adding gps etc

[euphonius]

Damn, this GPS stuff is worse than PCs. You need a PhD just to sort out all the compatibilities and formats. I looked at the Garmin site, and it describes KMZ as a format for its "outdoor handhelds" but does not say it works across their devices. what an f'd up company.

[ChinaV]

KMZ is just a zipped format of a KML file.
Garmin does not like open standards, and does not play well with others.
GPX is where it's at as it can be read by just about any software.
The best GPS system for China is a raster map system and not a vector based system as there are far too many new roads being built every year.

Cheers!
ChinaV

[Lao Jia Hou]

What I need is someone to tell me "buy this one with this map setup for China" because programming the damn things is too complicated for me. I just need something that is reasonably up-to-date and will show me where I am.

I have a Garmin Nuvi 200. It is now old (like me) but was one of the first English / pinyin available in China. But its maps are seriously out-of-date. Is it possible to update the maps?

KISS ... Keep It Simple Sweethearts ... this old guy is going senile

[felix]

Damn, this GPS stuff is worse that PCs. You need a PhD just to sort out all the compatibilities and formats.

Agreed. This mobac malarky does seem worth learning though!

Slabo, how do you use this on android? I am also using the HTC Hero, but so far far i was just using google maps with google mytracks. This offline mapping seems great and i want to learn. What app do you use to load them, trekbuddy or something else? Care to write some brief instructions?

[bikerdoc]

What I need is someone to tell me "buy this one with this map setup for China" because programming the damn things is too complicated for me. I just need something that is reasonably up-to-date and will show me where I am.
I have a Garmin Nuvi 200. It is now old (like me) but was one of the first English / pinyin available in China. But its maps are seriously out-of-date. Is it possible to update the maps?
KISS ... Keep It Simple Sweethearts ... this old guy is going senile

Yes, you can get an updated map, the English (PinYin) map should be 7.50 whereas the CHS is 7.60. You'll probably need to contact Unistrong (Garmin distributor in PRC), though you could have some assist you to upload the (unlocked) map onto your Nuvi 200. You're too far away from me, so I can't assist unfortunately, so contact Unistrong. If you bought your unit here, did you get a few map upgrade, as I think you're entitled to one, but don't quote me on it, you know how the saying goes... TIC. http://www.unistrong.com/English/products/MapCard.htm

[td_ref]

how do you use this on android? I am also using the HTC Hero, but so far far i was just using google maps with google mytracks. This offline mapping seems great and i want to learn. What app do you use to load them, trekbuddy or something else? Care to write some brief instructions?

If you read 汉语, then 凯立德/careland gps software might worth a look.
Hope this help.

[Lao Jia Hou]

Yes, you can get an updated map, the English (PinYin) map should be 7.50 whereas the CHS is 7.60. You'll probably need to contact Unistrong (Garmin distributor in PRC), though you could have some assist you to upload the (unlocked) map onto your Nuvi 200. You're too far away from me, so I can't assist unfortunately, so contact Unistrong. If you bought your unit here, did you get a few map upgrade, as I think you're entitled to one, but don't quote me on it, you know how the saying goes... TIC. http://www.unistrong.com/English/products/MapCard.htm

Great, that helps me out. Thanks a million! I did buy it here, and was told I am entitled to a free upgrade, but the shop has closed down. I have no idea where the receipt is.

Now, are you sure I can't entice you to a nice ride, burgers & beer in Beijing? The upgrade is around 1,000 rmb

BTW, I did download a 7.5 torrent but it was in .img file format. My Garmin map updater didn't recognize it, and I was afraid of screwing up the machine by tinkering around with it (as I've done many times with Windows).

Maybe I will just go buy a whole new device.

[jape]

Could you not post it insured or something? I get stuff from China (Shanghai etc not just HK) to Aus very quickly, does mail not work as well internally? Also, there are some cool GPS forums designed to lead beginners through the steps of changes and changing formats etc. with backup. Also check the 4WD forums, if no-one from the forum in China will offer to do it for you.

[bikerdoc]

Great, that helps me out. Thanks a million! I did buy it here, and was told I am entitled to a free upgrade, but the shop has closed down. I have no idea where the receipt is.
Now, are you sure I can't entice you to a nice ride, burgers & beer in Beijing? The upgrade is around 1,000 rmb
BTW, I did download a 7.5 torrent but it was in .img file format. My Garmin map updater didn't recognize it, and I was afraid of screwing up the machine by tinkering around with it (as I've done many times with Windows).
Maybe I will just go buy a whole new device.

If you were closer, then I'd gladly assist you with it. If you are happy to courier it down to me, then I'm ok to help. BJ is just too far for a Beer (I don't really drink alcohol) and a burger, but I'm thanksful for the offer ;)
First contact Unistrong as they may provide the upgrade as they can check the serial # and taht way they should be able to see if it's had the upgrade. If you don't speak good enough Chinese then have some who does call them as they don't speak English. If they won't give you the upgrade, then send me your Nuvi200, I had a Portugese GM here who had a Nuvi200 and I upgraded his without any problems. I've played with GarminXT since it first came to the market... and... well that would be telling. Best not incriminate myself.

[felix]

For using Mobac with android, i still haven't found a working setup. I've tried a bunch of different apps to load the offline maps, but none of them can handle the dreaded china map offset. So far the only thing i've used on my phone that works with the offset is plain standard google maps. Does anyone know something helpful?