Should I buy a Rand McNally tablet since the company is going under?

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by trevordempsey, Jan 15, 2017.

  1. trevordempsey

    trevordempsey Bobtail Member

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    Would I be able to download updated maps from another source in the future?
     
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  3. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Interesting, I have not heard about their failure yet, any link to a news source? I am interested in their eobr solution for my small fleet, it seems very simple and is cheaper than moat other options.

    As for updates from other sources, I doubt that since the software for each device maker seems to be proprietary even though the map databases are usually from the same sources.
     
  4. G13Tomcat

    G13Tomcat Road Train Member

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  5. MidWest_MacDaddy

    MidWest_MacDaddy Road Train Member

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    If you get the RM Tablet, and it comes with lifetime map updates, why would you need another mapping option or what does it matter if the company stays in business or not?

    It's an Android Tablet so I assume Google Maps work just fine on it if that's what you are talking about.
     
  6. trevordempsey

    trevordempsey Bobtail Member

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    I'm just getting this information from my investor friends. Apparently since Patriarch Partners (sole owner of Rand McNally) has these CLOs that are defaulting and are being sold off...

    http://www.leveragedloan.com/for-sale-assets-in-patriarch-partners-defaulted-zohar-clo/

    ...the companies that Patriarch manages don't stand a chance, as the Zohar CLOs were what was providing liquidity.

    Plus the founder and CEO is being investigated for fraud, so everyone's saying they're going down.

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/arti...nd-patriarch-partners-defend-sec-fraud-claims
     
    brian991219 Thanks this.
  7. trevordempsey

    trevordempsey Bobtail Member

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    I was concerned that when the company folds, I would be stuck with old maps. I know I can use Google maps, but I didn't know if there was a platform-agnostic trucker friendly map publisher that I could transition to if I got the Rand McNally tablet. Looks like that's not a thing, though.
     
  8. TAfool

    TAfool Medium Load Member

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    RM isn't going under, Patriarch is. Patriarch owns debt and securities of multiple companies and it is these assets that are being sold off because Patriarch is in trouble.

    Think of it this way, you own 5000 shares of F (Ford). You need to raise cash so you sell your F shares. Is Ford in trouble? No, it is you that needed money. Same thing for Patriarch and RM, it's Patriarch that needs the money.

    TA
     
  9. UsualSuspect

    UsualSuspect Road Train Member

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    I would not worry about them going under. Let's say they filed tomorrow and had to liquidate, Garmin, Magellan, or one of the others would buy it for pennies on the dollar, for the technology or customer base, or both.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  10. trevordempsey

    trevordempsey Bobtail Member

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    Hopefully someone will buy Rand McNally as is, and not just for its assets. Somehow I think the latter is more likely, though.
     
  11. trevordempsey

    trevordempsey Bobtail Member

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    That's what I'm worried about. If/when liquidated, it's not certain that their products would continue to be supported. I'd be SOL with a tablet that will soon be junk.
     
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