Filed under: Peripherals, Software
Garmin improves Mac support for GPS, releases a Bobcat
Mac users have long complained about leading GPS-maker Garmin's support for the fairer platform. Fortunately, Garmin has finally stepped up to the plate at Macworld this year with several announcements for the Mac. Perhaps most interesting is Bobcat, which "allows you to transfer waypoints, tracks, and routes between your Mac and Garmin device and manage your data using your Garmin maps." In addition, Garmin announced that all new maps for 2008 will be released in a native Mac format. Older PC-formatted maps can be converted and installed with MapInstall, which was released last year. Finally, the central Mac support page also lists Mac compatibility for the Garmin Connect web service coming later this year (as early as March for some models).
Both Bobcat and MapInstall are available for download now. It's good to see Garmin finally getting its Mac house in order.
Thanks Jason!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Evan Holt said 8:51AM on 1-17-2008
Knowing very little about Garmin GPSes, does anyone have any suggestions for a new buyer? I would like to use it for camping and pin-pointing location co-ordinates. I see most of the models still use serial, but are there any decent entry-level ones that anyone would suggest?
Thanks in advance!
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Steve said 9:21AM on 1-17-2008
Evan
The GPSMAP 60CSX is a great GPS, I use it for navigation in my truck as well as hiking and dirtbiking and geocaching. It is a little pricey, but has a very good accuracy as well as routing capabilities... definitely worth the money!
on another note Routebuddy has been updated to v2.0 for Macworld!! check it out at www.routebuddy.com
johnnygps said 9:00AM on 1-17-2008
Downloaded yesterday worked and looks great. After about an hour it crashed. I Unloaded it and reinstalled it. Worked for about 5 minutes and crashed again.... will not work at all now! Needs more work but what a great start!
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theboyk. said 9:44AM on 1-17-2008
First off, for anyone looking for advice on buying a GPS, especially if you're a Mac user, as a long time user of both Garmin and Macs, DO NOT BUY A GARMIN GPS! For the last two years they've been roping in Mac users with the promise of their software and hardware being Mac-compatible. Two years later, until yesterday, we were STILL waiting (well, they released a couple useless Mac betas [POI loader, Web updater - neither of which worked]) even though they set their target for Mac-compatibility to the end of 2006. I highly suggest looking elsewhere for you GPS needs. TomTom have some really nice units and some really nice Mac-based software for using them.
That being said, let's talk about Bobcat. For those who don't know anything about Garmin GPS systems, to utilize your GPS and your maps, you need to use the Garmin software "MapSource". Unfortunately, MapSource is a PC-only application. For years I had to use GuestPC (as Virtual PC didn't support the Garmin devices because of bad USB drivers) to use this software on PPC-based Macs. It was very slow, you could only use older versions of it, but it worked enough to at least be able to use the GPS.
Then along came Intel-based Macs. Things got better because you could run Parallels (or other VM software), but even then it was "unsupported" by Garmin and very prone to crashing and general instabilities (which I personally feel is just the way their software is having seen the same things happen on native Windows PCs).
So I, along with many Mac users have been waiting and waiting for Mac support! Again, in very early 2006 Garmin announced Mac support was coming and MapSource would be Mac-ready by end of the year. The end of 2006 came and went. Nothing. 2007 came and went. Nothing. Finally, early 2008, two years later, Garmin post on their blog about "Bobcat" coming, but no solid information.
Well, "Bobcat" has now come...and gone. Anyone familiar with Garmin/MapSource and finally being able to run it on a Mac must be very disappointed in what "Bobcat" was. I know I was/am. It's one little tiny piece of what MapSource is. Basically, it allows you to mark waypoints, view/store tracks & routes (and possibly make routes?). You can't transfer maps from within the program (to transfer maps on the Mac, you have to go through a very unstable 2+ hour process to convert your PC maps to Mac maps, then use other programs to load them onto your GPS). Anyone who's used MapSource must know how frustrating this would be because you want to be able to use the same program you manage your watpoints, tracks, routes, etc. to manage your maps (as you want to select your maps based on your waypoints, tracks, routes, etc.). Having to go through numerous different applications just doesn't work. Why Garmin decided to go in this direction, I have no idea? And why, after so long in development, "Bobcat" (which again, is only a fraction of what MapSource is) comes out, and comes out in a very unstable (and pretty much unusable) beta, well, it's a complete let down. In my opinion, there's absolutely no point in using this software on a Mac if you have access to the PC applications (whether that be a "true" windows Machine, or a VM machines - either way, you're better off than running this Mac software). The only people I can see benefiting from this Mac release are people with Macs that can't run any sort of Windows. And even then, it's still kinda useless because you can't use your maps as you NEED a PC to convert them for use on the Mac (why Garmin couldn't just write the Mac software to read the PC maps, I have no idea).
Anyway, long story short, don't waste your money on a Garmin GPS if you're a Mac user (or, in my opinion, a PC user). Garmin make some nice systems, but their software is terrible (and their maps are overpriced, but that's another story). If you're looking for a GPS system, as a long time Garmin user, I suggest looking at other makers. Garmin has become the Quark of the GPS industry. Like Quark, they had a stronghold on the industry, then others joined in the game and blew them away. As someone recently posted on another blog, for a GPS maker, Garmin is LOST.
Regards,
k.
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Ryan said 9:59AM on 1-17-2008
You seem knowledgeable on the subject, so what GPS manufactures would you recommend for the Mac user?
andrew said 11:33AM on 1-17-2008
i think your comments about garmin and macs are irrelevant.
garmin makes great gps units. period. when you're in your car, you are using the garmin system. you are not juggling your mac and garmin at the same time.
garmin uses navteq maps, which are generally regarded as having superior mapping/routing technology in the United States
TomTom uses Teleatlas maps, which are generally regarded as being better in Europe.
for more info, do research at gpsmagazine.com and gpspassion.com. they have done comparisons of the various gps and planning various short and long distance trips, and the garmin system had the most efficient directions/shortest routes
while their mac support may not be the best, that is HARDLY any reason to steer away from garmin.
Garmin also uses the same mapping technology as google maps, if it is good enough for the iphone, surely it is good enough for you
based on merits alone and not mac compatibility, i would go for the garmin. (i've also owned a tomtom in the past, but currently use a garmin)
theboyk. said 10:04AM on 1-17-2008
Ryan,
Well, the GPS market is still very PC-based, but TomTom were the first to really support the Mac and they have some decent software out for the Mac. I'm looking for a new GPS myself (was waiting to see what "Bobcat" was first) and I'm definitely going with a TomTom. I spent a lot of $ on Garmin units and maps over the years, but after getting jerked around the last two years, and with this terribly disappointing release, it's time to bite the bullet and go with a different maker.
k.
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Jeff said 11:00AM on 1-17-2008
Does anyone use the waterproof GPS models? The Garmin Foretrex 201 is widely used by windsurfers, but I've held off purchase due to the lousy Garmin software.
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Tim said 11:35AM on 1-17-2008
Garmin has terrible support for Mac users.
I have owned a GPSMap 76CS for a few years, and I love it. I really like the software for Windows too.
But Garmin's support for Mac users and their software for the Mac has been terrible for years now, and if I were to buy a standalone GPS unit for the Mac it wouldn't be a Garmin.
They're slow on the draw when it comes to Mac software and updates as well. They announced that software would soon be coming for the Mac, and about a year later some small apps trickled in.
I have two Garmin units. The GPSMap 76CS and a Forerunner 201. I still can't get the Forerunner to work in OS X - desite having the recommended serial adapter and latest software. Garmin tech support can't help with it either. I have to use the unit on a Windows machine. I can use the other unit as a reciever only - I have to use Route Buddy or some other program to do anything with it that is Mac related.
I love Garmin GPSes, but their Mac support and software stinks.
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wififun said 11:54AM on 1-17-2008
Over the years I have had a number of GPS units. From Magellan, Garmin, and TomTom. From stand-alone units to PDA based units. I have also always been a mac user, so dealing with maps and waypoints has been nothing but a pain in the arse. I fully agree with theboyk's comments above. Garmin has made some great units, and still does. I will continue to use their waterproof unit for sea kayaking, but for all my road needs I use TomTom. Yes, the map data may not be as good, but so what. If you have one of TomTom's linux based units (One, Rider etc) you can add POI, Voices, and Itineraries (routes) just by mounting the SD card or plugging the TomTom into your mac and drag and dropping the files to the correct folders. The best feature of all is using Google Maps and there new drag-routing features to plan a route. There are a number of tools for taking a GoogleMaps directions URL and converting it to an .itn (TomTom itinerary file). Drop this file in the itineraries folder and you are off. TomTom has even announced a partnership with Google that will soon make this even easier as it will be integrated with the TomTom Home software. I was at MacWorld in 2006 and talked to the Garmin guys. I, like many others, was very excited to see them there. Two years later and this is what they come up with. No thank you. I will stick to GoogleMaps and my TomTom's thank you very much.
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wayne said 12:41PM on 1-17-2008
I purchased a Magellan - then after a few weeks returned it and went with a Garmin.
I love my Garmin. I have used it all over Texas, Chicago, in NY city, Atlanta and many off the wall places.
When deciding on a GPS the main factor was how many Points of Interest were in the unit. I went to local stored and tested various units to see if they had the locations I needed. They will all work with addresses and some software to input locations manually, but I don't want to plug my laptop into the unit every time I need to find something new.
I found the only the Garmin had all of the locations that I regularly need to find (Home Depot, Starbucks, etc...)
Does it work with my Mac? I have been using Parallels since it was in original beta and have had no problems connecting my Garmin over USB.
I can tell you that Garmin Tech support is great. I contacted them when the window attachment melted to the window in my truck - (hot Texas summer) They immediately sent me a new attachment (no cost). I contacted them when I broke the car charger (the sent me a new one - no cost).
I don't want to sit at my laptop to put in new locations - I want to type them in the interface. The interface it great. My wife sticks the unit in her car often and loves it too.
I take it when I travel, get off the plane and go to my destination. (I have also used it in a plane to silence a brat behind me. Hey kid - watch the map this is "When we will get there...")
I lasts over 6 hours on battery and is small enough to fit in my pocket. I love my Garmin Nuvi 350. Now I want the newer model with Bluetooth. (although it is bigger and won't fit in my pocket)
It has an MP3 player and picture viewer - but I have an iphone for that.
~w
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henrrrik said 1:54PM on 1-17-2008
My Garmin Forerunner 305 works very well with my Mac and Garmin Training Center. I used to own a Polar (HRM, not a GPS), but they ignore Mac users completely.
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Evan Holt said 2:17PM on 1-17-2008
I appreciate everyone's comments and taking the time to post such thorough accounts. Keep them coming.
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HS said 2:48PM on 1-17-2008
Garmin is putting out some great products. I have a Nuvi 370 for the car and touring around, a GPSMAP 60CSx which I use for work and outdoor navigation, a Forerunner 305 for running and training and an Edge 305 on my bike. Garmin has released some new interesting products, especially for bicycles and running, and has shown some great innovation in trying to link things through their ANT technology (e.g. heart rate monitors, power meters, etc.). What they do not do well is software for the Mac.
For all fitness related needs, I use Ascent, which is an awesome program and uses google data for its maps. Training Centre is a complete waste of time and effort and looks sick in comparison. The one caveat I would put in though, especially for the new Edge units, is that Ascent doesn't allow route planning, and I am not sure if Training Centre will either.
For the other units, I have had to use Mac GPS Pro, Load My Tracks, GPS PhotoLinker, and GPSyX to use the data on my GPS and plan routes. The one missing piece was still having to get any new maps onto the machines via MapSource and Parallels.
I will have to check out this new BobCat, but the market is ripe for someone to figure out how to load Garmins with non-proprietary mapping data, all from a single programme.
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Cycomachead said 6:18PM on 1-17-2008
This is cool news. I'm surprised I'm not forking out the upgrade price for cityselect! - though I may need to later as this appears not to be the fullest solution.
Maybe my GPS will get some more use.
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matt said 10:32PM on 1-19-2008
Garmin Nuvi 350 hands down. I keep mine in the car or in my pocket. I don't have a big crushing desire or need to hook my unit up to my mac so I could really care less what Garmin's support level is. Regardless I always have some old pc laying around that can take care of any needs I would have.
Having played with Magellen, TomTom and Garmin I think the Garmin units are simply no contest the best units out there.
I have an in dash nav system in my second car that is manufactured by Kenwood and it is a joke compared to the Nuvi. If I'm on a long trip and want assurances I'll get to the right location at the right time I always bring Nuvi along.
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mrankin said 9:36AM on 1-22-2008
I am using a Garmin Etrex Legend. It always worked fine for me on my pc. I have since purchased a Mac and have gotten two different Serial/USB adapters, but the Mac will not see my GPS. All I want to do is bring the tracks out of the GPS in some standard format or text file so that I can convert the data into a KML, but I cannot get any data out of my GPS. I'm about to give up on the whole process and go back to my slower than geologic speed PC. At least I could get that to work. If anyone has any ideas about what I'm doing wrong I would greatly appreciate any help because the frustration level is getting very high.
Thanks!
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DP Gardner said 10:33PM on 2-08-2008
For the etrex legend I would recommend trying out the link2gps shareware program from hiketech.com. It will recognize my etrex lengend when connected via a USB/serial adapter. I can create routs with GPS coordinates I either get from books or obtain from Google Earth.
I was hoping that Bobcat would recognize my etrex legend but so far no luck.
Jason said 11:43PM on 2-04-2008
Garmin has been working for some time to add the Mac support. I am a mac user and Garmin user. Bobcat is not a final resolution but it is a very good start. The Bobcat program is free and it is better looking then the Trip and Waypoint manager for the PC. They also have Mac supported map loaders and software updates. Keep in mind what it takes for a company to add support for an entire operating system. Not only do they have to buy and add the equipment, they also have to train and hire employees to support it. Also the software engineers to code the programs. The fact that they would spend the time and effort to release this product, even in beta form, shows a dedication to their Mac owning customers.
With that being said the Garmin customer service is way better then the support I have received from any other company. This includes Magellan, Tom-Tom, Furuno etc. They are based in The USA and the majority really now what they are talking about.
The equipment is very advanced and works very well as designed.
I am a major Garmin fan and as a customer I appreciate when a company pays attention to its customer base.
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