GoldenRetrievers

Best to call Garmin on this one. I have City Navigator V8 and it came with two Unlock Codes for two different GPS units. However, the automotive units and the software that came with them might be different. With any luck, they will tell you that software did come with two Unlock Codes. That's what I was thinking also. I played around a bit more, went to "MyGarmin" and made sure both units were registered. Then I went in and asked for an additional unlock code for my new Vista HCX off the the original DVD software that came with the Street Pilot 2720. They sent me a code, so I uploaded everything onto a micro SD card via a card reader. The entire process took about 45 minutes to load onto the card. Popped the card into the Vista and everything was there. Works great now. Everyone thanks for the help. BTW, I emailed Garmin just after I made my original post on this subject. STILL WAITING FOR A REPLY FROM THEM.

Please bear with me. I'm new at this "Garmin" stuff after coming over from the Magellan line. A couple of months ago I purchased a Garmin 2720 Streetpilot auto unit. (Love it BTW.) It came pre-loaded with City Navigator NT North America v8. (There are no memory add-in cards on that unit). The package also included the above title on the DVD which I installed on my computer. Creating routes, etc. works fine. Last week I purchased the Etrex Vista HCX which of course comes only with that crappy basemap. Question: I used my CN that was already loaded on the computer to select and load 954 megs of map data onto a micro SD card thru a card reader. No problems so far. The name file shows as "gmapsupp.img". When I put the card into the Etrex and power it up I get "Unable to unlock maps". I thought this software version was supposed to be allowed on 2 GPS units. Any suggestions anyone? Or am I stuck with having to purchase a new unlock code from Garmin?

I had the Magellan Meridian Marine GPSr for several years. It performed well, but did have some "quirks". I just purchased the new Etrex Vista HCX last week and haven't used it enough yet to make a fair comparison, but I'd say that the satellite reception is MUCH better. Some features I liked better in the Magellan unit, but overall I think I'll enjoy the new Garmin better. The screen size is smaller, but then again, so is the overall unit. I like the smaller size of the unit.

Also, be careful when you place your order to get the correct model. When I looked at the Prestige Camera site for the $199 price you quoted, it was NOT for the Vista HCX, but for the Legend HCX. The Vista HCX is selling on their site for $239.99. I just received my Vista HCX from TVNAV.com two days ago and was very satisfied with the ordering process and quick shipping.

Ok, I'll bite. Put me in the running as well.

My first unit a few years back was the Magellan ColorTrak. I've used a Magellan Meridian Marine unit for the past year for both boating and for GeoCaching. Does both tasks very well!

Daddyfish What do you think of that card reader? Have a 128 Sandisk in my Meridian Marine currently. Works great. Have an IBM Microdrive in a digital camera and looking to purchase a large Sandisk as a backup. Thinking maybe a multi-memory type reader with USB 2.0. Any suggestions on that piece of hardware from anyone?

My wife and I just signed up for "Charter Membership" on 3/10/03. As you can see, we are listed as "Premium" members. I contacted Jeremy and asked the difference between "Charter" and "Premium" membership. The reply was: "Yes. Charter members are those premium members who subscribed in the first 11 months that subscriptions were available. They don't get any more features than you do."

Don't forget to fill in "Password" before trying to update your profile.

Just checking for an avatar appearance in my first post to the group.