Clarification on SD Cards

[+boyznbeagle]

Just bought a Garmin eTrex Vista HCx this week. Haven't used it yet, and am new to this.

 

I am hoping to get clarification on my options.

 

I should be able to use the GPS with whatever it came with (basic map).

 

I can then buy a microSD card and download more detailed maps onto that card. Correct? Those maps could be from one of the free sites people have mentioned in other threads...or I could buy the full meal deal Garmin Topo (Canadian version) DVD, or I could buy specific SD cards that come with detailed regions (i.e. Western Canada). Correct? I assume the ones that come from Garmin that have the info already on it...you don't mess with it (adding or removing info)...it comes with that region...and when you are in that region, you pop the SD card into the GPS and you are all set.

 

I'm kind of talking to myself here...but hoping I could have someone that knows what they are doing pat me on the back and say I'm right in the head...or if need be, a kick in the butt and tell me I'm all wrong.

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited August 21, 2009 by boyznbeagle

[+PDOP's]

I can then buy a microSD card and download more detailed maps onto that card. Correct?

Yes

 

Those maps could be from one of the free sites people have mentioned in other threads...or I could buy the full meal deal Garmin Topo (Canadian version) DVD, or I could buy specific SD cards that come with detailed regions (i.e. Western Canada). Correct?

Yes

 

I assume the ones that come from Garmin that have the info already on it...you don't mess with it (adding or removing info)...it comes with that region...and when you are in that region, you pop the SD card into the GPS and you are all set.

Yes but be aware that you cannot use these maps on your PC. It's better to buy the maps on DVD and then load them on to a card.

[+Red90]

Yes.

 

I would suggest getting the Ibycus Topo maps first and see what you think before buying any others.

[still curious]

I think your assumptions are correct but Im not sure about free maps. Do you use a PC or Mac ?

I also have a vista HCx and bought a garmin TOPO map of Scotland on an SD card as the prospects of getting maps from download or DVD onto my vista from my Mac was fraught with difficulties and at the time there was no means of uploading routes to/from the Mac.

If I were buying again, Id probably get the maps on DVD so that they can be used for route planning on the computer and downloaded to a (blank) SD card. The disadvantage of having the maps pre-installed on SD may be that you can't use it on the PC/Mac, only the vista but Im having difficulty having that confirmed.

Hope that doesn't confuse the matter further.

[+boyznbeagle]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I have Mac's and a PC.

 

I think to avoid any problems (I get frustrated pretty easily) I'm going to use my PC for any GPS stuff.

[+Chris CA]

I have Mac's and a PC.

 

I think to avoid any problems (I get frustrated pretty easily) I'm going to use my PC for any GPS stuff.

Garmin (and other) software works great with Macs.

-> Garmin Mac software

-> MacGPS Pro

-> OtherMac GPS software

and others