Can't download tracks or upload routes?

[Tymbee]

Having used various Garmins (60csx, iQue 3600, GPS 196 air) I did not realize that current auto type Garmin GPS units apparently don't allow your to create & upload routes with a mapping program, or even download tracks.

 

Garmin tech support tells me that _only_ their out-of-production StreetPilot 2720 and still current 2820 has these functions. One can send waypoints back/forth and create routes that way (a hassle) but even the Nuvi a friend bought recently only provided for the ability to add ONE via to a route!

 

Am I missing something here? All the owners of the newer Garmin auto units have to create routes in the unit itself, they cannot save/download tracks, and only ONE via to a route?? That makes for a pretty useless GPS for our purposes.

 

Perhaps there's auto type models from other manufactures that have more functionality with respect to GPS <--> PC exchange?

 

Thanks for any input.

[Motorcycle_Mama]

The Zumo supports routes and tracks.

 

But I'm not sure why the lack of these features would be a hindrance to geocaching.

Edited April 26, 2007 by Motorcycle_Mama

[GeoidPS]

Garmin is going backwards. Trading Mickey Mouse technology for real functionality.

[Tymbee]

Garmin is going backwards. Trading Mickey Mouse technology for real functionality.

 

Perhaps. If the Nuvi units can only accommodate one Via point in a route, I can't imagine how anyone could consider that a viable product.

[Tymbee]

The Zumo supports routes and tracks.

 

But I'm not sure why the lack of these features would be a hindrance to geocaching.

 

I did see the Zumos-- quite pricey.

 

This particular application is non-geocaching related.