Comparing Garmin Map with MapKing Map

After testing the maps in Garmin and MapKing formats, I come to the following observations:

Garmin Map

1. More up to date
2. Not latest but free download for Singapore, Malaysia from malsingmaps.com
3. Free download for Australia, Netherlands, Germany etc
   

MapKing Map

1. Can search by post code, building or street names
2. Voice alerts for speed cameras
   
3. TTS (Text To Speech) is supported
4. Free download for Singapore, Malaysia from malsingmaps.com
   

Testing Garmin Map on Windows Mobile PDA with Bluetooth GPS

I am using Qtek 9100 PDA phone running Windows Mobile 5 with Holux GPSlim 240 bluetooth GPS.

1. Download Garmin Que for Pocket PC ver 2.90 (10 May 2006)
2. Download GPSProxy 2.2 (25 May 2006)
3. Download Singapore/Malaysia map or other country map in Garmin format (gmapsupp.img) and copy it to garmin folder of SD card.
4. Install Garmin Que to PDA
5. Install GPSProxy to PDA & ignore message about OpenNETCF.SDF.ppc3.ARM.CAB being required.
   
6. Turn on bluetooth on PDA & turn on GPS. Pair them
7. Run GPSProxy & click Menu
8. Click Virtual COM Ports & Add
9. COM7 will be added & click ok
10. Click Menu & Extensions
11. Under GPS Provider, select NMEA Input & click Configure
12. Under GPS COM Port, select COM6 (Microsoft Bluetooth) for COM Port, 57600 for Baud Rate & click ok twice
13. Under Extensions, select Garmin Protocol Output & click Configure
14. Select COM7 for Application COM Port, 57600 for Baud Rate & click ok thrice
15. Wait for GPS fix whereby the bluetooth & GPS indicators on Holux will blink alternately.
    
16. In GPSProxy, click Start
17. Run Garmin Que
18. Click Menu -> System Setup -> Interface
19. Select GPS Device as GPS 10 Bluetooth & Communications Port as GPSProxy Virtual Com Port & click ok
    
20. Select destination
    

Testing MapKing Map on Windows Mobile PDA with Bluetooth GPS

I have a Qtek 9100 PDA phone running Windows Mobile 5 and Holux GPSlim 240 bluetooth GPS. Going to test them with 3 days trial MapKing software.

1. Download Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5
2. Download MapKing 2007 Pocket PC Version V2007(build 0131) 16 Jan 2007 and country map or MapKing!G10 V10.2(1115) 15 Nov 2006 and country map. I prefer MapKing!G10 since it has newer map for Singapore. Singapore_PPC_Eng.m7a for MapKing 2007 (19 Dec 2006) or Singapore_PPC_Eng.G10 for MapKing!G10 (10 Apr 2007).
3. Install ActiveSync 4.5 on PC and reboot.
4. Connect PDA to PC & install MapKing on SD card.
5. Copy country map eg Singapore_PPC_Eng.G10 to My Documents folder on SD card.
6. Run MapKing
7. Click Tools -> Open Map & select Singapore_PPC_Eng.G10. I use Mapking map as it provides POIs for post code or speed camera unlike Malsing map even though it has the latest update (1 July 2007 on MapKing website or 25 Dec 2007 on Malsing website).
8. Click Tools -> Options -> Voice, change Instructor to Digital for TTS to work
9. Turn on bluetooth for PDA and turn on GPS. Pair them by creating a new partnership. The passkey is 0000 and select serial port.
10. Create a new outgoing port under COM Port and add it to the device Holux GPSlim240.
11. In MapKing, click GPS. Tap anywhere and click Destination.
12. You can choose destination via Recent, Favorites, Routing or Find (post code, street or building name).
    

PC Advisor March 2008

Features

1. Security Superguide
2. Six PC Projects
3. Web 2.0 Survival Guide
4. Email Etiquette
   

Cover DVD (Free Paid Version)

1. Ashampoo Photo Commander 5.0
2. PC Art and Craft Studio Desk Calendars
3. Steganos Safe One
4. NetObjects Fusion Essentials
5. novaPDF Lite 5.3
   
   

Updating Maps on Garmin nuvi 250W

Australia

1. Map Update
   
2. Red-light cameras, speed cameras, speed zones & school zones
   

Singapore

1. Map Update
2. Speed Trap
3. ERP Gantry
4. Traffic Light Camera
   

Updating Software on Garmin nuvi 250W

1. Download WebUpdater and install the software.
   
2. Connect GPS to PC using USB cable which is not supplied.
3. Run WebUpdater and follow instructions.
   

Sat Nav Garmin Nuvi 250W

Bought this GPS. It comes with City Navigator Australia NT 2008 Map from Tele Atlas and SiRFstarIII 12 channels. The usage mode can be automobile, bicycle or pedestrian. TTS (Text To Speech) is not available. The wide screen size is 4.3" with 480x272 resolution. It includes Picture Viewer, Calculator, Currency Converter, Unit Converter and World Clock. The GPS Simulator can be turned on to check any route before going on the trip.

1) Check software version
Touch wrench > Settings > System > About
nuvi 250W
Software Version 2.90
Unit ID: 3360xxxxxx
Audio Version: 2.30
GPS SW Version: 3.00s

2) Check hardware version & perform diagnostics
Touch and hold battery icon for 7 secs
SW Ver 2.90 n2 S V4 256MB
RAM Pass
ROM Pass
Battery Ok Cap
Batt Capacity 48%
Temp 1 33deg C
Temp 2 100deg C
PCB P/N 105-01265-00
PCB Version 4

3) Hard reset (Delete all saved information)

1. Turn off device.
2. While holding a finger firmly on the lower right corner of the screen, turn on device.
3. Continue pressing on the screen until a message appears.
4. Follow the instructions to clear all user data.
   

4) Soft reset
Press the reset button on bottom of the screen.

5) Calibrate touch screen

1. Turn the device off.
2. Press the power switch over into the on position and hold for 45 secs.
3. You should see a message on the display that says 'Press Dot'
4. Keep pressing the dot as it moves around the screen until the calibration is finished.
5. Once this is complete, there will be a message that says "calibration complete".

6) Charge using AC power or USB port

1. With the device off, plug it into the AC power or USB port. It will then power itself on.
2. When it says "Loading Maps" on the bottom of the screen, press and hold the power button to turn it off. The screen will then say "Charging Battery. Slide the power key to turn it on".

7) See diagnostics information

1. Go to the trip page
2. When in the trip page hold your finger in the center circle (speed display) for about 5 seconds until it goes in diagnostics menu