New Here and I already have a problem!

[midnightlady]

Hi All

Just joined up.  Am on my second MX5, upgraded from a 2006 MK3 to a 2014 MK3.75 recently.  I am looking for some help/advice from someone more knowledgable.

I have a bit of an issue with the built-in SatNav.  It needs updating, which I tried to do yesterday.  I managed to create an account on the Mazda/Naviextras website.  Unfortunately, it now requires me to download some software in order to update the maps onto the SD card.  This is all straightforward so far, have something similar for our TomTom.  The tricky bit is the software is only available to PCs with the Windows OS.  I have an iMac.  I called the dealer where I bought the car and she confirmed that I need "a proper PC" in order to get the updates.  I was quite flabbergasted, to be honest.

Has anyone else come across this and is there any way round it - without buying a PC or hitch-hiking the software onto someone else's computer?

It really does seem outrageous in this day and age, with the amount of Mac's out there that this company hasn't considered covering both platforms.

The dealer said they would do it for me, but they are an hour away, so hardly convenient or practical every time I need an update.

Any help gratefully received.

Many thanks

Donna

[wannabe]

Hello!

Welcome to the forum


You'd need to check the hardware/system requirements for the software (so it can be loaded on and then actually work) but you could look at getting a cheap secondhand Windoze laptop for this sole purpose alone? CEX or similar usually have a selection for reasonable money

Even it costs £100 for something cheap but working, that will likely still work out cheaper than a trip to the dealer, what with petrol prices and labour rates! lol


Another option might be to partition (I think that's the correct term?) your Mac so it has both OS on it and you could choose which one you want to load up and use, but I wouldn't be confident of getting it right myself lol

[midnightlady]

Thank you for your response and advice.  Much appreciated.  We do have an ancient laptop, but I doubt it is capable of running Windows 5, let alone 10, LOL.  I did also consider partitioning the Mac with Bootcamp and putting Windows on there, but I have such a hatred for Windows and anything 'Gates' tbh, that I really am reluctant to go down that route.

A s/h laptop might be an option..... but if I'm honest, I have a phone and a TomTom, so maybe just cut my losses and not worry about the built in satnav.  I upgraded the car for the height adjustable seat more than anything, so wasn't expecting a satnav.   I have emailed Naviextras telling them of my incredulity and disappointment that they don't support probably the second largest operating system in the world.... but I'm not hopeful of a response.

Thanks again anyway.

Donna

[howardb66]

I use the Nav on my phone. Much better than the in built stuff, especially when it gets old🙂

[midnightlady]

Aug 19, 2022 16:22:05 GMT howardb66 said:

I use the Nav on my phone. Much better than the in built stuff, especially when it gets old🙂

Thanks.... starting to see that might be my only option.  I may go to the dealer if I'm passing and get them to do it.  Really does seem a ridiculous way to conduct business, though.

[zoona]

i have fitted an aftermarket andorid auto/apple carplay box to my other car (not an mx5) and that beats built in navs by a mile. Not sure if there is such a thing for 5s? (a quick google suggests not, but you could just replace the headunit?)

As Howard says - your phone is better as well... I use these: www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Original-Steelie-Mount/dp/B00BAQKRHY

[midnightlady]

Aug 19, 2022 20:26:23 GMT zoona said:

i have fitted an aftermarket andorid auto/apple carplay box to my other car (not an mx5) and that beats built in navs by a mile. Not sure if there is such a thing for 5s? (a quick google suggests not, but you could just replace the headunit?)

As Howard says - your phone is better as well... I use these: www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Original-Steelie-Mount/dp/B00BAQKRHY

Thanks. Will probably just use the phone when I need it then, until I can get to the dealer.

[Don]

There is a chance the person you spoke to could be mistaken so could be worth asking a different dealer if it's possible to update via a mac.