Sunday, March 18, 2012

New Garmin Edge with Bluetooth hits the FCC

Garmin Edge with Bluetooth

Forthcoming Garmin Edge with Bluetooth?

Look what showed up on the FCC website! This appears to be a new Garmin Edge cycling unit, sporting a nice Bluetooth logo on the rear. And while the FCC documentation doesn’t say Edge, it does mention an “Edge External Power Pack.” There is no word on whether or not the wireless is of the Bluetooth Low Energy flavor, but we suspect it is. Since Bluetooth would open the door for wireless data transfer to and from some smartphone and tablets, we may also see an app announcement when it is officially rolled out.  read more

Garmin tempe review

Garmin tempe screenshot

Garmin tempe temperature data shown on Montana 600 screen

The Garmin tempe is an external temperature sensor that is compatible with many Garmin handhelds that have ANT+ wireless data transfer capability, including the Dakota 20, fenix, GPSMAP 62s(t)(c), GPSMAP 78s(c), Montana series and Oregon x50 series. Compatibility has also been promised for the eTrex 30 and Rino 650/655t, but so far we’ve only seen a beta firmware update for the eTrex 30 allowing it. read more

Using Dropbox to sync GPX files between computers

GPX file sync using Dropbox

Do you find yourself needing to access your GPX files from multiple computers? If so, here’s a quick tip. Sign up for and install Dropbox (a cloud storage service offering 5GB of space for free) and put your GPX folder inside your Dropbox folder. To make access even easier, follow up by dragging the GPX folder to Favorites in Windows Explorer (or Finder on Macs). Your files are now readily available from any machine you set this up on. read more

Posting a Garmin Adventure

Garmin-Adventure

I finally got around to posting a Garmin Adventure. It’s a hike I took on the Appalachian Trail last week while testing a couple of units. read more

Out with the old, in with the new

Out with old in with newJust a few quick notes to keep you up to date on discontinued units and new introductions hitting the market…

Garmin has discontinued quite a few handheld models, most notably the eTrex H(C)(x) series, pushed out by the very popular new eTrex 10/20/30 models. Also on the the chopping block, the Astro 220 and Rino 5x0HCx models. Road warriors may bemoan the loss of several diminutive nuvis, the 12xx series and the 2200, as well as the transatlantic 1370T. read more

Garmin Forerunner 10

Garmin Forerunner 10 group

The Garmin Forerunner 10 is a new entry level GPS sportswatch, introduced in the fall of 2012. With a $129.99 list price, you’ll only get the basics, but that includes how far and how fast you’ve ran, calories, pace and personal records. And you can upload all your data to Garmin Connect and share it if you wish.

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Organizing your data in Garmin BaseCamp

Want to better understand how Garmin BaseCamp organizes your data? You’re not alone, as it is probably the most confusing aspect of the program. Looks like the company finally got the message as they have posted a very helpful video tutorial (PC version above; Mac version here). read more

Garmin fenix review

Garmin fenix review

Hands on Garmin fenix review

The Garmin Fenix is a new backcountry sportswatch, Garmin’s first to use their popular Forerunner form factor. With an up to 50 hour battery life, this wrist-top GPS is most likely to appeal to two classes of users: (1) those who want both hands free (rock climbers, off trail hikers, and even some hunters and fishermen) and (2) those who demand a long battery life, such as backpackers.

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What kind of maps do I need for my Garmin handheld?

Maps for handheld Garmin GPSThat’s a question that keeps coming up, so here is another handheld GPS FAQ. I’ll break this down for folks who need topo or highway maps, and we’ll explore aerial imagery as well… read more

My new favorite bike mount


It’s been awhile since I addressed handheld GPS bike mounts (apart from some photos), and my thoughts have changed a bit over the years, so it seems like a good time to revisit it. Basically, I now prefer the standard Garmin bike mount which fits the newer eTrex, Oregon, Dakota and 62/78 series, over my previous favorite RAM mounts. The Garmin mounts work very well, and I appreciate their low profile, low cost, and the fact that I can use them with several different models. read more