GPS tracks on a Mac
Submitted: Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 17:41
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timglobal
Hi everyone (original timglobal, please note)
I use a Magellan Meridian (Orginal Yellow with 32MB SD in it) handheld. Does anyone know of suitable software for up/downloading maps and routes onto it from a Mac?
I can get over the serial cable issue with a serial to usb adaptor.
My only current options are: Virtual PC and run Ozi Eplorer, the included MapSend or similar PC Application, but this is not ideal (as it's an extra expense without certain result).
Buy a cheapo second-hand PC laptop and use it as dedicated machine - could be good to prevent outdoor wear-and-tear on main Mac.(again pricey)
Moving map software would be a bonus too, if it took the digital maps available for Australia.
I don't want debate over the merits of PC vs Mac, just any ideas or tips from those that have tried and hopefully succeeded. Thoughts on mapping software for either machine are welcome.
Kind regards,
Tim
Reply By: Lone Wolf - Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 18:15
Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 18:15
Tim.........
I went thru the same thing the other day.
I had a look on Google, and found mapping software for the mac, but can't remember if it was Magellan, or something else.
I am not a keen fan on Vitual PC, which is why I didn't but the CD edition of Ozi Explorer.
I think you would be better off buying a dedicated PC Laptop which is compatible, which allows you more options for software, as
well as general connectivity.
Leave the iBook / Powerbook at
home, and find something more bullet proof.
Wolfie
AnswerID:
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Reply By: drivesafe - Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 20:48
Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 20:48
Hi timglobal, I don’t know the program you are trying to use but you can get a good start if you want to go looking for it by going to the Apple site and look under the Made4Mac section.
If it is out there you are bound to get a link to it here.
Cheers
AnswerID:
93452
Reply By: V8Diesel - Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 23:52
Sunday, Jan 16, 2005 at 23:52
Wolfies right. Virtual PC is a waste of time (literally).
I spent months trying to get my new, expensive Mac G4 Powerbook to work with just about anything useful - it was a total waste of time and obsene amounts of $'s later, I just bit the bullet and bought a PC laptop. Best move I ever made for both my business and sanity.
I can now readily use the following software which is either impossible or impractical to run on a Mac.
1. Natmap Raster Viewer1:250,000
2. OziExplorer
3. UBD Street Directory on disk
4. Magellan Map 330 (efficiently)
5. MapSend software (GPS / street directory interface)
6. Australia-wide phone book on disk
7. Kazaa-Lite
8. A fast, problem-free version of the ATO's E-Record GST software
9. Use the DLI Land online satellite imagery (a 100% extraordinarily useful service )
10. Can actually get useful tech backup from Telstra and Nokia.
All this is not possible on a Mac running OSX. No ifs, no buts or maybes - it will NOT happen. There are ways to 'kinda' get around it, but they're all rubbish.
For the record, I work in a totally Mac dominated industry and so does the missus. I've had 5 Mac's myself and my wife has no less than 10 in her office. She has a new top of the line G5 which she uses every day, all day, so I think I can fairly say I speak without bias and from experience. I also have no connection whatsoever with the computer or IT industries.
Got a bit worked up there but geez that f&%@#*ng Mac frustrated me. Get a PC, you wont regret it (unless you want to professionally edit video).
AnswerID:
93497
Follow Up By: Bob of KAOS - Monday, Jan 17, 2005 at 21:36
Monday, Jan 17, 2005 at 21:36
V8 Diesel
I bought a PC laptop purely to run OziExplorer. Yes it works OK but it has had its problems. Updating from Win ME to Win 2000 was a major drama that needed all the Toshiba drivers to be reinstalled. I had to get Win 2000 as iTunes won't run on anything less. Nor would GPS
Gate which allows two mapping programmes to run simultaneously on the one GPS.
Yes there are a couple of programmes that won't run on the Mac, but that is hardly the fault of the Mac.
Having used both platforms extensively I reckon using the Mac is like driving a BMW compared to a Trabant. Other than a few specialised programmes the Mac does everything the wintel does, at least, and better.
Wireless networking with the airport extreme is a breeze. Any sort of networking with a PC is a black art. I had seven networked PCs in my office and spent most of my time maintaining the network or worrying about/removing viruses.
At
home the network just works. Even the stereo is connected via an airport express unit and anyone can direct music from their computer to the stereo from anywhere on the property. No doubt Gates will attempt to catch up in a few years.
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