Mac GPS software

**Project07MACry** · 11-17-2009, 03:09 PM

As stated earlier, Garmin Mobile PC is a PC-based application that runs primarily in XP or Vista. To run it on a mac, you would need virtualization software, such as VMWare Fusion "fusion," Parallels Desktop, or (WARNING: cheap plug-in) the free and awesome VirtualBox. I use VB, and it's awesome...

As far as the eBay auctions, you can invest $$ into their current offerings; the PC application alone costs $65 on the Garmin website. Here, you get the software plus the receiver (in either bluetooth [10x] or USB [20x] format)...
There are two drawbacks though to doing that:
1) there is no guarantee you get the latest software. I bought the software by itself from Garmin, and it has been updated to 2010. From what I see on eBay, nothing of the sorts is being said...
2) Buying them separate could prove to be cheaper. I bought the GPS receiver (the GlobalStat USB to serial device) for $35 on eBay (lmao). Altogether, the cost was $100, $10-$25 less than buying the total package via some of these $115 eBay auctions. As far as the $45 auctions for, it just goes back to having updated software guaranteed from Garmin. Because with them, you may not pay now, but you pay later, and usually via the map updates...

Just something to think about...

BTW - the setup I'm using works great, and I'm in NYC...

**golfguy** · 11-17-2009, 03:25 PM

I too recommend VirtualBox. It has matured tremendously since the time when I bought Fusion. It was only in it's infancy when I was putting my carputer together and it was very buggy. Starting over today I would not buy Fusion or Parallels, I would use VB, as it is quite full function for a free virtual environment. Thanks to Sun for that good product for free.

**nastra622** · 11-17-2009, 03:29 PM

Thank you very much you cleared up alot for me. I am deff going to go with a nav setup soon and I will try the iguidance, if its free why not? I got a little confused when you were explaining the +/- of buying on ebay. To get it straight buying from the garmin website will be a little more in the begining but in the end will be less because they can update the maps as they change?
Thanks again.

**Project07MACry** · 11-17-2009, 03:40 PM

Sorry about that. Buying from Garmin, I received their 2010 update. Buying from eBay, that's not guaranteed. On top of that, you may have to pay additional cash for the 2010 map update. Just consider the cost of the software, the map update(s), and the GPS receiver when going that route. For me, it turned out to be cheaper buying the GPS receiver off eBay and Mobile PC from Garmin than buying any packaged deal...

But hey, if you get iGuidance (and the latest version) for free, I think your decision is quite clear!!

**golfguy** · 11-17-2009, 05:39 PM

I tried iGuidance, but it did not work very well in virtualization, and the company would not support its use that way. I sent it back to them for a refund and bought the Garmin software. I have had a better experience with it.

**nastra622** · 11-17-2009, 09:08 PM

I am sorry I did not mean to say i guidance, I meant to say Virtual Box. So my plan is to use VB and Mobile PC.

**Bugbyte** · 11-17-2009, 09:24 PM

That's how I do it. It works quite well.

**nastra622** · 11-17-2009, 09:36 PM

I understand what you said about getting the software from Garmin but is it worth more then double the price of ebay?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Garmin-Mobile-PC...#ht_5368wt_948
Is this old maps or something because I cant see paying 100 plus shipping when I can get it all for 45 shipped, yes I understand its refurbished.
Please correct me if i am wrong bc I am about to purchase.

**Bugbyte** · 11-17-2009, 09:47 PM

You're probably okay with that setup. It doesn't say what version maps you get, but I've rarely had trouble even with maps that are a little older. Sometimes, sure, but things change.

The software alone is $59 from the Garmin web site. That ebay deal is less and it comes with the receiver. Just remember that Garmin receivers are proprietary and won't work with other software.

**VmtSquad** · 11-17-2009, 11:16 PM

I will shortly post a quick and easy solution using AppleScript that will help NAVI integration. This will work with every MAC FrontEnd available and will be customizable for your needs

Sorry for the tease

stay tuned