What Has Happened To Garmin?

[+arpegio]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something? They don't seem to care much about their products working or customer service. I can't get straight answers about when products are to be released, when the upgrade periods start; their web site is constantly up and down; the unlock-code process for their software does not seem to work now and my newly-purchased maps are useless and the web-based unlock system says they've already been unlocked when they aren't.

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

[+Miragee]

Wow! If you did a Search of these Forums, you would see that people have been very happy with Garmin and their Customer Service.

 

I had no problem unlocking the maps I purchased, and I have a very old computer and a 24K dialup connection to the Internet.

 

When the rubber was coming off my Vista C, I sent it in and they sent me a new GPSr.

 

I'm sorry you are having those problems, but usually a post like yours is about Magellan Customer Service . . .

[+horsegeeks]

I have had nothing but good things to say about the support staff. I took a tumble down a cliff into the water breaking a 60C. It was still under warranty so they replaced it in 8 days. I bought another 60C and after a canoe turnover we found it wasn't watertight so they replaced it in 8 days (we had gotten them wet before and no problems). With two weeks left in the warranty of our StreetPilot 2620 it started to exhibit some jitter in the screen. It was replaced in 7 days. I have had questions several times about the unlock process, some perceived problems, etc. Except for long hold times to get a technician on the phone all questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I usually just wait for upgrades to come out both version upgrades of CS and CN not needing to know when and why things happen. I have been more than happy with all of the dealings with Garmin. The good thing about their support staff is I can understand them easily and their explanations are very clear. I wouldn't consider changing companies for my geocaching needs.

[+briansnat]

I've had nothing but great experiences with Garmin and their support. My wife broke her fall with a unit that was out of warranty. Smashed the screen and Garmin replaced it free of charge.

 

I did notice problems with their website last week, but show me a company that never has problems with their website and I'll show you a company that doesn't have a website.

[+stora]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something? They don't seem to care much about their products working or customer service. I can't get straight answers about when products are to be released, when the upgrade periods start; their web site is constantly up and down; the unlock-code process for their software does not seem to work now and my newly-purchased maps are useless and the web-based unlock system says they've already been unlocked when they aren't.

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

 

And you've had your GPSr how long ?

[+djpatrol]

if nav 8 is the first mapsource product that you have tried, the unlock process is a wee bit tricky on the navigator 8v software as your instructions are in the garmin file (start) on puter, click garmin, then "mapsource" manual. your questions should be answered there. also if you shoot past a screen and garmin is wanting a seven digit (verification?) code, back up a couple of screens and you will find out it does not apply to you (city nav v8)- only software with 25 digit codes.

if perhaps you want to load both topo and navigator on one micro card, check this site out http://home.houston.rr.com/gpsr/#Maps

read before trying, he has the correct solution. i have both topo and nav on one card, working perfectly, and am happy. truly the answers are there and not to hard to find. go have a brewski, relax, and try again! my 76csx rocks!

[+Right Wing Wacko]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something?

 

Nope... in fact they are doing quite well...

 

 

They don't seem to care much about their products working or customer service.

 

Garmin has a reputation for having excellent customer service. They will often even replace or repair products out of warrenty simply to keep a customer happy.

 

I can't get straight answers about when products are to be released

 

I beleive you will find the same thing with just about any company. Until a product is officially released, or at least officially announced, any information released would be considered insider information and a possible violation of securities laws.

Edited June 30, 2006 by Right Wing Wacko

[+Centex Trekker]

No offense, but you appear t be a disgruntled newbie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I was one myself. I've had problems with unlock codes and Garmin has been very quick to respond with answers that work. Give them a chance.

[+Bear Paughs]

In my experience Garmin has provided the best customer service of any company I've ever dealt with. I called for something that was completely a brainfart on my part, and they sent me a $35 cable for free just to make my experience with their product even better.

[+Quoddy]

It appears that you've been geocaching for almost a whole week and have two caches. There might be an experience/learning curve problem here rather than a GPSr/software problem. I've had nothing but fine experiences with the many products, support, and people at Garmin. You might actually try explaining what your problem is, there are many people here more than willing to give you the benefit of their experience.

[TracknQ]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? ...

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

Argpegio,

 

After experiencing many problems with my 60CSx, which I detailed in other threads, I returned my 60CSx and all Garmin software to REI for a full refund a few days ago.

 

From my point of view, Garmin has become either terribly negligent or very corrupt.

 

TracknQ

[+hogrod]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? ...

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

Argpegio,

 

After experiencing many problems with my 60CSx, which I detailed in other threads, I returned my 60CSx and all Garmin software to REI for a full refund a few days ago.

 

From my point of view, Garmin has become either terribly negligent or very corrupt.

 

TracknQ

 

you never even found any caches, so I suspect you are either a troll or didn't know how to use your gps reciever. I have not had any major issues with garmin, in fact have had the best support of any company I have dealt with.

[+Miragee]

I'm beginning to think the OP was a troll all along . . .

 

I know of two other people who had their 60CS units replaced with no questions asked by Garmin. One of those units, which still worked perfectly, was scratched and dinged and obviously very well-used.

 

Garmin replaced it with a new unit just becuase the lettering was coming off a couple of the buttons.

 

Garmin has excellent Customer Support.

[mina678]

I had no trouble unlocking nav 8 and I don't read the directions until after it doesn't work

[+S Keillan]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something?...

 

To the contrary, there will be a vote on splitting shares at the next shareholders meeting. Companies in trouble don't have that luxury.

[8mmag]

 

After experiencing many problems with my 60CSx, which I detailed in other threads, I returned my 60CSx and all Garmin software to REI for a full refund a few days ago.

 

From my point of view, Garmin has become either terribly negligent or very corrupt.

 

TracknQ

 

Too bad, its going to be a looong time until elevations zero out after a long walk and the coordinates are always exactly the same standing in the same spot with a consumer grade GPSr. You're missing out, but that's your choice. If this wasn't your first GPSr you'd appreciate it a whole lot more.

[+Cacheoholic]

There have been some issues unlocking CN North America V8. Mine unlocked today, 3 times for the same 60CSX on it’s own. I had to call customer service and they straightened it out by deleting the extra 2 unlocks. The tech said they had the unlock site shut down for awhile yesterday because of unlock issues. There is obviously a bug if I was allowed to unlock 3 times. The only complaint I have is that I was on hold for 32 minutes. I can understand that they must be overwhelmed with the release of a long overdue update. I predict that the supply of CN v8 will not keep up with the initial demand. Rest assured, Garmin will make it right.

[Tymbee]

Garmin support is easily one of the best operations I've ever dealt with. I've had multiple car mounts replaced at no charge (even though the problem might have been of my own making). They also gave me a RMA for a unit that was months out of warranty.

 

When I've called about a few issues I've had with trying to understand such things as unlock codes for multiple GPS units, I got very knowledgeable and helpful input that got me back on track each time. (pun intended)

[+geognerd]

Just curious, is their call center support staff North American?

[+Miragee]

Yes. They are located in Kansas.

[+Intermountain Angler]

It is amazing anyone would actually try to TROLL around these forums about Garmin's customer service. My research on this site lead me to purchase a Garmin 76CSX that I am thrilled to own. my calls into Garmin's customer support has always been handled in excellent fashion, Quick with the info I wanted and in English In my experience they are a top notch company, one of the very best I have dealt with in any field and is the reason I have just ordered a second 76CSX from them.

[Neo_Geo]

Okay - granted garmin's customer SUPPORT is #1 in the industry and is one of the best ALL AROUND of any company - PERIOD (exclaimation point). I think the OP's concerns were more with the SERVICE. The staff does seem to be VERY unfamiliar with their products - especially concerns about the new City Navigator as well as with new product models. Their Web site is often out of date or contains some errors or misleading information.

 

The OP is new to the forums, and undoubtedly new to GPS technology. Understanding where this user is coming from, I can sympathize with his/her frustration.

 

When recently reporting a bug with the 60Cx's custom waypoint symbols, the "Product Support Specialist" was quick to dismiss the problem as user error and advised me to call tech support.

 

Problem:

Custom Waypoint Symbol Bug:

The following custom waypoint symbols do not work when selected on the unit.

It always reverts back to the blue flag icon. All other symbols work

properly.

Waypoint Symbol 019.bmp,

Waypoint Symbol 020.bmp,

Waypoint Symbol 021.bmp,

Waypoint Symbol 022.bmp,

Waypoint Symbol 023.bmp

 

Response:

Thank you for contacting Garmin Product Support.

I am happy to help you with this.

I appreciate it is not always easy, but I recommend calling support. There

are too many variables to try and often retry.

Typically , it is the file size that blocks that particular icon.

Again maybe best to call. If you can call Tuesday-Friday early morning or

later in the day (8 am to 5 pm), the wait is often not long. We need to be

at a computer with the device.

If you have any additional comments or questions, please do not hesitate to

contact us via email or at the number listed below.

 

To the OP, let me assure you that Garmin is the best product with the best support. The technology is not perfect and sometimes people expect too much. A little patience and understanding is required when dealing with these hi-tech gizmos!

 

If you'd bought a Magellan Explorist when they first came out...

[+arpegio]

No offense, but you appear t be a disgruntled newbie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I was one myself. I've had problems with unlock codes and Garmin has been very quick to respond with answers that work. Give them a chance.

 

Newbie, yes. Troll, no.

 

Basically, yea I have been slightly disgruntled. I did hear back from customer service, but about half the time they don't answer my questions directly. The web site does appear to have some serious problems with access at certain times of the day. I find this frustrating. A few weeks back, it took me half the day to download a software update because their system was slow-to-unresponsive. I run an Internet business - I also designed the database system that largest internet hotel booking site bought for handling online reservations.... if my servers were as unreliable as Garmin's, many of my customers would go out of business. Garmin's servers, software and/or hosting company seems to have some issues. There are glitches in the online unlocking process that are avoidable.

 

I ended up having to pay a premium on eBay to get maps for my newly-purchased GPS because they pulled all their current City Nav software off the market. I needed the maps for a trip I was taking so I couldn't afford to wait for the nebulous, ambiguous new-software-is-coming-out period. I think this is annoying. If V8 is coming out, and you have a policy for free upgrades (which I've heard several different versions from various Garmin and non-Garmin sources on the timing/eligibility of this) why is there this period of a month or two where it's virtually impossible to get street mapping software for their GPSes? That's just ridiculous. We're talking SOFTWARE here... not some commodity like oil. There's no good reason why people should be paying more than retail for a software package. Pardon me if I find it ODD that you have Garmin reps, who produce the software, telling you that you're on your own as to where you can find it. That's just crazy.

 

Now that V8 is out, it may be moot, but if you were like me, and got your GPS during this software blackout period, it was very frustrating.

 

Anyway, I was more annoyed when I originally posted than I am now. I finally got my software unlocked and the Garmin people have been helpful. I really like the 60CSX I purchased. I do think there are some weird things that don't seem to make sense with many of their products (for example, some packages like USTOPO seem to require CDs in the drive, but other products like US24K NP can be installed on the hard drive... it's annoying to have to carry around a bunch of CDs when you've got a 200G hard drive in your laptop.)

 

One reason why I was so acerbic about this is because YES, I AM NEW. You can interpret this in any number of ways. You can claim I'm naive and ignorant of the way Garmin products and support work. Or perhaps I'm more idealistic, and because of my limited experience in this field, I foolishly thought that if I purchased a GPS plotter that promised auto-routing and those types of neat features, THAT I'D ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO USE THEM (without having to be extorted premium money from eBay opportunists looking to profit from Garmin's negligent ability to deliver software products to the marketplace).

 

The fact that Garmin nickles-and-dimes you for umpteen different maps and different named map products, maybe to you seems like "standard operating procedure" but as someone new in this field, it's frustrating that after you buy the unit, you need to buy 2-3 additional products to get maps for your area... IF you can even find them, and each product works and installs differently from the other, and I still am trying to figure out how to get them all to peacefully coexist... At this point, I seem to have to do some kind of upload/download musical chairs with my GPS to consolidate data between the PC and the handheld. Being a software developer, I know there could be a lot of improvements here, and since Garmin appears to be a market leader and has a brilliant scheme for maximizing the money they can squeeze out of their customers for every little thing, I am not inclined to cut them as much slack as some open-source software company who has limited resources. I'd expect more from Garmin.

 

Want to talk about map data and accuracy? I'm under the impression that the majority of this data, especially stuff like the topo maps, comes from USGS (taxpayer-funded) data. So we pay a big chunk of change to use data that we already paid for. Which in most cases, is way, way out-of-date in the first place. I'm paying a premium for TOPO data that will upload into my GPS which is far inferior to existing public topo maps from places like Topozone. Why is that? From my examination of the US Topo 24K NP data, this appears to be a subset of existing USGS maps. Why did Garmin strip a lot of the useful information off the topos? As for the City Select/City Navigator... the data is grossly inaccurate in many areas where I've physically been. My house is actually a P.O.I. in City Nav 7, listed as a company with a non-existant address; two blocks away is a [nonexistent] Indian restaurant (that never was) in the location of another person's home. The POI's look to be randomly injected from 10+ year old phone book or business records... grossley out of date for a 2005 version. The point I'm making is... this data appears to be, for the most part, garbage-collected from other sources. What are we paying for? To take public data with outdated POIs and be able to use them on Garmin GPSes? At the prices they're asking, it might be nice to see some effort to generate cartography products that are at least as good or better than public/government sources don't you think?

 

Anyway, I needed to vent. Maybe Garmin isn't as bad as I was originally implying, but I'd like to see them avoid some of these really obvious problems. Make their software a little more user-friendly and their online systems more robust and reliable, and do something about this bizarre software supply problem so it doesn't happen again.

Edited July 2, 2006 by arpegio

[+Maingray]

 

Anyway, I was more annoyed when I originally posted than I am now. I finally got my software unlocked and the Garmin people have been helpful. I really like the 60CSX I purchased. I do think there are some weird things that don't seem to make sense with many of their products (for example, some packages like USTOPO seem to require CDs in the drive, but other products like US24K NP can be installed on the hard drive... it's annoying to have to carry around a bunch of CDs when you've got a 200G hard drive in your laptop.)

Copy the TOPO maps to Hard drive and either install from there, or search these forums for a registery hack. No need to carry CDS around.

 

Amd yes, I agree with you about the lack of knowledge of their techs during this ridiculous start of CN v8.0 release. It seemed as though there was a massive lack of communication from Garmin.

Edited July 2, 2006 by Maingray

[+arpegio]

By the way, I do feel I was out of line in suggesting the tech support was "non-existent" - that could be considered very trollish. I apologize. If I could go back and remove that, I would because it doesn't accurately reflect my experience with them now. At the time though, I wasn't getting any replies to inquiries.

[+Miragee]

Here is a thread that explains how to get the TOPO maps on your computer hard drive.

 

Those maps can be installed on any number of computers.

[8mmag]

Copy the TOPO maps to Hard drive and either install from there, or search these forums for a registery hack. No need to carry CDS around.

 

 

BEFORE you do that, uninstall Topo using the Windows Add/Remove Programs. Then when you reinstall from the hard drive, the registry will tell Mapsource to look on the hard drive where you installed it from. BTW, each CD needs to be copied to its own subdirectory.

[+geognerd]

Here's my take on why the OP was so ticked off. First, the 60CSx is a lot of GPSr. Perhaps too much for a newbie. By buying a lot of GPSr, they won't have to upgrade for a while, if ever. But they gave themself a steeper learning curve by starting with a top-of-the-line receiver.

 

Second, the public perception of GPS receivers is that they are primarily for vehicle navigation. They think GPS is like the in-dash units you see on the luxury cars. All set to go, loaded with streets and restaurants. The units that most of us use are primarily for geocaching and outdoor use. They are handhelds. We don't necessarily need street, topo, or marine maps. For geocaching and hiking, they perform fantastically and as-advertised out of the box. The street nav capability is a bonus. Folks who buy handheld GPS receivers don't realise that street navigation is not their primary purpose. For that reason, they are surprised when they have to shell out $75-150 for maps. They think handhelds will come shipped just like the in-dash units with all the street maps. Now Garmin does have the Quest and GPS V, which are handhelds, come with maps, and can be used in and out of the car. But if someone's going to go caching, they'll likely gravitate toward the more macho and rugged-looking 60-series.

[+geobc]

I ended up having to pay a premium on eBay to get maps for my newly-purchased GPS because they pulled all their current City Nav software off the market. I needed the maps for a trip I was taking so I couldn't afford to wait for the nebulous, ambiguous new-software-is-coming-out period. I think this is annoying. If V8 is coming out, and you have a policy for free upgrades (which I've heard several different versions from various Garmin and non-Garmin sources on the timing/eligibility of this) why is there this period of a month or two where it's virtually impossible to get street mapping software for their GPSes? That's just ridiculous. We're talking SOFTWARE here... not some commodity like oil. There's no good reason why people should be paying more than retail for a software package. Pardon me if I find it ODD that you have Garmin reps, who produce the software, telling you that you're on your own as to where you can find it. That's just crazy.

I didn't know about that but if that's the case, I certainly understand your frustration.

 

The fact that Garmin nickles-and-dimes you for umpteen different maps and different named map products, maybe to you seems like "standard operating procedure" but as someone new in this field, it's frustrating that after you buy the unit, you need to buy 2-3 additional products to get maps for your area...

Depends on what you're looking for. I had to buy ONE product to get maps for my area and that product covered all of North America (CitySelect 7). I also chose to get Topo Canada for additional map detail for the woods. Nothing unusual in that. Map companies do that all the time, whether for electronic or paper products. As far as I know, ALL GPS manufacturers provide different products depending if you want street detail or topo detail. Also, I've read that the licensing scheme that Garmin uses on its CitySelect/CityNav product is a result of the demands placed on them by the data provider, NavTeq. AFAIK Magellan has also gone to the same licensing scheme.

 

IF you can even find them, and each product works and installs differently from the other, and I still am trying to figure out how to get them all to peacefully coexist... At this point, I seem to have to do some kind of upload/download musical chairs with my GPS to consolidate data between the PC and the handheld. Being a software developer, I know there could be a lot of improvements here, and since Garmin appears to be a market leader and has a brilliant scheme for maximizing the money they can squeeze out of their customers for every little thing, I am not inclined to cut them as much slack as some open-source software company who has limited resources. I'd expect more from Garmin.

I'm also a software developer and haven't had any problems at all loading CitySelect, Topo, Roads and Rec, and Metroguide maps onto my Garmins. IMO the process is not difficult at all.

 

Want to talk about map data and accuracy? I'm under the impression that the majority of this data, especially stuff like the topo maps, comes from USGS (taxpayer-funded) data.

Street level detail comes from NavTeq and it costs a bundle. NavTeq is a data supplier for a variety of map product producers. If you have a beef about the accuracy, complain to NavTeq.

 

GeoBC

[+StarshipTrooper]

Doesn't TopoZone data also come straight from USGS?

 

Anyway - Arpegio, it looks like your main problem is that you bought the wrong GPS for your use. If you wanted a unit that worked as a hendheld and an autorouter, you might have done better with an IQue3600. Mine came with all the mapping I need (all US streets) on DVD. And it all loads onto the hard rive of my PC.

[SandyGarrity]

I run an Internet business

 

Very tongue in cheek - not a techie then!

 

Having been in IT (I, and lots more people, make the internet work) for over 20 years I'd say that their support team do very, very well considering:

1. It is FREE
   
2. 99.99% of the calls they get are from people who have not read the documentation
   

Looking at some of their server reply I'd say that they have a Lunix box or two running their web services. How many servers are in your cluster?

Edited July 3, 2006 by SandyGarrity

[kb9nvh]

Forgiven,

Some of us who own Garmin may be slightly sensitive about negative comments about the brand. Most of this comes from past fanboy wars. Garmin is not perfect but my only complaint with them is the map unlocking regiem they force us into. I cant even use my version 4.0 maps on my new 60csx because, for some reason, when I upgraded to 6.0 my version 4 maps cannot be unlocked to my new gps. Some features of version 4 I needed lost it because I upgraded. (I'm still mad about this)!!

 

With my old lowrance unit, my 10yr lithium battery died after 1.5 years. Too bad soo sad for me said Lowrance. That was one reason I would not consider lowrance as my next gps. I have heard recently that some garmins had the same battery problem around that time. ...

 

Welcome to our group and we hope you enjoy your gps as much as we do (no matter what brand you own).

 

Here is a thread that explains how to get the TOPO maps on your computer hard drive.

 

Those maps can be installed on any number of computers.

[Vibramhead]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something? They don't seem to care much about their products working or customer service. I can't get straight answers about when products are to be released, when the upgrade periods start; their web site is constantly up and down; the unlock-code process for their software does not seem to work now and my newly-purchased maps are useless and the web-based unlock system says they've already been unlocked when they aren't.

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

 

I agree with you on tech support. They've seemed clueless the two times I've called them with problems with my 60CSx, and they've failed to respond at all to a couple of emails.

 

I have to wonder whether Garmin being based in Kansas has something to do with it. Kansas isn't exactly known for its hiking opportunities, so how much time does a Kansas-based tech support person actually spend outdoors using something like the 60CSx?

[+arpegio]

I run an Internet business

 

Very tongue in cheek - not a techie then!

 

I wrote this long diatribe about my experience and all that... and then I deleted it... I thought, I don't want to start off on the wrong foot in this community coming off as pretentious. I want to learn from all you guys so I should be able to take whatever you lay on me.

 

It's hard for me to ramble about getting "Editor's Choice" in PC Magazine for software I wrote, while right now, I've got chigger bites from digging around in the bushes that are making me miserable. The sad part is, I'm not sure I wouldn't completely jump in the bushes again and risk another parasitic invasion for the joy of geo-discovery.

 

I am beginning to see what you all see

[+webscouter.]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something? They don't seem to care much about their products working or customer service. I can't get straight answers about when products are to be released, when the upgrade periods start; their web site is constantly up and down; the unlock-code process for their software does not seem to work now and my newly-purchased maps are useless and the web-based unlock system says they've already been unlocked when they aren't.

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

 

I agree with you on tech support. They've seemed clueless the two times I've called them with problems with my 60CSx, and they've failed to respond at all to a couple of emails.

 

I have to wonder whether Garmin being based in Kansas has something to do with it. Kansas isn't exactly known for its hiking opportunities, so how much time does a Kansas-based tech support person actually spend outdoors using something like the 60CSx?

 

You've evidently never been to Kansas. We have lots of outdoors trails. They are just different. We have to be more prepared than those of you who have shade and water. And don't let anyone tell you that Kansas is flat. We may not have the Rocky mountains but it is pretty amazing how my elevation change we do have.

[+Teach2Learn]

I wrote this long diatribe about my experience and all that... and then I deleted it... I thought, I don't want to start off on the wrong foot in this community coming off as pretentious. I want to learn from all you guys so I should be able to take whatever you lay on me.

 

It's hard for me to ramble about getting "Editor's Choice" in PC Magazine for software I wrote, while right now, I've got chigger bites from digging around in the bushes that are making me miserable. The sad part is, I'm not sure I wouldn't completely jump in the bushes again and risk another parasitic invasion for the joy of geo-discovery.

 

I am beginning to see what you all see

 

Chiggers are only the beginning...get ready for the fun of poison ivy, snakes, parking lot glass, random needles, mosquitos, and the ticks that want to ride home with you.

 

Seriously, it's all for that "joy of geo-discovery" you mentioned. Along the way, you will get to see some incredible views (from mountaintops to city lakefronts to forest trails and beaches), and find places of beauty and surprise both near in your local parks and far away in foreign cities. In those moments, the bad coords, mapping issues, and poor cache page hints fade, realizing "I found it" whether you found the cache (be it nano, micro, ammo box) yet or not.

 

Magellan and Garmin are just tools to get us to those places more often and hopefully more quickly.

Edited July 4, 2006 by Teach2Learn

[+Wile E. Dragonfly]

I really have to agree with the Kansas thing... there are some amazing views and trails. The Rockies (and places like them) are an instant "wow - that's pretty!"... Kansas, makes you take your time and get to know it and then see it for it's inner beauty. And, the sunsets are truely amazing... as are the tornados, constant wind and complete isolation (I grew up on a farm)... and there are trails... some aren't long, but the Konza prarie is well worth a side trip if you happen to have a trip along I-70 near Manhattan planned. http://www.naturalkansas.org/konza.htm

GCP354

GC6E84

 

I agree about the mapping issues too... but, and please don't hurt me, I'm a Magellan user, so don't know much about the Garmins. I know, but really, humidity and trees here in south Texas, Magellan just seems to work for me. Plus, and this goes for all brands, REI is a good place to shop. Great guarantee, so that if customer service for either brand flakes out, there's always the REI 100% guarantee. I've used it before on other stuff and they never batted an eye. Just a thought for future purchases.

 

Wile E. Dragonfly

[+geognerd]

This is way off topic, but some will find it amusing. Kansas Is Flatter Than a Pancake.

[+Team Cotati]

I've really had it with Garmin. Can someone explain to me what's going on with this company? Are they getting ready to declare bankruptcy or go out of business or something? They don't seem to care much about their products working or customer service. I can't get straight answers about when products are to be released, when the upgrade periods start; their web site is constantly up and down; the unlock-code process for their software does not seem to work now and my newly-purchased maps are useless and the web-based unlock system says they've already been unlocked when they aren't.

 

Seriously, WTF is going on with this company? Are they actually trying to run off business? This is getting ridiculous. Are there any Garmin people who can explain what the hell is going on with their systems and their company? I'm really beginning to regret purchasing all this Garmin hardware and software.

 

I agree with you on tech support. They've seemed clueless the two times I've called them with problems with my 60CSx, and they've failed to respond at all to a couple of emails.

 

I have to wonder whether Garmin being based in Kansas has something to do with it. Kansas isn't exactly known for its hiking opportunities, so how much time does a Kansas-based tech support person actually spend outdoors using something like the 60CSx?

 

Well at least they are field testing them, even if it is in Kansas. I've heard that Magellan doesn't even field test their units, not even in France...as if that would count anyways.