Garmin and Macs

[Gaulois]

A few months ago Garmin announced that they were going to release all their software in a Mac compatible version. Since then there's been absolute silence. Does any one know if Garmin are still intending to do this in the foreseeable future or do I have to buy in Intel based mac to run Windoze and Mapsource etc?

 

[Sugarcube]

I would say that the Apple announcement will have put a stop to many companies doing anything that is Mac compatible. For some companies it will make financial sense. We are only 4-5% of the market; that's a lot of effort to go to for such a small market size.

We will find out in early August what tricks the new OS being launched this year will do. Rumours are that switching between Windows and Mac OS systems will be simple. At the moment, you have to boot it up each time you want to use a different one.

 

[evil_yoda]

While your waiting to find out what Garmin will do, you could try one of the virtual PC style apps, like http://www.lismoresystems.com/en/

I tried one a while ago before I got my Intel Mac and it seemed to work ok with mapsource. Not too fast, but OK for transferring maps and routes etc.

 

[PanEuropean]

I expect that Garmin will follow through with their commitment to make MapSource (or equivalent) available for the Mac OS. However - MapSource is a huge and very complex application. We as motorists only use about 10% of the capability of the program. For that reason, it's not going to be a quick or easy task to do it, and the new application will require extensive internal testing before a public beta is released.

Michael

 

[walti]

Pan European....

Where abouts are you next weekemd?

I'm going (coming?) to Switzerland on Wednesday....

PM me a phone number if you fancy a drink...

 

[PanEuropean]

Hi Walti:

I might still be here (in Zurich) on Wednesday, but I don't think I will still be here next weekend. I am trying to get all my work finished and head out on the road, for a moto trip to Ukraine and Romania.

I live at the Hilton in Zurich (near the airport) - when you arrive in town, just ask them if I am in the house or not. If I get delayed and will be here next weekend, I'll send you a PM with my phone number.

Michael