Please read before contacting me:
Please do not use this form for GPS-related questions. Instead, please post a comment on the site. I try to answer all questions submitted via comments (usually within 24 hours); this way everyone can benefit from it. Comment forms are found at the end of each post. You are much more likely to receive a response by posting a comment, rather than emailing me via this form.
You can post questions about specific models on their review page, or use that search box above at right to find a good place to comment. Meanwhile, the following are some good places to post general questions.
Hi, I have contacted Garmin about the fact that the Oregon 550t comes with only preloaded 100k maps which cannot be used in Basecamp. I pointed out that if I had purchased a 550 and Topo US 100k dvd it would have cost the same and I would have both.
I asked that they send the DVD but so far have heard nothing.
I do not feel I should have to throw more money and I won’t.
Thanks
Hi Mark, you can use the latest versions of BaseCamp to display your Oregon preloaded 100K TOPO map on your computer. With that in mind, I wouldn’t think you should expect a DVD from Garmin.
Good point JD. Thanks for chiming in.
Hi,
I am looking at the Maestro 4700 & RoadMate 1475T. Can you compare the two and give the advantages of one over the other? Also what year maps are in the units?
Sincerely,
Devin
Sorry Devin. I haven’t done a hands on ets with either unit. However, the 200+ comments on this thread (http://gpstracklog.com/2009/06/magellan-roadmate-1475t-with-lifetime-traffic.html) may be helpful
Help! I want to get a handheld GPS for my son right away while he’s in Alaska… does one exist that has a all the great handheld gps features PLUS a built in locator beacon? Or do I have to buy 2 seperate gadgets? Please answer asap, as I need to get something right away. Thanks…
No. The closest thing is a DeLorme product coming out later this month, and it isn’t a true locator beacon…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/01/delorme-pn-60w-with-spot.html
Before you buy, are you sure he will carry two devices?
No, I’m not sure he would carry two – that’s what worries me. But which is more valuable? Him finding his way, or us being able to find him if he gets lost? I’m a total novice to this technology – do you have reco’s? Thanks!
I’d ask him which he wants. The locator beacon will have less of a learning curve. If he hasn’t used a handheld GPS before, he may not want to take the time to learn it if he has limited time there. A lot depends on what kind of activities he is engaged in too (backpacking vs day hiking vs…?).
thanks… He’s an avid outdoorsman so would use it all the time hiking, camping, fishing in Oregon. Right now, he’s in Alaska as a fly-fishing guide, and I was shocked that he doesn’t have either device with him. It’s his 21st birthday so am trying to send him something special – although who knows how long it will take to get it there!!! lol.
Just curious – why is this technology not combined into one unit by now? It seems pretty logical that they would both be needed and aren’t they similar technology (only reverse?) anyway? I’m really surprised.
I think we haven’t seen this because it’s been difficult to pack all the electronics into a reasonable sized (and priced) package. Also, it’s a relatively small market and, until now, the market leader (Garmin) hasn’t seen pressure from competitors doing this.
If you just want a GPS, take a look at the Garmin GPSMAP 78s, a relatively new unit that is at home on the water (it floats) and on land.
DeLorme is actually shipping the PN-60W now, and will send the SPOT Satellite Communicator along when it is released (slated for later this month): http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtdItemDetail.jsp?item=30786§ion=10741&minisite=10020
It has a bit more of a learning curve than the Garmin, but it should be an excellent unit.
Rick,
I find your blog very helpful. I would like to buy a Nuvi 3790 T with European maps. Do I need to pay a monthly fee to use it? Would it work in Europe? If I want to use it in the care, what kind of accessories are available?
Thank you
Lewis.
L
No, there is no fee for use. It comes with a mount and car charger, and will work fine in Europe. Expect it to take a while to lock satellites the first time after moving it thousands of miles. If you buy it in the US, you’ll need City Navigator Europe NT maps.
It is hard to get someone to talk to. I’ve lost my contact with GolfLogix and
can’t down load courses. Can you help with this problem. Thank you.
Okay, so what happened exactly. You said…
“I had to reboot my Computer and lost my GolfLogic, can I get it back so I can use it.”
Hello, I am looking into buying a Garmin Gps. I am moving to a bigger city (population 500,000-1 million)pretty soon and thought it could help me get around (also help when going on vactions) Anyway I want one that helps with lane change, eco friendly (save gas) turn by turn voice, text to speech and just stuff like that. BUI I don’t need the bluetooth and FM transmitter and all that. Basically what I am looking for is a gps that will help me get to and around a new place and also help save gas. I was thinking about a Garmin Nuvi 1450, Is that a good reliable choice. I also don’t want to spend no more than $200, which is why Im looking now cause of specials, I can get a 1450 for about $150. Thanks
The 1450 is a good unit. You can get it with lifetime traffic and maps right now for $150:
http://bestgpsdeals.net/tag/garmin-nuvi-1450lmt/
i need to mail back the nuvi 1200.. where do i send it?
I replied to your other comment at http://gpstracklog.com/2009/08/garmin-nuvi-1200-review.html/comment-page-1#comment-127859
I need a multi-point capable gps that can accept address downloads from excel and create logical routes by time, miles, etc. I cannot find any detail on the mulit point function on any of the sights.
You can import addresses from Excel and create custom points of interest (POIs). Garmin seems to offer the best custom POI support. This is an old post, but it should get you started…
http://gpstracklog.com/2006/03/custom_pois.html
There’s a column in this chart showing which models do multi-point routing:
http://gpstracklog.com/compare/garmin-nuvi-comparison-chart
considering buying Garmin GPSMAP 62s. Never had hand-held gps before. can I enter waypoints on 62s using UTM, USNG, lat/lon coords? I ask because I purchased a new Tom-Tom last year, as an upgrade to a 3-year-old Tom-Tom, and discovered after the fact that the new Tom-Tom does not allow entry by coords, you have to use street address. I find this a major drawback, as I live in a non-urban area. I read the 62s owners manual, and it does not clearly say what coord formats it accepts. I don’t live close enough to dealer to check it out. thanks.
Yes, you can enter coordinates in any of those formats.
Hi,
I’m looking for a GPS that will be used for driving mostly but on occasion I would like to use it for walking in cities that I am not familiar with. Also, there needs to be European maps on it.
Any suggestions???
Thanks!
Leslie
Yes, one of the Garmin nuvi models ending in 70 or 75. The forthcoming 2370 is the latest and greatest, but the 1370 is nice too…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/02/garmin-nuvi-1370t-review.html
We just bought the 1450 LMT. When entering the names of favorites, the name does not appear on the map, as it did with the 205. Is there a way to have the name appear on the map along with the icon.
Any suggestions ???
Thanks,
Jerry
I don’t believe so. They might display if you use custom POIs.
I just bought an Oregon 450 and then an 8G micro SD card, and then the 24k western US DVD and loaded it through Basecamp. I’m going to Alaska next month and wanted to download a free topo map for Alaska but it says to use Mapsource. 3 questions: first, can I load this map using Basemap? Second, if I load a map using Mapsource onto my Oregon 450 and it already has a 24k map loaded onto it using Basecamp, will that cause a problem with the GPS? Is there a way to load free maps from GPSfiledepot using Basecamp? Thank you.
Dave
Yes, you can use BaseCamp… http://www.gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/#pcbasecamp
The only issue you’ll run into is that when you added any maps, they were loaded as gmapsupp.img. The unit will only support one gmapsupp.img file. If you load more, it will overwrite that file. The solution is to go in and change the name to something more descriptive like 24kwestus.img. Then transfer the new maps, and change the new gmapsupp.img file to something like mynewmaps.img, etc.
is there a gps that will play my iphone music thru the car speakers… i’m aware of the bluetooth choices in gps, and i’m trying to consolidate all my devices
thanks
Not sure, but you can go directly from your iPhone to a Bluetooth stereo or via an auxiliary jack.
I have a Garmin nuvi 650. The touchscreen is dead. It just stopped working. I’ve contacted Garmin support and they tell me that model is no longer eligible for service. It’s toast and that’s that. I thought a manufacturer was required by law to provide service and support on a product for 7 years after a product was discontinued. Am I all wet on this? I would appreciate your comments/suggestions. Thanks!
I never heard of a law like that. I’d call back and try a different customer service rep, and ask for a supervisor if that doesn’t work.
I have been using a Garmin 205W all over the world, for many years, and love it. If I upgrade to a 1450T, can I migrate my many .IMG maps stored on microSD to the 1450T successfuly ?
Are they free maps or are they Garmin products that are locked to a single device?
Mostly they were free. I downloaded them from various web sites. Regarding your question ‘locked to a single device’ I have no answer. I assembled all of them onto one 8G microSD with GMap Tool, and they all work satisfactorly.
I believe they will work, but I haven’t tested it.
thanks for that.
Can anyone tell me if the eTrex handhelds w the IPX7 waterproof rating will withstand continuous or near-continuous emmersion in shallow water for a 10-30 min period? I want to mount an eTrex on the back or head of a snorkeler to record a tracklog and document where he goes – so the unit will intermittently go just under the water and then re-emerge above the water surface.
Thanks for the input
I’m not sure it would survive immersion over and over. And the IPX7 ratings do not take into account movement which could force water into the unit. The unit will have to reacquire satellites every time they surface too, which could take a minute or more, so I would definitely use a model with a high-sensitivity chipset. A very small dry bag could work, but even a small one would likely provide unwanted buoyancy. A Forerunner 310XT might be a better solution, albeit a more pricey one.
Hope this helps.
what do you think about the etrex 20 versus the dakota 20 now that they are the same price?
I think the Dakota will be more user friendly, and touchscreens are advantageous if you’re entering a lot of text (e.g., creating waypoints in the field). BUT, I’ve seen quite a few reports of cracked screens on the Dakota series, so I’m not sure how rugged they are.
thanks. those touchscreens are delicate. if im planning on putting in an sd card for additional memory, the smaller memory in the Dakota isnt of concern then? Im all about ease of use and the dakota is tried and true by now. And I DO like the larger display on the Dakota. Do you see any compelling reasons to get the Etrex? Faster satellite location, better range from cover…etc? Also, i will use this in my jeep…offroad and on, and other cars. I will also pocket or belt carry it when on foot. what mount do you like?
thanks for advice…
I have a Garmin 550T and cannot seem to read my Micro SD card. I have maps from your site, Colorado Topo, Colorado GMU, Calif topo. I know I have not done something I need. I tried to load the maps on the Garmin via BaseCamp and I THINK I see them but I’d like to have them on the SD Card. Am I going bonkers or is this possible. I would like to remove all the maps off the unit and only use the SD Card. I would like to purchase the preloaded cards but that is money I do not have.
thanks for a really good site.
Butch
You are probably installing maps form http://gpsfiledepot.com.
This tutorial should help:
http://gpsfiledepot.com/tutorials/how-to-load-maps-on-my-garmin-gps-unit/
Look at steps 3&4 under “Loading The Maps With BaseCamp on a PC”
Hello. I am looking for a GPS unit that is capable of doing a few things, I am not sure if something exists in this combination. I would like a GPS unit that is portable (not car-based), that I can have record points with accuracy around 5 meters. I would also like it to be able to record paths. I would then like to be able to export this data in a way that is accessible to a mapping program like the arcGIS set. If it can allow me to upload my own maps, all the better.
Does something exist with these abilities? I am a geography grad student interested in starting some route mapping, and want the right tool for the job.
The one thing you may not get is 5 meter accuracy. Most current consumer handhelds will give you 10-30′ accuracy, but a lot depends on the satellite constellation that day. It’s not geosynchronous, hence the accuracy range.
And the data won’t come out in shapefiles, but there are converters around that will take the .gpx data you get and put it in the proper format. This may help…
http://gpstracklog.com/buyers-guides/handheld-gps-buyers-guide
Great, thank you for your help. I believe that the Oregon 450 is my best option. Also, thank you for this site, it is a great resource for the field of GPS.
Glad to help. The 450 is a great unit. You can get aerial imagery and USGS topos (raster) for it. There are plenty of free vector topo maps and you can make your own vector maps. You can convert shapefiles and layer them on it too, and even put custom raster imagery on it. I think you’re going to have fun!
Thanks for all this useful information. I’m wondering if you could make a recommendation for me. I have purchased two GPS’s and I need to return one of them, but I’m not sure which one. This will be a Christmas present for my 16 year old daughter who has just gotten her driver’s license. The price on each was about the same. (TomTom $79 + tax and Garmin $84 + tax.) The two units I’m looking at are the TomTom 1505M and the Garmin Nuvi 40M. For a new driver would you recommend one over the other? We live in Michigan but she might end up in Texas for college. Thanks!
I’d go with the nuvi 40LM. I think the interface is easier to use and less distracting.
Rich, Your site has amazing wealth in information for everyone, experienced users and even newbies (me), thank you.
Thru your reviews I purchased my wife a Garmin nuvi 2595LMT, her old Tom Tom 300 retired, thank you again.
However, the newbie(me)purchased a Garmin Montana 650 (not received yet) again thru your reviews, I wanted something that could be used on the road, 4×4 offroad (topo),for hiking and bicycling on city trails and mountain trails, the right type of maps is where i get lost, you recommend City Navigator maps for on the road, do they show the large network of bicycle paths also ?
Should i also get the 24k topo for 4×4 trails, do they have the mountain bicycles trails on them ?
The last question is, should I get this all on MicroSD or DVD, or none of the above, get it all free from GPS file depot ?
Confused newbie!
Thank you, Hank
City Navigator probably doesn’t show much in the way of bike paths, though Garmin does have some Rails to Trails maps that may interest you…
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=255&fKeys=FILTER_SERIES_RAILSTOTRAILS
Unfortunately they cannot be used for trip planning on your computer, a big fail on Garmin’s part IMHO.
For topo and trail maps, I would go for the ones from http://gpsfiledepot.com rather than pay for them. Check out the MyTrails map, and there are the NW trails and SW trails maps if you’re out west.
But my routine is to download track files from a .gpx sharing site like Garmin Connect, and then use that for navigation…
http://gpstracklog.com/2010/07/navigating-tracks-on-the-new-garmin-handhelds.html
This will give you accurate distances if you choose Where To > Tracks and then select the .gpx file you loaded of the trail in question.
Feel free to ask more questions along the way.
I just purchased a Garmin nuvi 1450LM. I am trying to activate my lifetime Maps, I went to the site, It does not tell me how to down load it. Please advise.
Thank You Phil
You need to go to http://mygarmin.com and register it first. Then you can either download them from there or use the Garmin Lifetime Updater:
http://gpstracklog.com/2011/07/garmin-lifetime-updater.html