the navigation features you would expect from a modern navigation program. The only thing you will find with both Mapsource and especially nroute is that the interface is a little older style. They work really well and are quite rich with features. They just aren't as pretty as some of the newer programs.

If you want the very latest navigation hardware and software technology from Garmin, you could consider getting the Mobile PC GPS10x bundle. The Mobile PC program is just like turning your laptop into a Nuvi. The GPS10x is an excellent Bluetooth GPS receiver that acquires a satellite lock quickly and holds it in difficult conditions. Just something to think about.

...ken...

Ken has a valid point. I am also a big proponent of the Garmin Bluetooth GPS 10x and believe it is a great combination with Mobile PC.

The advantages of the package are:
More sensitive SirfStar III GPS technology.
Untethered receiver gives flexibilty of placement.
Touch screen friendly buttons.
Latest Garmin maps
Ease of use.
Speaks street names.

Disadvantages:
More expensive.
Requires Bluetooth equipped laptop or USB Bluetooth dongle.

I have used the GPS18 and the original Bluetooth GPS10 (the forerunner of the 10x). Both use an older GPS receiver technology and are equipped with a magnetic mount. I used to put the GPS 10 on the hood or roof of my truck. The GPS 10x is just as good - if not better - on the dash. I also note the GPS18 is discontinued and replaced by the GPS18x.

I am also suspicious of which version of maps come with the package you are considering. Garmin CNNA maps are never unlocked so this might be a set locked to the GPS18. That would probably indicate they are older than the current version (CNNA 2009)

I have included a basic screenshot of nRoute and Mobile PC.

Terry

Attached Images

	HP-nRoute.jpg (55.6 KB, 5 views)
	HP-GMPC.jpg (198.4 KB, 5 views)

Hi Terry,

I was thinking the same thing about the description of the maps in that package, but then it occured to me that he doesn't care about North America anyway. He wants to use it in New Zealand and Australia. So the price and the rest of the package (decent GPS receiver, some sort of nav software and map manager/trip planner) are what matters in this decision. And the availability of good quality, compatible maps for his area, of course.

...ken...

I originally listed one of the disadvantages of Mobile PC as it may not be available in the country you are in. However, Robert quoted the price of the product he is considering in Canadian dollars. So I didn't know where he really was.

Where are you, Robert?

Terry

Oops, you could be right. I went back and reread his posts and now I'm not sure if he wants to use it in North America as well as NZ/Australia.

Clearly, if he wants to use it in North America he'll need to be aware of what vintage data he might be getting with that package. I felt the same as you that it's likely going to be pretty old.

On the positive side, Garmin is one of the few suppliers where he can get the other maps he needs.

...ken...