Garmin is to GPS as Netscape was to browsers. There is something strangely odd, almost religious, about human nature that makes us really reluctant to move on from the first techno-magic we are exposed to. But, aside from "they have history", there is no good reason to continue.
They (and Trimble, the FIRST true hand held I owned - circa 1990) pioneered hand held GPS, so I understand the reluctance to move on from something familiar. Google Maps is the one everyone compares it to, so why not just use Google Maps?įor Garmin, I was both an early adopter and an early abandoner.over the course of two decades mind you. this site is mostly for ol' guys, so look it up if you don't know who Ricky was. (in my best Ricky Ricardo imitation voice since we're talking about stuff from antiquity). I don't get it, so please, "splain suntin to me Lootcey". my tongue in cheek semi-annual anti-Garmin rant. Twii you are correct in using the best & easiest GPS planning product made. I don't waste time creating folders or converting files and other nonsense to use a route in a Garmin GPS. If I can't make a route go exactly as I want it by dragging it I can force a correction merely by creating a point and inserting it in the routes properties :thumbup: If I need to create a point I can also get its coordinance from the "Whats here" function of Google Maps and use the "Go to position" function on either Garmin planning product. I wonder how many 3RD party software packages can do that. I can use the "street view tool" anywhere along the animation and see an actual view of buildings or features along the route. I even get a control panel for "forward, backward, fly faster etc.". I can fly any route created by Garmin planning software by highlighting the route name and selecting "View in "Google Earth" and the animation of helicopter flying the satellite view begins instantly.
Also flying the route allows me to see the expected volume of traffic on a road in real time :22yikes: I wonder how many 3rd party software routing programs allow you to fly a route in satellite view of Google Pro to check for the condition of roadways (poorly maintained or paved turning to unpaved and back again, it happens). If a 3rd party map was easier and more accurate, I would be using it. I have even seen people trying to find a road using a map set for "Basic Map":shrug: If a road does not appear it is usually solved by selecting a higher map detail in the "VIEW" on the top sidebar. Most roads that don't appear are because of the user and not Garmin's product. No file conversions, just send a group of routes to the unit or SD card and all folder & file conversions happen in a second or less.Ī 5 year old could learn the basics of MapSource or BaseCamp if they tried with a positive attitude. Even routes created prior to a map update should be recalculated on the PC for elimination of problems. Anything but a Garmin product may appear to work but really is not 100% compatible since the maps in the 3rd party software and the Garmin unit will not be a good match (different map makers). I use the little bug in BaseCamp to check a new route. Can anyone tell me about Streets & Trips? Is there an alternative mapping software that is under $100 that will work better here and in Europe? Thanks in advance.I also use MapSource to program custom routes for my Zumo 660, Zumo 665, & my 2012 built-in navigation system. Dell has been equally unhelpful with their product support/information. I live in the Seattle area and was ready to camp out at Microsoft in frustration. Let's just say Bill Gates is getting a letter. My question.will Microsoft Streets and Trips work on my PDA with the GPS and actually tell us how to get places, or is it strictly a pre-planning software? I wanted to use the GPS next May for Europe and it doesn't seem to be what I was told it would be. As we traveled down the road, the maps stopped afer about 30 miles. The Pharos GPS came with Ostia software, which wasn't very good, but waited until Christmas, as I told Santa I wanted Microsoft Streets & Trips. The directions were great, but the car hook didn't always work, so instead of just exchanging the unit, we upgraded to a handheld. As background.I bought a Dell Axim with GPS unit that plugged into the car. You seen my questions and complaining, but I'm back with more.