From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Assisted GPS, generally abbreviated as A-GPS, is a carrier network dependent system which can, under certain conditions, improve the startup performance of a GPS satellite-based positioning system. It is used extensively with GPS-capable cellular phones as its development was accelerated by the U.S. FCC's 911 mandate making the location of a cell phone available to emergency call dispatchers.[1]
Conventional or "Standalone GPS" operation uses radio signals from satellites. In very poor signal conditions, for example in a city these signals may suffer multipath where signals bounce confusingly off buildings, or be weakened by passing through walls or tree cover. When first turned on in these conditions, some non-assisted GPS navigation device may not be able to work out a position due to the fragmentary signal, rendering them unable to function until a clear signal can be received continuously for up to 40 seconds. (the time needed to download the GPS ephemeris.) Some newer receivers are better at handling these situations.
An A-GPS system can address these problems in several ways, using an assistance server or other data from a network.
Assistance falls into two categories:
Using information known to the assistance server but not the phone.
It can supply orbital data and/or almanac for the GPS satellites to the cell phone, enabling the cell phone to lock to the satellites faster in some cases.
The network can provide atomic time (Accurate Time Assistance)
The device capturing a snapshot of the GPS signal, with approximate time, for the server to later process into a position.[2]
Accurate, surveyed coordinates for the cell site towers allow better knowledge of local ionospheric conditions and other errors affecting the GPS signal than the cell phone alone, enabling more precise calculation of position. (See also Wide Area Augmentation System)
Calculation of position by the server using information from the phone.
The assistance server has a good satellite signal, and plentiful computation power, so it can compare fragmentary signals relayed to it by cell phones, with the satellite signal it receives directly, and then inform the cell phone or emergency services of the cell phone's position.
As an additional benefit, in certain types of A-GPS, both the amount of CPU and programming required for a GPS phone is reduced by offloading most of the work onto the assistance server. (This is not a large amount for a basic GPS – many early GPSs utilized Intel 80386-class 16 MHz CPUs or similar hardware.)
A typical A-GPS-enabled cell phone will use a data connection (internet, or other) to contact the assistance server for A-GPS information. If it also has functioning autonomous or standalone GPS, it may use standard GPS, which is sometimes slower on Time To First Fix, but does not lead to network dependent downsides, such as failure to work outside of network range, or charges for data traffic.[3] Some A-GPS solutions do not have the option of falling back to standalone or autonomous GPS.
High Sensitivity GPS is an allied technology that addresses some of the same issues in a way that does not require additional infrastructure. However, unlike some forms of A-GPS, high sensitivity GPS cannot provide instant fixes when the phone has been off for some time.
Drawbacks
Some A-GPS devices lack standalone GPS capability. They may not function at all unless the device has an active subscription to a network, and is in range of that network. Others offer additional Local Positioning Systems and use whatever ones are available at the moment. Conventional GPS receivers are only limited in the opposite sense, offering service whenever good GPS signals are available.
Some A-GPS solutions inherently give the users position very accurately to the assistance server. However, for mobile phones, the privacy concern this represents is somewhat diluted by the fact that the network already knows the position of the phone to within several hundred meters or better.
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
HOW GPS WORKS
Brief history
1960: The first ever navigational system – Transit – is launched by the US Navy, and used to accurately locate ballistic missile submarines and ships.
1967: The US Air Force develops the Timation satellite which proved the ability to place accurate clocks in space, a technology that GPS relies upon intensively.
1973: US Navy and Air Force combine their respective navigation systems in an effort to develop a Defence Navigation Satellite System which would later become NAVSTAR GPS.
1978: The first of the experimental GPS Block I satellites is launched (which comprised 10 satellites, the last of which was launched in 1985).
1983: A Korean civilian airliner is shot down by Russian fighters after accidentally intruding into Soviet air space. US president Ronald Reagan subsequently declassified the NAVSTAR GPS system to prevent any such tragedy from happening again, thereby making GPS available to civilians.
1989: The first of the GPS Block II modern satellites is launched.
1990: NAVSTAR GPS becomes operational.
1991: The first Gulf War begins. Although not fully operational at the time, GPS allows the American military to prove the usefulness of the system by obtaining accurate coordinates in the featureless Iraqi desert.
1994: The last of the Block IIA satellites is launched, completing the constellation of 24 GPS satellites.
1995: The Block II NAVSTAR GPS constellation is declared to be fully operational.
2005: The first modernised GPS satellite is launched and begins transmitting a second civilian signal for enhanced user performance. Six more of these are launched between 2005 and 2008, bringing the total number of GPS satellites in orbit to 31.Brief history
For more on GPS please click here:
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/8/24/lifefocus/3896794&sec=lifefocus
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/8/24/lifefocus/3896774&sec=lifefocus
http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2009/8/24/lifefocus/4133569&sec=lifefocus
Garmin and Asus
Garmin and Asus show the way
By TAN KIT HOONG
GPS giant Garmin and hardware maker Asus have teamed up to make a couple of new smartphones under the Nuvifone name.
Nuvifone M20
These so-called “location-centric” mobile phones, the G60 and M20, support HSDPA and come with 4GB of internal storage, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth and 3-megapixel digital cameras with autofocus.
However, that’s where the similarities between the two phones end — the Nuvifone G60 has a 3.5in touchscreen and runs on the Linux operating system, while the Nuvifone M20 features a 2.8in touchscreen and runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional.
Of course the big feature on both Nuvifone models is that they have built-in A-GPS and more importantly, come with Garmin’s popular and user-friendly GPS software.
The Garmin GPS software has a number of new location-based features which Asus claims is unique in smartphones with built-in GPS.
For one thing, the GPS in both phones are meant to be always-on (although it can be turned off) and offer location-based services which are customised depending on your GPS coordinates.
For example, the Nuvifone can give you live currency and weather information based on your current location, as well as remember where you’ve parked (although not in underground car parks where the GPS is unable to get a lock).
Nuvifone G60
Additonally, the 3-megapixel camera on the G60 and M20 supports geotagging and will insert location information into the photo’s JPEG information so that it can be used in applications such as Google Maps and Apple’s iPhoto.
Overall, the emphasis for both phones is slightly different — while the G60 has a more GPS-centric slant with basic phone functions, the M20 has more robust phone features as well as Microsoft Exchange push e-mail support and Office Mobile applications.
The Nuvifone G60 costs RM1,799 and is available now, while the Nuvifone M20 is slated to appear early next month for RM2,099.
++++
http://www.garminasus.com/
By TAN KIT HOONG
GPS giant Garmin and hardware maker Asus have teamed up to make a couple of new smartphones under the Nuvifone name.
Nuvifone M20These so-called “location-centric” mobile phones, the G60 and M20, support HSDPA and come with 4GB of internal storage, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth and 3-megapixel digital cameras with autofocus.
However, that’s where the similarities between the two phones end — the Nuvifone G60 has a 3.5in touchscreen and runs on the Linux operating system, while the Nuvifone M20 features a 2.8in touchscreen and runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional.
Of course the big feature on both Nuvifone models is that they have built-in A-GPS and more importantly, come with Garmin’s popular and user-friendly GPS software.
The Garmin GPS software has a number of new location-based features which Asus claims is unique in smartphones with built-in GPS.
For one thing, the GPS in both phones are meant to be always-on (although it can be turned off) and offer location-based services which are customised depending on your GPS coordinates.
For example, the Nuvifone can give you live currency and weather information based on your current location, as well as remember where you’ve parked (although not in underground car parks where the GPS is unable to get a lock).
Nuvifone G60Additonally, the 3-megapixel camera on the G60 and M20 supports geotagging and will insert location information into the photo’s JPEG information so that it can be used in applications such as Google Maps and Apple’s iPhoto.
Overall, the emphasis for both phones is slightly different — while the G60 has a more GPS-centric slant with basic phone functions, the M20 has more robust phone features as well as Microsoft Exchange push e-mail support and Office Mobile applications.
The Nuvifone G60 costs RM1,799 and is available now, while the Nuvifone M20 is slated to appear early next month for RM2,099.
++++
http://www.garminasus.com/
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Father Anthony Chan laid to rest at Holy Catholic Family Cementary Kajang.
Father Anthony Chan laid to rest at Holy Catholic Family Cementary Kajang at about 2.00 pm today.
Please click this link for more: http://simonphun.blogspot.com/2009/07/fr-anthony-chan-rip.html
Father Anthony Chan's last message
Fr Anthony Chan’s 83 birthday celebration Published on May 30 , 2009By Conrad Nunis
KLANG: Fr Anthony Chan’s 83rd birthday celebration was held on April 25. During the celebration, Fr Chan took the opportunity to thank everyone present for all their efforts in organising the event.
During the dinner Fr Chan spoke on his life. “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I was born in 1926 in Guangdong Province, China, to a very poor family. My family were devout Catholics and they lived their faith seriously. I too revered God from a young age.
“When I was 20 years old, I walked 12 days to join the junior seminary and began my formal seminary education in Jiangmen. Later, I was sent to Hong Kong to continue my studies.
“I was ordained on July 7, 1956. Immediately after my ordination, I was sent to Malaya (now Malaysia) to serve the Chinese community for there was a lack of Chinese-speaking priests in this country.
When I came to Malaya, I could only speak two dialects, Cantonese and Guangxi. I only learnt to speak Mandarin, English and Bahasa Malaysia while in Malaya.
I started my first missionary work in Terengganu. Fifty years ago, this town was remote and underdeveloped, covered with jungle and barren hills. Life was tough. However, I had to endure all obstacles.
My most memorable encounter was being able to convert and baptize a Buddhist nun. As a priest too, these pastoral experiences gave me even greater strength and determination to continue my missionary work.
“In all my 53 years as a priest in Malaysia, I have served in several towns in Peninsular Malaysia, i.e . Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Kajang, Kuantan, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Rawang, Klang, Port Klang and Pandamaran.
“Since my retirement some years ago, I am enjoying a wonderful and pleasant semiretirement in Klang. The parishioners, be they Chinese speaking, English, Tamil or Malay speaking, love me and take good care of me. They ensure my needs are taken care
of and also my birthday is celebrated every year without fail.
“A group of Chinese parishioners knew I had a desire to return to my hometown in my remaining years. They planned and accompanied me to visit my 87-year old brother and his family, my relatives and friends. I took this opportunity to visit the Jiangmen Junior Seminary.
“For the first time in my entire priesthood, this was my first time celebrating Mass in my ancestors’ home with the assistance of the local priest, Wong Fei. This blessed occasion was very unique, as more than 100 people attended this Eucharistic celebration.
Another surprising incident was that when I was celebrating Mass in Zhan Jiang, the local Bishop Su Yong Da of Zhan Jiang became my altar server. I was humbled, yet honoured by this gesture.
“As many of you are aware, I have not been well lately. My illness has relapsed but I’m not complaining. I know that God is in it and I will embrace His decision. I ask for your prayers to accept His will.”
His parting advice to his parishioners was to read the Bible daily and pray earnestly for more vocations and make prayer part of our lives. —
Source: http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/storydetails.php/953-1-2-Fr-Anthony-Chan-s-83-birthday-celebration
KLANG: Fr Anthony Chan’s 83rd birthday celebration was held on April 25. During the celebration, Fr Chan took the opportunity to thank everyone present for all their efforts in organising the event.
During the dinner Fr Chan spoke on his life. “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I was born in 1926 in Guangdong Province, China, to a very poor family. My family were devout Catholics and they lived their faith seriously. I too revered God from a young age.
“When I was 20 years old, I walked 12 days to join the junior seminary and began my formal seminary education in Jiangmen. Later, I was sent to Hong Kong to continue my studies.
“I was ordained on July 7, 1956. Immediately after my ordination, I was sent to Malaya (now Malaysia) to serve the Chinese community for there was a lack of Chinese-speaking priests in this country.
When I came to Malaya, I could only speak two dialects, Cantonese and Guangxi. I only learnt to speak Mandarin, English and Bahasa Malaysia while in Malaya.
I started my first missionary work in Terengganu. Fifty years ago, this town was remote and underdeveloped, covered with jungle and barren hills. Life was tough. However, I had to endure all obstacles.
My most memorable encounter was being able to convert and baptize a Buddhist nun. As a priest too, these pastoral experiences gave me even greater strength and determination to continue my missionary work.
“In all my 53 years as a priest in Malaysia, I have served in several towns in Peninsular Malaysia, i.e . Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu, Kajang, Kuantan, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Rawang, Klang, Port Klang and Pandamaran.
“Since my retirement some years ago, I am enjoying a wonderful and pleasant semiretirement in Klang. The parishioners, be they Chinese speaking, English, Tamil or Malay speaking, love me and take good care of me. They ensure my needs are taken care
of and also my birthday is celebrated every year without fail.
“A group of Chinese parishioners knew I had a desire to return to my hometown in my remaining years. They planned and accompanied me to visit my 87-year old brother and his family, my relatives and friends. I took this opportunity to visit the Jiangmen Junior Seminary.
“For the first time in my entire priesthood, this was my first time celebrating Mass in my ancestors’ home with the assistance of the local priest, Wong Fei. This blessed occasion was very unique, as more than 100 people attended this Eucharistic celebration.
Another surprising incident was that when I was celebrating Mass in Zhan Jiang, the local Bishop Su Yong Da of Zhan Jiang became my altar server. I was humbled, yet honoured by this gesture.
“As many of you are aware, I have not been well lately. My illness has relapsed but I’m not complaining. I know that God is in it and I will embrace His decision. I ask for your prayers to accept His will.”
His parting advice to his parishioners was to read the Bible daily and pray earnestly for more vocations and make prayer part of our lives. —
Source: http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/storydetails.php/953-1-2-Fr-Anthony-Chan-s-83-birthday-celebration
Thursday, July 2, 2009
One for the road
Garmin Mobile PC software brings navigation to your PC for a reasonable price but with some drawbacks.
SIMPLE SET UP: Garmin Mobile GPS on a mini notebook with a Bluetooth GPS receiver.
With the popularity of Intel Atom-based mini notebooks that last five to six hours on a single charge, I recently started thinking about another possible use for it — as a GPS navigation device.
Of course, since no mini notebook currently on the market has built-in GPS, you can’t just get an out-of-the-box experience with it — for one, you need at least an external GPS unit which connects to your mini notebook via USB or Bluetooth.
If you already have a Garmin Bluetooth or USB GPS receiver, then you can use that, but the good thing is that Mobile PC isn’t limited to Garmin-branded GPS receivers.
The software works with all third party GPS units, but with one limitation. We’ll talk about this later.
The other requirement is that you have to download a local map. You can download one from www.malsingmaps.com, which has a free map that was last updated on February 2008.
The regularly updated maps are only available if you actively contribute to the website’s mapping effort.
By the way, there are shops in Kuala Lumpur which sell the software but it is a little cheaper if you buy from an online site like www.semsons.com/garmin.html.
Installation
If you have a notebook or mini notebook running Windows XP or Vista (with at least an 800 x 600pixel resolution) then the installation is pretty simple — just pop the supplied CD into an optical drive and install the software.
Once installed, you have to first connect your GPS (in my case using Bluetooth) and pair up the device with the notebook.
Once paired, start up Mobile PC and follow the steps to get the GPS working with the software.
Oh yes, here’s the limitation — if you’re using a Bluetooth or USB GPS unit that isn’t made by Garmin, the Mobile PC will be activated and tied to only the machine you install it on and will not accept activation on another machine.
However, if you have the Garmin GPS 10x or GPS 20x then the software instead looks for the unique identifier within the receiver and allows you to install the software on any machine, as long as you use the same Garmin receiver with the software.
Using the software
So now we get right down to the important bit — just how does Mobile PC perform for navigation?
Well, quite well actually and if you’re familiar with Nuvi series, the software is pretty much the same, presenting you with a very user-friendly “Where To?” and “View Map” options on the front page.
View Map is self-explanatory and brings you to a 3D view of the current map, with a little button on the bottom left hand corner that will switch to the flat 2D view with more detail.
UNIQUE: The 3D map interface in Garmin Mobile PC is where all navigation happens. If you don't like the 3D interface, you can still opt for the traditional 2D view.
Whether it’s the 2D or 3D view, you can zoom in and out of the map, although scrolling and changing orientation is only allowed in 2D view.
By the way, Mobile PC works with any notebook PC running Windows, and will work especially well with Tablet PCs, although it works with the touchpad and keyboard to navigate the interface as well.
“Where To?” is the starting point of all your navigation needs and will bring you to a list of icons — most notably, the “Home,” “Food, Hotels...” and “Favourites” icons.
Home, of course, is to navigate back to your home, and can be set the first time you click on the Home icon based on your current location or if you have the specific coordinates for your home.
Favourites is where you store your custom waypoints for easy navigation and reference later.
The strange quirk of the Malsingmaps and Mobile PC, however (and I hear this is a problem also in the Nuvi series) is that if you want to search for an address you have to click on “Where To?”, then click on, say, “Food, Hotels...” instead of Addresses directly.
For some strange reason, if you instead click on Addresses under the “Where To?” menu, you can only search United States addresses. Don’t ask me why — hopefully, this can be fixed in a later update.
Once your destination is chosen, you get voice prompts with turn-by-turn directions to guide you.
Like certain high-end Garmin Nuvi models, Mobile PC, by default, has a voice synthesiser which will speak the directions and road names in a robotic female voice.
DETAILED: The 2D view gives you a more detailed map for a visual search of points of interest.
The problem is that since Malaysian roads are actually pronounced in a different way from normal English words, the voice synthesiser usually makes such a hash of the road names that I can’t make sense of it.
In the end, I opted for the nice pre-recorded British female voice, which sounds a lot clearer when speaking and instead of saying “In 300m, turn left at Jeh-lan Kay-uh Air-Ay” (“Turn left at Jalan Kayu Ara”) it says “Turn left in 300m.”
Oh yes, if you have an Internet connection on the notebook, you also have access to some special Garmin online features, namely checking the weather in your local area, as well as checking international flights.
You get more features, however, if you are in the United States.
There are loads of other features as well, but the most notable one not directly connected with navigation is the Trip Computer, which gives you a car dashboard-like interface with a speedometer, odometer and other info on your trip, such as driving time, total time travelled (with GPS on), average driving speed and maximum speed travelled.
All the information could be useful if you want to keep detailed records of your trip or gauge the fuel consumption of your car.
Notebook issues
Of course, the software is just one aspect of using Mobile PC and the question is just how practical is it to use the software on a mini notebook?
Well, I own the Asus Eee PC 901, which together with the Atom processor and a fairly large battery, has battery life that’s long enough for almost any navigating you need to do in your car, so in terms of battery life, there’s no complaint there.
The one problem I had with using a mini notebook as a navigation device is that it’s still not quite as portable as it could be — unless you have a special stand made for it, you’re not going to be able to put the notebook anywhere where it’s easy for you to glance at.
I could only lay it down on the passenger seat and glance at it occasionally.
Another problem is that using the keyboard to input your destination is not that easy when it’s fairly dark outside.
Oh yes, I have a car stereo with a 3.5mm stereo input so I can connect the stereo output of the notebook to my car stereo so I can hear voice prompts clearly.
However, if you have no such connection on your car stereo, you have to also consider how loud your notebook can go before using Mobile PC.
My Eee PC 901 is actually loud enough to hear without connecting to my car stereo, but it’s one of the few notebooks that feature really good speakers.
Conclusion
Based on functionality alone, the Garmin Mobile PC software is excellent — it provides all you need for navigation as well as a few more features found only in high-end Garmin Nuvi devices.
The only problems really arise from the choice of notebook you install it on and whether you get loud enough audio or battery life to justify using it as a navigation tool.
So the answer is yes, Mobile PC is great, but you need to consider the limitations of your notebook before you use it.
Pros: Lots of features; easy-to-use interface; voice navigation; compatibility with Malsingmaps maps.
Cons: Using it on a notebook in dim light can be a bit fiddly.
Garmin Mobile PC
(Garmin Ltd)
GPS navigation software
System requirements: Windows 2000 SP2/XP/Vista, 256MB RAM, 1.3GB HDD space
Features: Garmin Online
Price: US59.90 (RM200)
Website: www.garmin.com
SIMPLE SET UP: Garmin Mobile GPS on a mini notebook with a Bluetooth GPS receiver.
With the popularity of Intel Atom-based mini notebooks that last five to six hours on a single charge, I recently started thinking about another possible use for it — as a GPS navigation device.
Of course, since no mini notebook currently on the market has built-in GPS, you can’t just get an out-of-the-box experience with it — for one, you need at least an external GPS unit which connects to your mini notebook via USB or Bluetooth.
If you already have a Garmin Bluetooth or USB GPS receiver, then you can use that, but the good thing is that Mobile PC isn’t limited to Garmin-branded GPS receivers.
The software works with all third party GPS units, but with one limitation. We’ll talk about this later.
The other requirement is that you have to download a local map. You can download one from www.malsingmaps.com, which has a free map that was last updated on February 2008.
The regularly updated maps are only available if you actively contribute to the website’s mapping effort.
By the way, there are shops in Kuala Lumpur which sell the software but it is a little cheaper if you buy from an online site like www.semsons.com/garmin.html.
Installation
If you have a notebook or mini notebook running Windows XP or Vista (with at least an 800 x 600pixel resolution) then the installation is pretty simple — just pop the supplied CD into an optical drive and install the software.
Once installed, you have to first connect your GPS (in my case using Bluetooth) and pair up the device with the notebook.
Once paired, start up Mobile PC and follow the steps to get the GPS working with the software.
Oh yes, here’s the limitation — if you’re using a Bluetooth or USB GPS unit that isn’t made by Garmin, the Mobile PC will be activated and tied to only the machine you install it on and will not accept activation on another machine.
However, if you have the Garmin GPS 10x or GPS 20x then the software instead looks for the unique identifier within the receiver and allows you to install the software on any machine, as long as you use the same Garmin receiver with the software.
Using the software
So now we get right down to the important bit — just how does Mobile PC perform for navigation?
Well, quite well actually and if you’re familiar with Nuvi series, the software is pretty much the same, presenting you with a very user-friendly “Where To?” and “View Map” options on the front page.
View Map is self-explanatory and brings you to a 3D view of the current map, with a little button on the bottom left hand corner that will switch to the flat 2D view with more detail.
UNIQUE: The 3D map interface in Garmin Mobile PC is where all navigation happens. If you don't like the 3D interface, you can still opt for the traditional 2D view.
Whether it’s the 2D or 3D view, you can zoom in and out of the map, although scrolling and changing orientation is only allowed in 2D view.
By the way, Mobile PC works with any notebook PC running Windows, and will work especially well with Tablet PCs, although it works with the touchpad and keyboard to navigate the interface as well.
“Where To?” is the starting point of all your navigation needs and will bring you to a list of icons — most notably, the “Home,” “Food, Hotels...” and “Favourites” icons.
Home, of course, is to navigate back to your home, and can be set the first time you click on the Home icon based on your current location or if you have the specific coordinates for your home.
Favourites is where you store your custom waypoints for easy navigation and reference later.
The strange quirk of the Malsingmaps and Mobile PC, however (and I hear this is a problem also in the Nuvi series) is that if you want to search for an address you have to click on “Where To?”, then click on, say, “Food, Hotels...” instead of Addresses directly.
For some strange reason, if you instead click on Addresses under the “Where To?” menu, you can only search United States addresses. Don’t ask me why — hopefully, this can be fixed in a later update.
Once your destination is chosen, you get voice prompts with turn-by-turn directions to guide you.
Like certain high-end Garmin Nuvi models, Mobile PC, by default, has a voice synthesiser which will speak the directions and road names in a robotic female voice.
DETAILED: The 2D view gives you a more detailed map for a visual search of points of interest.
The problem is that since Malaysian roads are actually pronounced in a different way from normal English words, the voice synthesiser usually makes such a hash of the road names that I can’t make sense of it.
In the end, I opted for the nice pre-recorded British female voice, which sounds a lot clearer when speaking and instead of saying “In 300m, turn left at Jeh-lan Kay-uh Air-Ay” (“Turn left at Jalan Kayu Ara”) it says “Turn left in 300m.”
Oh yes, if you have an Internet connection on the notebook, you also have access to some special Garmin online features, namely checking the weather in your local area, as well as checking international flights.
You get more features, however, if you are in the United States.
There are loads of other features as well, but the most notable one not directly connected with navigation is the Trip Computer, which gives you a car dashboard-like interface with a speedometer, odometer and other info on your trip, such as driving time, total time travelled (with GPS on), average driving speed and maximum speed travelled.
All the information could be useful if you want to keep detailed records of your trip or gauge the fuel consumption of your car.
Notebook issues
Of course, the software is just one aspect of using Mobile PC and the question is just how practical is it to use the software on a mini notebook?
Well, I own the Asus Eee PC 901, which together with the Atom processor and a fairly large battery, has battery life that’s long enough for almost any navigating you need to do in your car, so in terms of battery life, there’s no complaint there.
The one problem I had with using a mini notebook as a navigation device is that it’s still not quite as portable as it could be — unless you have a special stand made for it, you’re not going to be able to put the notebook anywhere where it’s easy for you to glance at.
I could only lay it down on the passenger seat and glance at it occasionally.
Another problem is that using the keyboard to input your destination is not that easy when it’s fairly dark outside.
Oh yes, I have a car stereo with a 3.5mm stereo input so I can connect the stereo output of the notebook to my car stereo so I can hear voice prompts clearly.
However, if you have no such connection on your car stereo, you have to also consider how loud your notebook can go before using Mobile PC.
My Eee PC 901 is actually loud enough to hear without connecting to my car stereo, but it’s one of the few notebooks that feature really good speakers.
Conclusion
Based on functionality alone, the Garmin Mobile PC software is excellent — it provides all you need for navigation as well as a few more features found only in high-end Garmin Nuvi devices.
The only problems really arise from the choice of notebook you install it on and whether you get loud enough audio or battery life to justify using it as a navigation tool.
So the answer is yes, Mobile PC is great, but you need to consider the limitations of your notebook before you use it.
Pros: Lots of features; easy-to-use interface; voice navigation; compatibility with Malsingmaps maps.
Cons: Using it on a notebook in dim light can be a bit fiddly.
Garmin Mobile PC
(Garmin Ltd)
GPS navigation software
System requirements: Windows 2000 SP2/XP/Vista, 256MB RAM, 1.3GB HDD space
Features: Garmin Online
Price: US59.90 (RM200)
Website: www.garmin.com
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