On 1 August 2015 at 12:35, Chris Green cl@isbd.net wrote:
On Fri, Jul 31, 2015 at 08:22:07PM +0100, James Freer wrote:
Just wondering what folk use. One can use the Garmin/Express updates on windows but I was thinking of a way in Linux.
I gather one can use a VM but then also have a windows version after Vista in order to do so. The only way I have found is to use maps from Openstreetmap.nl and copy to a mini SD card. Seems ok but not as good as Garmin/Express - is there a better way using linux.
The update problem is one reason I no longer use Garmin, or any dedicated satNav.
On a recent 2500 mile 'bike trip around France I used my Android phone with an app called Here! from Nokia, it's free, maps are free and it works off-line (i.e. without an internet connection which would cost money for data).
It was excellent, among other things route [re]calculations were *much* quicker than I've ever seen on a dedicated satNav.
I agree that the smart phone is a better choice. As I don't have a signal where i live so haven't bothered getting one. I didn't find routing as easy on google maps but allows you to inspect the route for bridges and possible problems which is necessary if one is a lorry driver. I certainly wouldn't pay £400osh for an HGV one. Mine is a basic Garmin which i use applying common sense, use a map for the general direction, staying on A roads and using detour to avoid tricky roads.
On another approach I loaded the free Open Maps maps for the USA onto our Garmin for my wife to use a year or so ago on a trip there (hired car) and they worked very well. You just load them onto an SD card and stick them in the Garmin (does need a slot on the satNav of course).
That's what I have done and works ok but I don't think the openstreetmap maps are as good as the garmin ones.
james