Hi All,
MacNN reader Daryl Courtney writes: "I read a article about a
retailer who is trying to get GPS companies to support the Mac.The
retailer even offered to help, but the companies are saying not
enough interest, etc. The retailer has posted a GPS petition to try
to help show there is an interest."
<http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/131.1.12331854138312293663/macsignup.html>
As mac user and a GPS user I'd say this can't hurt to get in there
and put your name down (hmmm maybe not e-mail address as I have no
idea how they are going to store them even if they don't distribute
them)
Some random thoughts:
The main thing is when GPS hardware manufacturers release software to
integrate with their GPS's this is generally what the consumer buys
because instead of being purchased at computer shops this stuff
tends to be for sale at camping/boating/4wd shops. These places tend
not to have computer literate people selling the product and at some
places they have no idea about the software or how to use it (a
certain 4WD outfitters shop comes to mind)
The maps are fairly standardised and getting more so. But the
programs to read/display them and interface with the GPS interface
drivers are almost all PC only (a certain publisher of Australian
city road maps comes to mind)
Given the very function of GPS's laptops would be the predominant
type of full function PC they interface with (ignoring palmtops)
does Apple not have a higher market share in laptops than they do in
desktops?
There are commercial 3rd party software companies that write GPS
programs for Mac which range from freeware text based waypoint
download/ipload utilities through to mega $$ custom written
commercial freight road , sea and flight planning & management.
Most (all?) GPS's use serial interfaces and there are several sets of
"standards" for PC/GPS data transfer. I have had my Garmin plugged in
to a old serial port equipped mac and been able to extract waypoints
and trip stats in to a text file I don't have a serial to USB
converter to try it on current mac :( . I'm guessing as USB
interfaces start to replace serial (or in Rathalon's case Ethernet
replacing serial) mac interfacing will become (return) simpler for
the "plebs".
I would suggest everyone sign up for this petition and GPS is sorely
lacking for the Mac.
- Matt
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