iQue and Macs? [Archive] - Page 2

champ

09-26-2003, 12:56 AM

Originally posted by rkevwill
Well, see if they have the software on the website to download. If they do, then you could download it. Remove any installation on your computer (or revert back to a pre-installed 2000) and install the new package.

BTW, I know not everyone is as anal as I am about things, but do you happen to have XP or 98 installed as virtual machines too? Perhaps you could try installing on them if you do. At present, I just install map stuff (and the original install, since we didnt have the mac bugs worked out when i got mine) on my PC I keep around downstairs here. Everything else for the Ique I do on my mac. It IS installed on XP on my VPC though, as I keep 2000 solely for my office remote access software.

I only see a software patch for the iQue and for Mapinstall in their Software Updates section. Both of these say they need the Palm Desktop software installed, which I can't install! I may be missing a software download area. If anyone knows where it is, I'd appreciated it.

I'm afraid I don't have any other virtual machines installed other than Windows 2000 Pro.

Let me say I really appreciate you trying to help me. The Mac community is always very helpful. It's difficult working in a PC world. At least I have a Palm with a beautiful screen! But after using a Newton 2100 for the last couple years, a Palm isn't my PDA of choice. I only wanted this unit for the GPS capabilities.

champ

09-26-2003, 01:18 AM

Originally posted by wowser
Hey, you're not the only one with this problem. I was having problems with mapsource so I thought I'd reinstall. I threw out all the palm folders and garmin folders and when I tried to reinstall, I got the dreaded "the installation was interrupted" message. I am sure it's not the CD. I think Windoze is so lame it can't re-install an application without a whole system restore. THere isn't even an uninstall option.

Well, I guess I'm glad I'm not the only one, not that it will help in this case given Garmin's lack of support. I did completely reinstall Windows 2000 Pro so I don't understand why it would be a reinstall problem. I'm wondering why only you and I are having this problem. There must be a common thread. You had no problem with the initial install? I never got anywhere.

lycestra

09-26-2003, 01:48 AM

First thing first, if you think you have a bad disk, my methodology is, "Prove that it's not." If your system can't read it, try to image it on another system, and mount that image in VPC as a cd. if another system can read it and image it, great. Else call Garmin. Or one of us could share, but I don't know where that ranks on the warez scale. (you do have a license to have a copy of it)

Thinking of other ways to install stuff, i went looking in the CD.

If all you want is Map Install, maybe setup.exe in the MapInstall folder is enough. But I'd expect that it checks that Palm Desktop is installed.

And other things, like voices, are seperate installers, and going this route is just too much spaghetti. Even for windows.

First thing to try is imaging on another system and mounting in VPC. if that fails, its almost certainly a bad disc, right?

lycestra

09-26-2003, 09:20 AM

oh, btw. as a side note, the VPC I used runs 2000 pro.

champ

09-26-2003, 12:11 PM

Good suggestion on trying to image the CD elsewhere, lycestra. So good, in fact, I had tried it myself earlier! I sucessfully made a copy with Toast. There were no errors in copying, which naturally makes me think the CD is okay, unless there is simply a corrupt file (written with a bit or two flipped).

It is also interesting to hear that you successfully installed it with VPC and Windows 2000 Pro. So it is the exact same setup. I have reinstalled Windows 2000 Pro at least a half dozen times and I always get the "installation interrupted" message.

I'm not sure where to go from here. As I said previously, I'm setting off on a long trip tomorrow afternoon and had hoped to be using the iQue. I knew there would be hassles in installing the darn thing, but I had no idea that two evenings until 3am would be insufficient. I have no PC and doubt I'll have time to track down in time someone willing to lend me theirs. For all I know the installation will fail there, too.

champ

09-28-2003, 12:06 AM

An update. I was having trouble installing the iQue 3600 Setup CD under VPC/Windows 2000 Pro. After hearing from GPSCity that they also had problems installing under that OS, I bit the bullet and bought Windows XP Pro for VPC. Everything installed perfectly.

I have no idea why I couldn't get it to install via VPC/Windows 2000 Pro since others have indicated it worked for them, and I tried it repeatedly with fresh installs of Windows 2000 Pro. i always got the "installation was interrupted" error. Although the iQue has now become a quite expensive item, I love it now. I'm now using it on a long trip. It seems to be working fantastically.

Thanks to all who offered advice and tips. Especially to lycestra and rkevwil who gave useful info. Lycestra's web page made the installation easy. Thanks also to Missing Sync for Garmin for making hotsynching and installation of the detailed maps so simple. I'm now a happy camper.

rkevwill

09-28-2003, 12:25 AM

Champ, that is so great to hear. Yes, I was able to install it on 2000, without a glitch, but decided to use another machine that has xp on it. Dunno why you had such a problem, but now that you mention it, I myself have had a problem or two installing things on 2000 from time to time.

mrkablooey

09-28-2003, 06:47 AM

glad you got it working, champ. I know how frustrating it can be to have a kick-ass new toy and not be able to use it. like xmas morning with no batteries!

Last Mrk

09-28-2003, 11:52 PM

I see the folks at GPS City likes lycestra's PDiQue solution. (http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/4566.1.8833093841217023442/ique3600)

Scroll down to the Apple icons.

rkevwill

09-29-2003, 12:56 AM

great to see there is some third party support out there, for people doing third party support!!!

See Garmin, your re-sellers see the value of taking care of their mac customers!

btw, just for kicks, thought I might mention what I just heard. A relatively new, popular internet cafe/coffee shop, concierge service for business folks, has just put in a big order for computers. They are ordering from what I hear, about 60 initially. All macs. Also providing wifi (free) and runnin airport, and providing ethernet ports for the last century folks (free)

They said they don't have the time nor inclination to spend hours and hours downloading patches and updates all the time, and fighting viruses. Interesting. They have even switched their business computers from PC's to macs. This is unique, especially as some school systems are now insisting gettin rid of macs, and getting PC's. When I find a link to this article I read, I will post it.

torstrand

09-29-2003, 06:44 AM

Can I use my MacGPSpro program to receive and send tracks and waypoints between the mac and the unit.

How does the iQue import and export waypoints, can it be done from OSX

waltisimo

09-29-2003, 11:44 AM

At the moment you can't upload/download waypoints and tracks to the iQue like you can other Garmin serial GPS's. Garmin will likely come up with something in the future to allow this. For the moment you have 2 ways to go.

You can hotsync the address book to Palm Desktop and manipulate your waypoints there. This works on the Mac and the PC. You can now also hotsync your tracks, but this only works on the PC so far.

You can get a copy of iQue Booster <http://www.mobilegeographics.com/iqbooster/> and use it to import/export tracks and waypoints to the SD card.

Spammy56

11-27-2003, 10:10 PM

I just found the iQue and I am all excited. I do use a Mac and I want to get somethings straight...

1.First will I be able to use the third party "missing link" software to transfer things just like a regular PDA?

2. Will it work with iCal?

3. Also, can I use my mom's PC do transfer the maps (onto media card) and use my Mac for all my contact and calander information?

Some non-Mac Questions...

1. How much of the most detailed map information can one 256 MB card hold?

2. When did the iQue come out? Is there a second generation in the near future?

3. In general, how well does the iQue work in your car? Would it work well sitting in the seat or in a pocket on the dash rather than right on the dash?

4. Does it seem really large? Does it seem high quality?

Thank you!

Last Mrk

11-27-2003, 11:06 PM

1. Yes

2. Yes and with Address Book too.

3. Yes but if you have Virtual PC you shouldn't have to.

Some non-Mac Questions...

1. A lot of variables to consider. Is the area a dense metropolitan area or rural countryside? I have 311mb of maps on my 512mb and I have all of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, part of Missouri, part of Minnesota, part of Indiana and part of Ohio.

2. Late August and there hasn't been any notice of 2nd generation hardware as yet.

3. Works great but the closer under the windshield you can put it the better. Also the Garmin Automobile navigation kit will make your navigation experience much more enjoyable.

4. No it's very compact about half the size of a CD Jewell box but slightly thicker at the thin end and about twice as thick at the thicker end. And yes it is of high quality and I love it.

Your welcome. :)

rkevwill

11-27-2003, 11:15 PM

And one little other comment to leave to Mrk's, read this threads comments from beginning to end, and you will know all you need to know about Mac and ique, and some you don't even need or want to know from us Mac/Ique Pioneers:) No sense repeating it all again,, when its right here in the guts.

lycestra

11-27-2003, 11:16 PM

Originally posted by Spammy56
I just found the iQue and I am all excited. I do use a Mac and I want to get somethings straight...

1.First will I be able to use the third party "missing link" software to transfer things just like a regular PDA?

Yes. Altho, Mark/Space's missing sync does cost money, it provides additional features than just using Palm Desktop. If you want a free solution, check out PDiQue from www.lycestra.com. Open and free. seems to work for most users.

2. Will it work with iCal?

Yes. iSync/iCal/Address book is a plugin to Palm Desktop, so anything that works with Palm Desktop will work with iSync. Tho, you will want to read about the issues some users have had with iSync. I have had no problems, but i don't use notes as heavily as some users. But I do use iSync/iCal/Address Book to sync with my iQue.

3. Also, can I use my mom's PC do transfer the maps (onto media card) and use my Mac for all my contact and calander information?

Yes. As long as you keep the data syncing to one system you are safe. Installation is really just a copy, not a sync, so it won't get confused about it. But keep the calendar, contacts, memos, etc syncing to only one system.

Some non-Mac Questions...

1. How much of the most detailed map information can one 256 MB card hold?

I have a 128MB card, and can fit most of Wisconsin, and about half of each neighboring state. Enough for my general needs. For a trip to texas, i'd load a new map. 256 would be the ultimate, or give you room for things like MP3s or other things.

2. When did the iQue come out? Is there a second generation in the near future?

the iQue came out in August 2003, so not too long ago. Garmin is aware of a few issues, and has resolved many with the 'R2' software, but no 2nd hardware revisions are known to exist. So that means we all will ahve the same hardware you would have. Only issue known to still exist for some people is the 'modem screech.' but i don't know how common that is.

3. In general, how well does the iQue work in your car? Would it work well sitting in the seat or in a pocket on the dash rather than right on the dash?

Generally, I keep mine on my dash. much lower, and my car shields the device enough to have a hard time locking its position, but thats teh case with even Garmin's IIIplus device. It works really well in my car just on the dash. For quicker locking/better reception, and external antenna works great.

4. Does it seem really large? Does it seem high quality?

I think it's kinda compact. Compared to other Palms, its a little big. about the size of an expanded T3. It fits in my back pocket, but I don't have a hard case for it yet, so i don't do that much. (the antenna on the upper back really makes it difficult for a flip-up case, and a flip-side case is probably also difficult..

Thank you!

NP :)

(Just adding my opinions/experiences to Last Mrk's post)

Spammy56

11-27-2003, 11:41 PM

Wow, this really looks promising. Just a few more questions...

1. Does your position move on the map in real time? For example are you an arrow in the screen that moves like on automobile nav systems.

2. Does it have a the capability to llok up streets on the go?

Thanks again!

rkevwill

11-28-2003, 12:55 AM

Yes and yes. It has full voice guidance, and is very complete in its directions and lookups.

To get all of its capabilities, you would be best served to go to the garmin site, and download the manuals. They are (or at least were) there in very complete form.

It really is for the most part, a very complete GPS system, with a quite complete palm OS.

fulkrum90

11-28-2003, 04:41 PM

I believe a mac variant of the Mapsource software is being discussed at R and D level. I should expect it to happen. Apparently the next Ique may have it at the end of Q1. I have nothing concrete to offer at this point but will ask the question next time I speak to them. I think it woulf be very easy to get the Ique compatible with the mac but I dont know about the Mapsource CDs.

Spammy56

11-28-2003, 06:45 PM

You mentioned the "next iQue" is a new one coming out in Q1??

Spammy56

11-29-2003, 08:34 PM

Ok, so I e-mailed Garmin about the whole Mac issue. They were actually very helpful and sent back a very long a detailed e-mail giving me my options. In it they mention serial to USB port connection. Do you really need a serial port to talk with this device. My mom's old PC has one but my new Mac does not. Who uses serial ports anymore?! Do I really need a serial port??

rkevwill

11-29-2003, 08:52 PM

I can't emphasize enough, the importance of reading this thread from beginning to end. This has all been covered in great detail, and will help you a great degree. The initial problem was, the Ique would not work with usb on the mac, via Virtual PC, or even straight mac with palm. Not going to get in to why it didn't, but trust me when I say, it didn't work at all. However, with a serial cradle, and a usb to serial adapter hooked to the mac, it worked great, albeit a bit slower than the straight usb cradle. (again, read the threads)

After we discovered that, lycestra wrote a proggy that let the usb Ique cradle work with the mac. Also, the Missing Link software does the same thing. (see Lycestra's post a few before this)

Frankly, since I have been using my PC to put the Mapping software on only, I myself am not sure if you can use Lycestra's proggy, and VPC to put the maps on. I'm sure he will be kind enough to pop in his response, or go to his web page referred to in his post.

I simply took my serial cradle to my office, and hooked it up to the 7600, because it had a serial port, and I was sync'ng with Now Up to Date down at the office. No need to do that here. I took the USB cradle downstairs to my old pc and use it to only put on maps. All other work I do on my old mac with 9.1 at present, but eventually I will move that machine to panther, as soon as I make a couple of hardware improvements.

Anyway, a serial adapter (make sure its the IOgear) is a good thing to have around, and it works great with a palm cradle. Lycestra's site I am sure can give you more info on using a straight USB connection.

rkevwill

11-29-2003, 08:54 PM

oops, one more thing. Garmin does GREAT work, but they don't seem to know diddly about macs. You will find much more professional advice on this forum with people like Lycestra. Me, I'm just an old mac user, and rely on guys like him to do the REAL work:)

lycestra

11-29-2003, 11:43 PM

Long story short, the main nuisance is getting things to a working state, and I only say that because it doesn't work right out of the box, but no worries after it does work.

USB solutions require OS X (afaik) and at the very least a software patch (and Palm Desktop download because Mac version isn't included). Serial solutions would of course need a palm universal (m500 style) to a serial cable. I have one (official Garmin) to hook up to my ODBII cable (talk to my RSX's sensors. just for grins mostly at the moment.)

There is a lot of information in this forum. My pages aren't very well maintained at the moment, but have enough to get started at least. This forum is THE largest on PDA Street (most posts i think, not most threads?), and most active of iQue-related on the web I know of.

And as to my opinion of Garmin's overall ability to learn: I think they haven't seen the need to learn about covering Mac. Two reasons for this: its a small market that may be complicated to support from what they know, which would improve if they spent the money. (iQue may help change their minds, since it probably is making money) Second, the Mac community seems to tolerate Garmin's behavior, filling in what we can on our own, and using a PC for the rare occation we must. I know. I'm a "It works for me" type myself. If I only need to touch a PC once in the life of my iQue, its like going to the dentist. Get it done with, and never worry again.

However, can Garmin learn to support mac? Can this dog learn new tricks? Uhm, hell yes. the iQue is a tribute to the fact Garmin is not a dog. A big player in GPS devices manages to expand to a one-of-a-kind device that others are now trying to copy. The iQue is also Garmin's very first entry in to Palm PDAs. Starting out, they might not have grasped the community magnitude and atmosphere, but I'm sure that they have now, evidenced by their reading (and likely participation) in these forums. Garmin can and does learn. I do beleive it is only a matter of time before Mapping software exists for Mac. (BTW, how can we sign up for beta testing when that does happen?)

Anyway, iQue does work with mac. a few rough spots, but I haven't needed to touch a PC, virtual or otherwise, for 3 months now. In your face, space coyote! (space coyote?)

Oh, and my stuff isn't real work. It's real fun. :)

rkevwill

11-29-2003, 11:49 PM

yeah well, IMHO, its a WHOLE lot more fun you doin the work (fun) and me benefitting by it though! <g>

Keep up the good work (fun) it is most sincerely appreciated!

Last Mrk

11-30-2003, 12:06 AM

Lot's of threads on this forum for sure but before I clicked in to read the latest posting on THIS thread, there had already been 15,492 views.

That's a lot of Mac/Que interest. And you know what? After reading through various threads dealing with Wintel HotSync problems, I must say I have NO problems HotSyncing with my iQue using my Mac and what I've learned here.

fulkrum90

11-30-2003, 07:38 AM

Hi All

I must be missing something here. The cradle for the Ique is a usb connection only. Now I am based in Europe and only see European devices but as far as I know there is no Serial connection for the Ique.??????????????

Am I wrong on this. Does the american unit have a serial connection?

rkevwill

11-30-2003, 09:17 AM

It does when you do one of two things. One, put a serial adapter on the usb cradle, or Two, purchase a palm or garmin serial cradle. As it comes out of the box, the Ique wont properly converse with a mac through the usb cradle.

Last Mrk

11-30-2003, 09:49 AM

Originally posted by rkevwill As it comes out of the box, the Ique wont properly converse with a mac through the usb cradle.
You could have said one of three things or you must be talking about something other than what I assume you are because I HotSync with my iQue daily with my Mac through the iQue USB HotSync cradle. You need of course iSync and Mark/Space's Missing Sync or the hack taught HERE (http://www.lycestra.com/iQueDoc/),

If you are talking about map installation, all you need is VPC, save your maps to the Mac desktop or "Palm", "Users", your user name, "Files To Install", then choose your SD card name and HotSync with your Mac using the USB HotSync cradle. Or you can move the maps to the Mac side within VPC via the "Shared Folders" function before HotSyncing.

rkevwill

11-30-2003, 10:09 AM

Ah, I was just replying to Fulkrum re: usb cradles. He was not aware there was a serial option/alternative. I guess he didn't know that garmin offered that alternative.

Also, I was stating "out of the box" meaning prior to us using Lycestra's or Mark Space's product.

Last Mrk

11-30-2003, 10:15 AM

I realized you said out of the box after I posted so I edited the message almost simultaneous to your reply. :)

rkevwill

11-30-2003, 10:18 AM

Also, have you folks noticed that some of the Mac catalogs, like MacConnection are offering the Ique for sale in their pages? Now of course, thats very cool, but......no place in the catalog, do they mention you NEED vpc, and Mark Space's product to make it work with the mac. I sure hope their phone people mention that to folks that call and order it. Otherwise, we may be getting a lot more people here asking questions. Which is good I guess, it certainly saves garmin some tech support time and money :rolleyes:

lycestra

11-30-2003, 12:26 PM

I was just thinking. If Garmin can find the most commercially correct way of saying "you need a PC to use maps, but a mac will do for all normal use like Palm syncing," maybe they could include a modified version of Palm Desktop for mac. It is entirely just a set of IDs, and they definitely have the authority to distribute a modified/updated Palm Desktop.

I'd also think they might be able to update Palm Desktop to support the iQue with native USB in OS 9, if they have access to wherever the 9-binary gets its device list. At least as a first step, they could do that. (or maybe not 9 if maps are never gunna get there :()

Even include an installer that once PD is installed, set up the voices and other bundled stuff that is queued to sync/install on the first sync. If they got that far, map install is all thats missing.

Still, it could be a support nightmare if buyers aren't informed that Maps will not work without a PC, or a (hopefully pending) mac version of city select.

I also kinda wonder if they are doing anything for Linux. I know that there are insiders who use Linux. Tho packaging a solution for linux is a bit more complex. (any commercial box saying "Linux" to me means "Binary only distribution of our stuff for Linux/x86 only. Tested only on distro A, B, and D." Code if you're lucky, but the Linux tools included would probably be open anyway, so source is a must.

anyway. kinda rantish. just some stuff that might be neat. If Mac catalogs are selling iQues... Are they selling Clies too? (I remember at a chain store, salesman's check list of features includes that Palms are mac-compatible, but Clies are not. not entirely the case if you know how, or what to buy in addition)

rkevwill

11-30-2003, 02:25 PM

Tell ya what though, it works under OS9 very slick, with a serial cradle. No additional software or hacks needed. Both on the VPC side, and the palm side. Frankly however, I have not even tried the usb ports, although I have a pc card usb and firewire added to my old 7600, since I had this serial cradle, I just used it on that machine.

Spammy56

11-30-2003, 09:12 PM

Wow, thank you guys for all of your help. Now another question...I went into CompUSA today to actually look at an iQue first hand and I was very pleased with what I saw. Then the salesman came over and I asked him about it and he said everyone they sold had been returned because they were "buggy." So honestly how many bugs are their, I tend to think this guy just doesn't know what he is talking about but I need some reasurance, this is a very expensive thing.

rkevwill

11-30-2003, 09:36 PM

Short and sweet. He doesn't know what he is talking about. Do some of them have bugs? Sure, doesn't all tech stuff have bad ones that get through the line? My guess is most of the people who have returned them, are newbies or novice computer users that don't 1. know anything about palms, or 2. have NO clue how to use a computer. I would think that applies to about 90% of the computer users out there these days.

Only bug I have seen personally is that damn screech that happens very rarely. And when a unit DOES have a problem, Garmin has been very quick in most cases to take care of them quite quickly.

(and this is from a guy who is more than critical of garmin on many issues)

rkevwill

11-30-2003, 09:37 PM

Oh, one MORE thing......I had one hell of a time figuring out my GPS street pilot when I first purchased it, and I'm supposed to have some knowledge about computers and electronics!

fulkrum90

12-01-2003, 01:00 PM

Hi Guys

For what its worth, we have sold about 300 Iques so far. (It launched late over here in Europe) and only 2 have been returned so far. Now thats a bluddy good stat as far as failure rates go. 1% is the accepted average. One of the two returned was because of faulty CDs so we use the device as a demo unit. As far as I am concerned .33% failure rates is a success in anyones book.

I agree with Rkevwill that the guy you spoke to doesnt know what he is talking about. He very likely hasnt been bothered to take the time and get familiar with one. If he had he would be hooked like the rest of us.

ebolean

12-15-2003, 03:43 PM

i am a mac user and am wondering if it wouldn't be as simple just to buy a cheapo wintel machine (i bought a used dell laptop) to deal with all of the map manipulations? the cost won't be much more than VPC. just my two cents

rkevwill

12-15-2003, 06:59 PM

Well, I have a converted server (to XP) downstairs, and I keep it offline so I don't have to deal with all the viruses and trojans etc, and thats what I do. Really, the only thing I use it for is installing the map applications, and doing the rare PC app, that I can't use well on VPC. (maybe once or twice a year).

I did however, spend some time working on the maps with VPC, and after we got the USB problem worked out it worked very well. (to be honest, I never used the usb fixes, I used a serial cradle instead, with a usb to serial IOgear adapter)

As a died in the wool mac user, I personally think its a GREAT idea to have VPC. Then you can do most everything with almost all apps on one machine. BTW, if you are, or even KNOW a student, now that Microsoft owns VPC, you should be able to get VPC way cheap at a campus bookstore.

I don't mind using that route myself, after all the extra fees they charge my kids (that I pay) and the tuition increases they keep adding on. And with 3 kids in college, I consider it a well deserved perk.

Last Mrk

01-01-2004, 10:46 AM

and have not been able to sync since. I've reinstalled Palm Desktop 4.1 for Macs, and reinstalled MissingSync but the iQue will not show up in Conduit Settings or activate iSync when starting a hotsync on my iQue.

And the kicker is, Mark/Space is not answering e-mails because of the holiday and next weeks MacWorld Expo in San Francisco.

edit: What did work is lycestra's PDiQue but I don't think this will sync my Mac Address Book and iCal reminders.

rkevwill

01-01-2004, 02:41 PM

Mrk, thats good to know. I have not installed panther yet, just because of issues that might come up, although I am JUST about ready to do so. Also thats one reason why I keep the old 9.1 on my machine at work, since its doing just fine with what I need it to do at present. As you know, I use an old PC to do the map software, and my mac with 9.1 at the office to do my daily Now Up to date and contact syncs, and installation of programs.

However, I do use my G4 and Jaguar to sync my tungstenC here at home.

Does this seem to be an incompatability between the Palm desktop software and Panther? If so, has Palm offered any suggestions?

Last Mrk

01-01-2004, 03:03 PM

Seeing as I had all my Mac Address contacts and Mac iCal reminders on my iQue, I synced all that information to the Palm Desktop so I'm ok with all of that for now.

But I have no idea why when I install iSync, no iSync Conduit gets installed to the conduit folder or anywhere else as far as that goes..

Otherwise, I like Panther so far.

Last Mrk

01-01-2004, 04:53 PM

Everything is back to normal. I reinstalled iSync 1.2 then the 1.3 update and now my syncing is as it should be.

So now I have Panther and iQue syncing too. :)

rkevwill

01-06-2004, 08:51 PM

Mrk, just for kicks (and to see you were not the only one originally having this problem) I just happened to fall into this article discussing the exact same issue you had.

Go Here.... http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mac911/ and go about halfway down the page, where its talking about sync'ng and a palm Zire.

As a secondary note, did all you folks hear, (or notice when calling) that Apple has moved Applecare support to India? Tonight, on a simple matter, I waited on hold for One hour, then couldn't even understand the man. Then, when I asked to speak to someone from the US, he said "no" and hung up on me. And I paid $300+ for this service! Too bad, when I purchased it when I bought my cube years ago, it was a bargain IMHO, which is why I purchased it again.

Last Mrk

01-06-2004, 09:03 PM

That's basically what I ended up doing. Reinstalling Palm Desktop, then iSync then Missing Sync.

Everything is GOOD now. :)

ktm3ten

01-14-2004, 11:45 AM

You help so far has been amazing and I've been syncing with pdique, iSync flawlessly. Now I've needed to go back and sync with VPC again via a serial adapter. I can't get VPC to work with Panther at all, when I select a USB device, it unselects when I click ok. Anyone had problems with VPC and panther recognizing USB devices? Thanks for the help in the future!!

Using VPC 6.0, OS X 10.3.2, and a previously working IO Gear USB Serial Adapter

rkevwill

01-14-2004, 02:18 PM

This is a topic you really should be checking on, on the Microsoft VPC forums. However, in my past experience, you need to make sure you do not have more than one usb checked in the preferences, if you have more than one virtual machine installed within VPC. In other words, as I have 2000, 98, and XP installed on mine, I have to make sure USB is DEselected on the others, so I can use it for example, on 2000. Only have it selected on one. (not having all that in front of me now, as I am on a diffferent computer, I hope I am clear)

In any case, make sure you have usb selected in your preferred OS ONLY, then restart, and make sure its still selected. VPC works fine with panther, I personally have seen no problems with it.

If you still have problems with VPC and usb, its best you check out the VPC forums over at microsoft. Thats not really an Ique issue, its a panther vs VPC issue.

famousmime

02-06-2004, 11:13 PM

Hi All,

Thanks for all the helpful information on this forum.

I am a researcher creating mobile location-aware applications. I just got an ique. I generally work on a Mac. I recently installed Panther

Since I'm only doing development work-- don't need Garmin's maps and don't want to sync with my address book, calendar or anything else--I'm not sure what to install. I basically just want to be able to install my own Palm OS software on the thing without compromising my system.

Any advice on what to install / not to install to get it to play nice with my powerbook? Can I avoid the Palm Desktop software and just get the conduit? I haven't used isync for anything before -- the point here is that I want transfer capabilities but I don't want any syncing.

Would it be better to add the bluetooth card?

Thank you.

R

rkevwill

02-06-2004, 11:20 PM

um, no offense, but I think its a good idea if you read this particular forum from beginning to end. What you are asking is a whole book in itself, regarding ique and Macs. One answer to your question is this. Putting a file on a palm IS syncing, as well as updating files already on there. Thats how the files are put on. That said, you will save yourself a lot of grief if you read the Ique/Mac forum from beginning to end. BTW, if you wanted no map capability, and you use a mac, you would be much better served and have less hassle if you would use a Palm branded "palm" other than an Ique.

famousmime

02-06-2004, 11:51 PM

Why would I want a Palm without GPS when, like I said, I am developing location-aware mobile apps? To clarify, this means that I need GPS but not Garmin's maps or other software. I don't care about any of the other usual palm functionality either -- only that long and lat are available to my own software. I am aware that syncing is how Palms typically move files. What I am asking is what the best install is for moving files to and fro as well as installing apps without any kind of synchronization. What are the pitfalls with this particular device, which I know is slightly tricky for Mac? If I don't care about addresses and calendar, what parts can I leave out of the configurations detailed by the forum?

rkevwill

02-07-2004, 12:14 AM

One reply to your message is not going to solve all the issues you will have with the Ique and the mac. again, read the forum from beginning to end, and pick out the ones that are important to you. As for the install issue, just turn off (and make default) all the hotsync conduit settings in palm desktop, except for the install.

In particular regarding the former, your problems will mainly be connection with your computer. In which case a freeware (and help page) is referenced in the forum for a fix. In addition, there is a fine application called MissingSync for Garmin, by MarkSpace. You will need one of those just to connect to the mac.

KaveTheMan

02-07-2004, 02:38 AM

If you only need to transfer files to the iQue, then buy yourself a SD card and a SD card reader. That way you can transfer anything to the card on the mac, and then use it on the iQue.

famousmime

02-07-2004, 07:40 AM

>Get an SD-card and a card reader

KaveTheMan,
Thank you. This is a great solution for me that I hadn't thought of. I will pick up SD-card and reader.
R

2brn2b

02-07-2004, 04:41 PM

This is my first post on any forum so please bear with me or direct me elsewhere if I'm in the wrong place or violating forum decorum. I've used a Visor with a Magellan GPS Companion since they both hit the market several years ago until my wife recently dropped the ensemble & shattered the Visor. I've always been a dedicated Mac user and, quite honestly, am terrified of any of the MS os's. ( As my first and last experience with such was an attempt to start my law practice using MS-DOS PC's in the late 80's.)

Thus, I then discovered Mac's and have been genuflecting before the Apple icon since. And though I have long since given up on the "Law", Mac's remain an integral and daily aspect of my life. But lest I stray, the point is that the Visor/Companion combo, along with the Palm Platform, has been my primary interface with GPS. The Magellan came with Map Companion & Nav Companion software that really worked well insofar as my needs went. As The Mac OS evolved I never had much trouble Synching the Palm Software and the maps originally included with the Companion. But this is the full extent of my experience with Computers and GPS related maps/software.

Needless to say, since the literal crash of my Visor/Companion duo, I've been looking at everything from Smart phones to dedicated GPS units as a replacement. But for the last 2 months I've looked and lusted and looked evermore for that special new gizmo that would fill the technological void left from my loss.

And then I happened upon the Garmin iQue. "iQue"-can a Mac devotee help but be hooked on just the name alone? I thought surely with a name like that I had found the answer to my recent loss. And so I researched and googled and read until I finally finished with this thread, all 21 pages of it. And let me say this, although I consider myself a true novice in light of the issues addressed in this forum go, I must say that reading this and watching the participants interaction was as true of an example of Hegel's dialectic, as could possibly be represented. And I mean this sincerely and respectfully to those individuals that patiently and altruistically carried this problem of Mac incompatibility through to a rational solution. I may not of understood everything about the programming , etc. but there really is a certain beauty in seeing the human mind(s) interact moving from problem to solution. And such leads me to believe even more-so that the Mac adherents represent the most creative, artistic and inspired of modern day "computerdom".

But enough of my sentimental blathering, as I really do have a question regarding my pending purchase of the iQUE.

I take it from the thread, that I am at least going to have to purchase this Virtual PC software in order to load the mapping portion of the iQUE software. I am not at all familiar with this, so is there a specific version I should purchase and if so what version would be best? ( I do have an son graduating from High School this year, so perhaps that student discount might be available?) I understand this to be some sort of Windows emulation software that runs on my Mac? ( I am currently using a Dual 1 Gig G4 with 1.25 gigs of RAM and OSX v. 10.2.8) Does this mean I will need to learn how to use Windows just so I can load the Maps? I have an Imation Flashgo that I use to download Digital photo's from a Smartmedia card, which I also believe will adapt to Secure Digital Multimedia card. Is this the same format that is referred to in the forum? Also I currently have one of my USB ports connected to a Keyspan serial adapter so that I am able to download information from a Davis Instruments weather station. Is this the same serial device referred to throughout the forum or is it manufacturer specific ?

And finally, does anyone know about the National Geographic State Topo Maps for Mac? Will they interface with the iQUE?

Again, I apologize if some of these questions are inept, and I'll probably have to reread the entire forum a couple of times before it all sinks in. But I truly miss both the Visor and GPS and really like the look and idea behind the iQUE, even though some of this "getting it to work with a Mac" intimidates me. Hopefully, with some help, I can get it to work as I can hardly wait to buy one.

John Patton

Last Mrk

02-07-2004, 11:04 PM

Wow. Your first posting is a doozy. I bet you gave up law for journalism. :)

I'm like you and really enjoy the Mac platform. I also believe that if I was able to figure all this Mac/iQue stuff out you will have no problem.

You will need Virtual PC for the initial map installations and then afterwards you will not need it unless you want to change what maps you have on the iQue (or SD card). It's been months since I visited the VPC residing within my Mac.

All the syncing that's done with my Mac Address book and iCal using iSync, and then the backups and file syncing done with Palm Desktop for Mac's have worked flawlessly for me.

My Mac runs on 10.3.2 (Panther), and I use VPC 6.1.0.

There will be a new version of VPC coming later this year. Click to read, then scroll about half way down the page. (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/158677_msftmac30.html)

Robertp366

02-08-2004, 02:12 AM

If you still have some Windoz friends, you could create the map files on his/her machine and copy them to an SD card (something you will need anyway), or to a cd or some other transportable media. You can even capture the voice files and other initial setup files on a disc.

The mac can read these files even if they are in microsplat formats, and you can then load them via the palm sync routine described in the thread.

Or, you can load these initial files by directly connecting your USB cradle to the windozing PC and do the initial setup, then proceed to your mac set up as described in the thread.

i.e. you do not need virtual PC, just one-time access to a PC. You'll only need to go back again if you change your mind about what maps you want. If you plan ahead, you can make several different base map and detailed map files and save them all. Lots of space needed, so a portable hard drive might be needed - map files can be 200 MB (if you use 256MB SD cards) or larger.

Robert

2brn2b

02-08-2004, 11:17 AM

Thanks gentlemen, you know us ex Law types, why use one word where a thousand will suffice.

I've ordered VPC and found a good price on the iQUE at, believe it or not, MacMall. So it's next in line.

Another question on the SD card- Any better/preferred over another brand and should I go 256 or 512, as there seems to be specials all over the web on both?

Thanks Again, and will let y'all know of the progress as I overcome my aversion to MS products, virtual or not.

John Patton

CinderK

02-09-2004, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by 2brn2b
...
Another question on the SD card- Any better/preferred over another brand and should I go 256 or 512, as there seems to be specials all over the web on both?
...

There are many posts in this forum that cover various aspects of different brands/sizes/speeds of SD cards. For example, searching on the string "Panasonic AND SanDisk" (two manufacturers of SD cards) will yield over 175 posts.

Here is a post of mine that gives information on SD card speeds.
//-----
Here's a link to a post of mine that helps describe some of the speed
differences between cards. (It's a short post, but contains a link to
a more descriptive post.)
http://www.pdastreet.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=107403#post107403

Also, here's a relevant exerpt from another of my posts...
"A fast card may help improve the performance of things that require
card access, such as map drawing, doing searches for restaurants
(etc.) thru the map data, calculating a route thru the map data,
displaying digital pictures stored on the card, etc. Basically,
anything that accesses the card has a potential gain if a fast card is
used."
//-----

Besides speed, another thing to consider is reliability. It seems to be a prevailing opinion, by many members of this forum, that SanDisk cards aren't the highest quality. There have been many reports of problems with them. I personally have used several, and I never experienced any problems other than a lack of speed.

Well, I hope this helps. Happy perusing.

CinderK

2brn2b

02-09-2004, 11:34 PM

Thanks Cinder K,

I kinda felt foolish about that question after exploring PDAStreet beyond the iQUE-Mac thread yesterday.

I read various threads re SD cards (and even Downloaded the Benchmark/Speed test program everyone referred to). I ended up purchasing the 32x 256meg Lexar, hoping it is, in fact, the Panasonic, as my first card.

I'm amazed at the vast amount of real life consumer product experience/info available about everything imaginable in forums throughout the web. I really find it hard to believe consumers can complain, when spending a little time researching results in a far better spent dollar.

And tomorrow the goods arrive!

Thanks again,

JPIV

Last Mrk

02-13-2004, 11:58 AM

PalmSource Drops Mac Desktop Support

Feb 12, 10:10 PM (ET)

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - In a marked departure, PalmSource Inc. says future versions of its Palm operating system for handheld devices will not have built-in synchronization software for Apple's Macintosh computers.

The decision to abandon Mac desktop support in its new Palm Cobalt OS stemmed from the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company's limited development resources, PalmSource officials said Thursday.

They stressed, however, that Mac users will still be able to rely on third-party developer software for the important function of synchronizing data between their computers and Palm-powered handhelds.

"We believe the Mac community will be well serviced by the Mac developers we have out there already," PalmSource chief products officer Larry Slotnick said, adding that some of them arguably could do a better job than PalmSource.

For instance, Sony Corp. (SNE) already includes Mac synchronization software from Mark/Space Inc. in its Palm-based CLIE personal digital assistants, Slotnick said.

"We are not a huge company and our energy and resources (have) to go into guaranteeing that Palm OS Cobalt is a competitive product against rivals like Microsoft or Symbian," Slotnick said.