Burpster:
Here's a quick primer that will (hopefully) let you know exactly what you need to have a computer for, so far as a GPSR is concerned.
1) Loading Maps. If you buy an older GPSR that does not come pre-loaded with maps for all of Europe, then you need to transfer the map segments that cover the area you want to ride into the data chip (or internal memory) of the GPSR. In theory, if you don't plan to venture too far away from home (e.g. no trips to Gibraltar), you could have a friend with a Windows machine do this for you once, and then you would not have to worry about it again.
2) Transferring Waypoints, Routes from the computer to the GPSR. You can create all the routes and waypoints you want on the GPSR - you don't need a computer for that - but, if you want to use the capabilities of MapSource to create routes on the computer and then transfer these routes to your GPSR, well, you need a computer for that.
3) Transferring Tracks from the GPSR to the computer. If you want to archive records of your travels, you can transfer your tracks (breadcrumb trails) from the GPSR to a computer, and store those tracks on the computer.
If I was in your position - a Mac user who does not have a Windows box handy - I would focus on purchasing a slightly newer GPSR that comes with all the maps preloaded (e.g. a 2620, or 27xx series), as that would pretty much eliminate the need to have a computer at all. When Garmin does release MapSource for the Mac, you'll get a bonus that will enable you to perform functions 2 and 3 above.
I don't recommend trying to run MapSource under emulation on a Mac. MapSource is a very complex GIS (Geographic Information System) that has all kinds of handles in it for USB connections, writing files in Windows format on the GPSR, etc., and I think it would be pure hell to get it working 100% troublefreee under emulation.
It's interesting to note that until the release of the 2620 - that being the first automotive GPSR that came with all the maps preloaded - owning and knowing how to use a computer was a prerequisite to purchasing a GPSR. Once Garmin started selling GPSRs that had all the maps preloaded in them - devices that anyone could just take out of the box, flop on the dashboard, and start using - consumer GPSR sales really took off, because all the folks who either did not have a computer or did not have the skills to futz around transferring map segments could now buy and use a GPSR without aggravation.
Michael
