I'm interested in adding GPS to my Centro phone. Can the Mobile XT files that come on the pre-installed micro-SD cards be copied over to a card I already have in the phone? I have a 4GB card already and would like to avoid swapping cards.

Also, would the palm software installed on my phone be compatible with other maps from Garmin (like the park topo add ons)?

 Any recommendations for software that would work for geocaching with a gps enabled smartphone (Centro)?

Thanks!

David

Hi David,

No, Garmin Mobile XT can only be used on the pre-programmed memory card and it will not work if the contents are copied to a non-original memory card. FYI: The pre-programmed memory card has a license file that will only allow the application to be launched from the original memory card (unique card ID)

I am not aware of Garmin topo maps for PDA / Smartphone. Their topi maps are always available and designed to be used with their own Garmin Mapping Handhelds: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145 

For topo maps, pls consider Fugawi: http://www.fugawi.com/web/products/fugawi_map_of_america.htm (also compatible with your Palm OS in the Centro).

Wrong Assumption: Centro does NOT have a GPS built-in and it is not a GPS enabled smartphone. So, you must also purchase a Bluetooth GPS receiver to be used along with Garmin Mobile XT or topo maps of your choice.

For Geocaching, I recommend: Cachemate http://www.smittyware.com/palm/cachemate/

Other possible alternatives (please check if they have a Palm OS version, I know they have a Microsoft Pocket PC Version for sure:)

Backcountry Naviagator, Beeline, and GPS Tuner

So if I understand correctly it's:

Garmin Mobile XT and you must use their SD card and can use any GPS unit, or

Garmin Mobile 10 and you must use their receiver and can use any SD card you want to store maps on.

 Is this correct?

 For Garmin Mobile 10 do you offer a car adapter cable that can charge the GPS unit and a Palm Centro at the same time (two power connections)?

Some of the premium car kits you list with the Garmin Mobile 10 also list built in speakers. Any suggestions on car kits that would work with Mobile 10 and Sprint Palm Centro? The simultaneous power connection being the most important consideration.

Do you know any palm software that would allow using the receiver as a datalogger for taking photos since that functionality isn't built into the receiver?

Thanks in advance for the many questions.

Hi DavidCoy,

1) Yes, you must use the original card included by Garmin, which is only 2GB.

2) Yes with Garmin Mobile 10.

3) Yes, we may have it. What is the charging connector of the Palm Centro looking like? Is it miniUSB or the same charging connector as used in their Treo 650/700/750 phones?

4) We do not have a powered mount for Palm Cento. Sorry.

5) Unfortunately not, nothing that I know of for Palm. There is a GPS Gate software for saving GPS NMEA raw data onto your SD card but nothing for Palm. You may want to get a Data Logger Bluetooth GPS receiver with Garmin Mobile XT.

Hope this helps.

Greetings.  In terms of external bluetooth GPS devices, I was under the impression that Garmin Mobile XT for Palm works only with Garmin units (but they're working on a release to allow it to work with any brand).  Am I mistaken about this?  Thanks.

Garmin Mobile XT is the one that has already been released by Garmin many months ago and it could be used with any NMEA compatible Bluetooth GPS receiver.

Most of our Bluetooth GPS receiver will work with Garmin Mobile XT and a Treo phone.

Re: numbers 3 and 4:

 If I check on Palm's web site, the charging cables and the hotsync cables appear to be compatible between the Centro and the treos.

Hotsync cable
http://store.palm.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2295845&cp=1214570.1958863&parentPage=family

Charging Cable
http://store.palm.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2174410&cp=1214570.1958887&parentPage=family

So, would the powered mount you have available (SKU 888) work with a Centro and Garmin Mobile 10?

 http://www.buygpsnow.com/search.aspx?keyword=888

No, SKU 888 will not work with Centro because the case / body design of the Centrol is completely different from the Treo 680 / 750 / 755p.

Ok, bummer.

I was hoping that it was just a matter of fit and that it might be a little loose needing some foam stickies. Maybe you know someone with a Centro and can check the fit?? The powered speaker would be nice.

Do you think that you have a dual power supply that would work for the Centro (treo connections) and the Garmin Mobile 10 receiver (mini usb connections??)?

All the powered mounts we have is tigh fit and it will not fit the Centro.

Have you considered this one?

Two Sockets Car Charger with 1 USB PORT