questerx2

Look before you leap is good advice. I did not see any problem with MM's replies. Frustration being mostly emotion can make things look different. All is turning out pretty well because of Garmins customer service. Coddfish, if you can get to an REI they are usually a great place to learn more about Garmin GPS. REI stores are in Boston, Framington, Hingham, and Reading. There may be more locations? I suggest patience for caching and with learning all of the tricks a Garmin can do. You are on the right track looking at upper end models. One other suggestion, use the Garmin site enough to get use to it. There is lots of info at their site (and here in the forums).

I appreciate that. My intention was to reply to Coddfish. The way I read Coddfish’s post, I thought he was saying that he read a description of the CNN upgrade on Garmin’s web site. The purpose of that part of my response was to verify that he was indeed looking at a description of the update and not of the original-install version, since I couldn’t find any description of the update on Garmin’s web site. I believe Coddfish’s subsequent post is indicating that he saw the update description on Amazon’s, not Garmin’s, web site. I think if Coddfish provided a specific model being considered and the map desired it would be easier to determine how to get there from here. Garmin has put out many models and it can be confusing. Thanks for the good reply. :D

Is it possible you are confusing an update with an original-install (full-install) version? I’m not able to find a page on Garmin’s web site that shows a CN update; only the original-install version. This is not an update. When I click on the link on that page for the map updates, it requests a unit serial number to see whether any updates are available. Since there aren’t any for my unit, it doesn’t display a page to buy the update. I can’t find any other way to display a page describing the update. So when you talk about the product description on their web site, I wonder what you’re looking at. The product linked above will work with any compatible unit out of the box, because it’s an original-install version. You might want to check out this post to make sure you are using the correct terminology. Could be I am not understanding your post. I don't think you are addressing a question to me, but I want to make sure. If you connect a GPS with a base map to Map Updates it will respond with no updates available because the base map does not get updated. If you have a full version map installed you can see if updates are available for that map. If you are shopping the Garmin website will describe what comes with the model you are looking at. If you click the Maps tab you can see what maps are sold for the unit. Also the accessories tab will take you via model to the page with a maps tab. If you have a unit in hand you can see what is in the unit. Am I following what you said? Were you advising Coddfish and I am showing my confusion by butting in?

--- Garmin sells units that are preloaded with full version maps and units with only base maps. A base map will not update. A full version will update. Some units like the Colorado 400t are preloaded with a Topo map: http://tinyurl.com/5zq3mw It is important before you order a full version map or update to first determine what you have in the GPS. Is the map a "base" or a "full" version? The Garmin site will help with determining the maps that work with the GPS model you have. I use the CN NA NT for geocaching. The majority of caches are located in areas the map covers, and CN NA also allows the GPS to help with road trips etc. Figure out as much as you can here then confirm with Garmin. I ask via email to support. I then have their written response to cover me if an error is made. By figuring it out here first I know what to say in my email to them. They are responding to a large number of questions quickly and likely will not spend much time on their response. The more direct the question the better the chance of a good answer.

-------- Good choice getting the CSx. You will be able to do it all. Out of the box you have a base map. The update is for a specific map. Your GPS has no specific map in it. You will want to purchase a full version of the 2009 CN NT. You can get it on DVD to install on your computer and then download to the GPS. This is the way most want to go. An alternative is to buy the map on a SD card. If you purchase the DVD you will need to purchase a 2 GB micro SD card for the GPS to store the map data (located under batts). I suggest purchase of the Map DVD from Garmin and the card from a store like BestBuy or Circuit City. Check the Garmin FAQ regarding their suggested card. I had good success with San Disk. Do not get a card brand or type not suggested by Garmin. If you go the DVD route turn off energy saving modes in your computer because the download to the GPS takes almost two hours. Do not worry about it if the map you order turns out to be a 2008 version. Garmin will ship a 2009 update disk at request. Once you have put a full version map in your GPS you will only need to buy updates in the future. Hope this helps out. Have fun caching

The simple answer is, "Probably nothing you'll miss." I have a 60CSx, and I never use the electronic compass, and the alitimeter is of little use. I wouldn't miss either one. The compass frustrates the #%$^@ out of me, and the only time I have ever used the altimeter was to make an elevation profile of a 50-mile bike ride I went on with a group of boy scouts. We started and finished at the same place, but there must've been an earthquake, because there was about a 100 foot elevation difference at the same spot from start to finish. As long as you get the Cx, so you have the good chipset and external storage, you're good. ------------------------- C - can S - someone X - explain I recently did an earthcache that required the elevation of coordinates. I calibrate the compass when I am in doubt. It takes only a moment to do. I have never calibrated the altimeter but it seems to work well. With that said I do not disagree with what you wrote. I like the CSX but the most important stuff is in the Cx. I have no regrets with the CSx

Somewhat. Similar error happens to me, garmin is bit slow response to my report. The correct disk arrived after I departed on my trip, which mute the purpose why I wanted the update. For me Garmin has always done such a good job I came to take it for granted. The 2009 map release seems to lack internal communication and controls. Support reps appear to be trying to take care of individuals with what they know and are allowed to do. In our case the response to the error demonstrated they are committed to customer service. I am willing to forgive them this time. Not getting the map in time for your trip is a greater inconvenience than I experienced and may not be as forgivable. I have no complaints with the update so far. Hope yours works well when you do get to use it.

Somewhat. Similar error happens to me, garmin is bit slow response to my report. The correct disk arrived after I departed on my trip, which mute the purpose why I wanted the update. For me Garmin has always done such a good job I came to take it for granted. The 2009 map release seems to lack internal communication and controls. Support reps appear to be trying to take care of individuals with what they know and are allowed to do. In our case the response to the error demonstrated they are committed to customer service. I am willing to forgive them this time. Not getting the map in time for your trip is a greater inconvenience than I experienced and may not be as forgivable. I have no complaints with the update so far. Hope yours works well when you do get to use it.

Somewhat. Similar error happens to me, garmin is bit slow response to my report. The correct disk arrived after I departed on my trip, which mute the purpose why I wanted the update. For me Garmin has always done such a good job I came to take it for granted. The 2009 map release seems to lack internal communication and controls. Support reps appear to be trying to take care of individuals with what they know and are allowed to do. In our case the response to the error demonstrated they are committed to customer service. I am willing to forgive them this time. Not getting the map in time for your trip is a greater inconvenience than I experienced and may not be as forgivable. I have no complaints with the update so far. Hope yours works well when you do get to use it.

(My first post at Groundspeak Forum) I read this thread and encourage waiting until good reports are heard. I have been in the middle of Garmin's confusion for days. I received verbal and written confirmation that I would receive a full version CN NA NT 2009 DVD with part # 010-10816-00. I ordered on 06/27/08 and a 2008 version arrived 07/03/08. I just sent support a request for the 2009 update disk to remedy the problem. I will post results when known. 7/14/08 UPS just dropped off CN NA NT 2009 Update disk. Good service from Garmin made up for their error of shipping 2008. I suggest order, and if a mistake is made feel confident they will take care of you.

(My first post at Groundspeak Forum) I read this thread and encourage waiting until good reports are heard. I have been in the middle of Garmin's confusion for days. I received verbal and written confirmation that I would receive a full version CN NA NT 2009 DVD with part # 010-10816-00. I ordered on 06/27/08 and a 2008 version arrived 07/03/08. I just sent support a request for the 2009 update disk to remedy the problem. I will post results when known. ( Already made a mistake posting while trying to update this post) 07/07/08 - Today I received a reply from Garmin support that they are sending a 2009 update disk to remedy the problem. If I have not been kicked off here by then I will report when the update arrives.

I have the 60CSx and love it. If your budget allows I think it is the best one. Garmin, compare features: http://tinyurl.com/2l3535

(My first post at Groundspeak Forum) I read this thread and encourage waiting until good reports are heard. I have been in the middle of Garmin's confusion for days. I received verbal and written confirmation that I would receive a full version CN NA NT 2009 DVD with part # 010-10816-00. I ordered on 06/27/08 and a 2008 version arrived 07/03/08. I just sent support a request for the 2009 update disk to remedy the problem. I will post results when known.