GPS USB Dongle ???

Since I like some of the features of MS, I switch back and forth from BC to MS. I do have a old copy of MapSource 6.5. Can I run MS 6.5 and MS 6.15.6 at the same time or will I need to un-install MS 6.15.6 ?

You could install the different versions into different folders. I've done that before. You might have to move them manually and fix any shortcut(s). But yes you can have multiple MS versions installed.

Be careful though--any GDB files created in a later version might not open in an earlier one.

Another issue is that MapSource keeps (all) its settings, user preferences etc, in the Windows registry on a per user basis. Multiple versions will thus use the same settings which can cause issues. One could create another Windows account to get around that.

FYI I just installed MS 6.5 on a PC (in C:\Program Files\MapSource65). Just like nRoute it only supports older registry based maps and not the newer .gmap format. It does have the tracking feature (GPS tab) though.

PS: The .exe is timestamped 12/27/2004 17:42 so it's 9 years and 9 months old.

MapSource Version Information (historical)

There is also Mobile PC, which will use newer maps. It can be a bit difficult to setup...

Hopefully Garmin will decide to put out a newer PC based program especially with the surge in Windows tablets.

There is also Mobile PC, which will use newer maps.

It'd been discontinued.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-go/discontinued/garmin-mobile-pc/prod13484.html

The last update was in Feb 2010.

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=4049

LOL, and the laptop they have pictured looks like a Dell D600 which I have :)

BaseCamp 4.2.5 Win7

Is the a way to connect a USB GPS "dongle" (such as GlobalSat BU353S4) to my laptop and use the large screen on the laptop as a GPS? . . . . . . :confused:

I love my SP 2720 but I have a new "co-pilot" who want a larger screen like I can get with MS Street & Trips.

I use Streets & Trips on a laptop for my co-pilot who cannot read maps on the fly very well. It works out great. I recall missing an interstate interchange outside of San Antonio a few years ago and my wife told me in about 200 feet that I'd goofed. We weren't on the "green line" any more.

BTW just tried my 76CSx with MS 6.5 and the tracking feature works like a champ. MS 6.5 can record it's own track log.

It'd been discontinued.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-go/discontinued/garmin-mobile-pc/prod13484.html

I have a copy of MobilePC on an HP Slate tablet running Windows 7, rarely use it anymore. But I don't think you will find a copy available anywhere today. And even if you do you may have a problem because Garmin has shutdown the server that activates the program (which is required unless you purchased the version that was bundled with a GPS).

You can download nRoute here:

http://gawisp.com/perry/nroute/

I am running version 276 without problems on Windows 7. It looks a lot like Mapsource. Not very friendly to fingers on a tablet though. :) You would need to provide your own maps, of course.

-Boyd

Not sure why Garmin got out of the laptop GPS software market. Perhaps it wasn't making money due to other competitors (Microsoft, Delorme etc). Or perhaps it was affecting the nuvi market.

My first GPS system was a Delorme Tripmate connected to a laptop running Street Atlas USA. Even after buying a Garmin eTrex Legend (original) I sometimes connected it to a laptop running MapSource and later nRoute. Nowadays setting up a laptop system in my car is just too much hassle. All those cables etc. That said I can see how such a system would be nice in a RV (with one of those floor mounted laptop stands).

I don't know much about MobilePC but from what I've found with Google it looks at lot like a nuvi interface. You even load maps to it via MapSource just like a nuvi etc. Perhaps it was used as a prototype for nuvi development.