eXplorist Compatibility with Windows Vista 64-bit and 32-bit (or Linux)

I curious whether anyone has experience with using their eXplorist (I
have a 500LE) under Windows Vista. I've got two PC's running Vista: a
desktop running 64-bit Vista and a laptop running the 32-bit version.
I've already figured out that Magellan doesn't have any drivers for
either OS, but the unit does connect relatively well under File mode
with the laptop. Unlike some others have indicated, MapSend
DirectRoute (v3) seems to run with no problems on either machine.

Where I'm having trouble is sustaining a connection on the desktop PC
(running Vista x64). About 80% of the time, I get a "device not
recognized" error when I connect the unit, even in file mode. When I
am successful in getting it connected, it only stays connected for a
few minutes at a time. Given that I can simply load files to the SD
card (or use the laptop), it's not really a big deal but it is a
little annoying. Of course, it would also be nice to connect to the
laptop in NMEA mode and use it with DirectRoute, but I guess that's
the price I pay for being an early adopter.

Anyone noticed similar problems? Really interested in finding out
whether you found a workaround, but any feedback to let me know I'm
not alone would be good too.

Alternatively, I'd be interested in knowing whether folks have any
experience using their eXplorist under a Linux OS... Ideally a Live
CD (or Live DVD) distro, but any Linux flavour will do.

Cheers!