How to run TomTom Navigator for Palm on a Sony Clie NX73/V

Requirements:

• Sony Clie NX73/V
• Memory Stick or Memory Stick Pro with at least 100Mb free
• Bluetooth or cable GPS Mouse (see below for details)
• PDA Mount (see below for details)
• SD Card Reader and MS Card Reader

Method:

1. Order your TomTom for Palm system from your favourite supplier. I got mine from GPS UK, but you can also order direct from TomTom - choose either the Bluetooth or Cable versions.

2. In the box, you’ll find an SD card which has the software loaded on it. Use an SD Card Reader to copy the entire contents to your hard drive, and then use an MS Card Reader to copy the contents onto your MS card. You can, as an alternative, install the maps and software from the enclosed CD directly onto your memory stick, but I’ve found the SD copy method quicker.

3. You will then need to run TomTom on your NX73/V in order to go through the onetime setup. This includes the activation of the map using your CD Key and the Device Key TomTom provide you with. Full instructions are on screen and in the manual.

4. With your Navigator software activated, you’ll now be able to select your GPS mouse as per the standard setup instructions included in the TomTom box.

5. Finally, you need to install a new audio driver on your Clie. You’ll notice that the TomTom speech runs very slowly, as if someone turned the speed down. This is because TomTom Navigator is designed to run on a Tungsten T3, which has different audio libraries. In order to get around this, you need to install MCA2 from CliePet. I have tested MCA2 v2.03 and it works. MCA2 v2.05 is the latest version and appears to ‘truncate’ the voices on my device, so I can’t recommend this version. Follow the install instructions at the download site and all should be well.

6. Restart your Clie and run TomTom again. You should now hear the voices at the correct speed, and all will be well with the world...

Notes regarding the TomTom Bluetooth GPS Mouse and the mount...

The PDA mount that comes with the TomTom solution is designed for a Tungsten T3, and so will not work with a Sony Clie. The mount I use is an Arkon Powered Mount which I purchased from GPS UK. It comes with the relevant Sony Clie connectors and powers both the Clie and the GPS mouse. It also has a speaker which I plug into the Clie via the standard audio adapter that ships with the Clie. Most Bluetooth mice will run for hours without power, so I hardly ever have the mouse plugged in. If you chose a Cable mouse when you bought your TomTom kit, you will need to ask your powered mount supplier if they have an adapter that will connect it to the Clie (directly, or via the powered mount). For this reason, choosing Bluetooth is a safer bet.

I also replaced the TomTom mouse with the SysOn Bluetooth mouse from GPS UK. It cost me more money, but seems to work better than the standard mouse bundled with TomTom’s package. It’s a personal preference, and if you’re looking to buy a GPS system that is cheaper (and better?) than the Sony Clie GPS Car Cradle, buying another GPS mouse would probably defeat the purpose.

Now go navigate somewhere...!

Also see details of how you can be warned of Points of Interest, such as safety cameras, using the latest version of TomTom Navigator for Palm.