I have a N800 and I just got a new GPS. I have read some of the threads about Maemo Mapper. My question is why do I want/need Maemo Mapper on my N800? What is it going to do that my GPS can not do? I am asking because I am clueless.

Maemo Mapper can use just about any web source for it's map. I actually use a couple of different sources depending on my need : Google, Yahoo, Open Street, and Open Cycle. There is one catch, maps need to be downloaded from the internet, so using it in a car requires some sort of moving wifi or pre-downloading of the maps (usually not that big a deal). Also, routing needs to be done with an active internet connection.

The other catch for you is going to be that the n800 does not have a built in GPS like the n810.

BTW, i have 2 GPS units and my n810. I almost never use either of my GPS for navigating, I just use Maemo Mapper on the n810. What i really like is that I can have one unit in the car for GPS work and playing all of my digital music library.

- John

Well the wifi in the car would be a problem for me.
I tried using Maemo Maper on my N800 before I got my GPS and although I was able to download maps and save some routes it kept freezing the screen so I gave up on it and bought a GPS.
I am using OS2008 Version:5.2008.43-7

I use an N800 and MaemoMapper, combined with the GPS radio on an E71 cell phone. That combination allows me to avoid buying a dedicated GPS unit, carrying around yet another device.

For my needs, it is sufficient. I download the maps for an area prior to going, and the routes. The N800 can contact the Internet via the E71 cell to calculate routes if I need it while I am travelling.

However, if you have a dedicated GPS unit, with turn by tun instructions and up to date maps, you likely won't need to use the N8xx and Maemo Mapper, etc.

Thanks that clears things up for me. I never use the internet on my cell phone.

I too, have a stand alone GPS and an N800. My Garmin 680 has lifetime map updates and lifetime traffic alerts with loud crystal clear voice turn by turn prompts. For automotive navigation, nothing comes close. With Maemo Mapper and a wifi connection, however, I can super zoom in on a neighborhood with VE Satellite to see who has built in swimming pools. You can add traffic or weather overlays to your google street map, with a 1 minute refresh rate. I also have a tiny bluetooth gps receiver that I pair with my N800. Your gps is great in locating an address, VE Satellite shows where cars are parked in available parking lots.