Re: Getting Fed Up With MapSource Unlock

Bruce E. Stemplewski wrote:
Bruce E. Stemplewski wrote:
GSV Three Minds in a Can wrote:

Not 'easily' for the umpteen million GPS handsets already out there. it doesn't work that way. Yes it could, but it doesn't.


Possibly a simple upgrade in firmware (assuming Garmin already has a way to store data that cannot be reset). If you want the capability then you upgrade the firmware. Even if the idea would be impossible on exiting devices, that does not mean the process cannot be improved for future devices.

The dongle idea on the GPS would not work on existing devices either but it would be a big improvement for all concerned on future GPS.






When I said "dongle" I guess I really meant chip. A dongle could be used, on existing GPS devices, between the GPS and the PC but that is not going to prevent you from selling the GPS with the maps intact. Unless they were automatically erased every few months, requiring you to download again. But this might be a bit of a hardship for those that purchased GPS devices preloaded and don't have the PC or technical know how to download new maps.




And after thinking about it a dongle between the PC and GPS would not work for Garmin. Someone could buy one copy of a map and load dozens of devices. Having the maps automatically deleted would help with piracy using this method but probably wouldn't be much help in say companies or groups such as a club.

--
Bruce E. Stemplewski
GarXface OCX and C++ Class Library for the Garmin GPS
www.stempsoft.com
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