Vista - Vista, gps, and... ah bluetooth

I am getting a STRONG impression that the only way to use a 'standard' gps
device with MapPoint or any of its derivitives (street and xxx) is to use a
Microsoft 'standard' GPS device. Everytime I try to connect to my GPS
receiver using the Mappoint 'scan' feature, the port is no longer available
(however, it works with all other map products that I have).

I have looked through knowledgebase and am getting the impression that I
must have a 'Microsoft GPS device' connected to a 'real' com port (real is
either directly or via USB but not bluetooth). A standard bluetooth based
device (even using Vista bluetooth support) does not work, at least for me.
I have not tried a different USB connected 'standard' GPS device yet but I
will try my Delorme device later today (it conforms to all standards).

There now appears to be a 'Vista GPS device' and I am also looking for more
info regarding that new 'special Vista device'. Does anyone have any
experience using GPS in Vista (or other even XP) with any Microsoft mapping
software (in particular a bluetooth device)? I am reasonably sure I can use
my Delorme software but I was hoping to stay with Mappoint as it also works
well with my PDA.

Thanks,
Joe

On Thu, 5 Apr 2007 00:48:00 -0700, joke
<joke@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>I have looked through knowledgebase and am getting the impression that I
>must have a 'Microsoft GPS device' connected to a 'real' com port (real is
>either directly or via USB but not bluetooth). A standard bluetooth based
>device (even using Vista bluetooth support) does not work, at least for me.
>I have not tried a different USB connected 'standard' GPS device yet but I
>will try my Delorme device later today (it conforms to all standards).
>
>There now appears to be a 'Vista GPS device' and I am also looking for more
>info regarding that new 'special Vista device'. Does anyone have any
>experience using GPS in Vista (or other even XP) with any Microsoft mapping
>software (in particular a bluetooth device)?

I was going to recommend the free trial of GpsGate, which usually can
solve any "plumbing" problem, but it sounds like they haven't solved
all the Vista isues:
<http://franson.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4281>

Still worth a try... You usually know a lot more corners of your
problem after playing with it.

Loren