Bluetooth GPS and Vista compatibility

Submitted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 12:19

ThreadID: 45570 Views:2396 Replies:2 FollowUps:7

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I want to use my new laptop as a navigation tool, using Oziexplorer, NATMAP digital maps and position input from a Bluetooth GPS receiver. However, the GPS retailer I contacted said that none of the Bluetooth GPS receivers he sells were compatible with Microsoft's Vista operating system which my Toshiba laptop uses. I'm confused! Surely as long as the Bluetooth in the GPS is compatible with the Bluetooth in the laptop (V2.0 + EDR) it should surely work. What's Vista got to do with it? Can anybody help?

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Reply By: Steve63 - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 12:45

Reply By: Gerhardp1 - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 15:15

Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 15:15

Try using Microsoft Virtual PC 2007.

Install this and you can then run XP inside Vista and overcome some issues with application incompatibility eg accounting programs, Mapping software.

I feel you'd have to be lucky for the bluetooth to work, but until you test it you won't know.

AnswerID: 240548

Follow Up By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 16:04

Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 16:04

and for the record I believe Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 is a free download too. You just need the licence for XP

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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 00:57

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 00:57

Easier to install Windows XP as the only Operating System if you need a licence for XP anyway.

Another alternative is a GPS Mouse.
Do you really need the advantage of Bluetooth for a Laptop which is usually inside a vehicle. The GPS mouse is cheaper and simly plugs into a USB port.

Bill

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Follow Up By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:11

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:11

simly is another word I invented for simply:-)

Goodnight!

Bill

I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

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My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

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Follow Up By: Gerhardp1 - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 08:25

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 08:25

Hi Sand Man, I agree it may be easier to install only XP, but the problem then would be finding XP drivers for the new Toshiba.

I haven't checked, but it's quite likely Toshiba will not release backwards drivers for their Vista only laptops.

I agree with the idea of using a USB GPS rather than bluetooth - it's less complex, which is always better.

FollowupID: 501624

Follow Up By: tanner - Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:01

Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:01

Thanks everybody. I read elsewhere that Microsft Virtual PC will not work with the Home versions of Vista - and of course my Toshiba came with Vista Home Premium!

However, I sense the solution lies with the GPS mouse you suggested. You're right, the KISS principle certainly is appropriate in my case!

Off I go for a mouse .............. Cheers

FollowupID: 501631