+awskoa Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I am currently in dipute with them and plan on showing them its not just me with all the complaints this might help them fix the problem units and better customer service they provide these complaints will be sent to GARMIN Thanks to all Quote Link to comment
+MaxEntropy Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 One thing that they could improve is that little bar to which the lanyard attaches on the Legend. It broke on mine. Other than that, it's been working fine. Mickey Max Entropy More than just a name, a lifestyle. [This message was edited by MaxEntropy on January 28, 2003 at 12:44 PM.] Quote Link to comment
pdumas Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 awskoa, let me see what your complaints are. I haven't had to many problems so far in 7 years. Quote Link to comment
Cache Canucks Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 ...should get together for a whine and cheese party. Quote Link to comment
+Dawgies Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 No complaints here. Love my Garmin V and service that I've received from Garmin and the store I purchased it at. Only wish I had more money to buy more of their toys! Oppps, not exactly what you were looking for huh? Quote Link to comment
gm100guy Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I bought a Lowrance so I can't help you out. Sorry gm100guy http://members.rogers.com/gm100guy/cachepage.htm Quote Link to comment
+rayt333 Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I have a Garmin Legend, an Emap and 2 of the yellow Etrex's and I haven't had a single problem with any of them. Well actually I would like to see an external antenna conector on the Etrex series. Sometimes the coverage can be spotty while in a car. The emap has external antenna jack and works great with external antenna and connected to my laptop. Quote Link to comment
+KYtrex Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 is that they should improve the battery compartment somehow. My Garmin V shuts off on my motorcycle unless I put a thin piece of cardstock between the batteries. I have also read several complaints on these forums of similiar problems on different Garmin units. Other than that, I am a happy camper KYtrex ----------------- War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who's left Quote Link to comment
SergZak Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I own many Garmin units and the only problem I've had was with my original Vista...click-stick problem and the adhesive on outer rubber seal that surrounds the unit got gummy. It was returned under warranty and fixed with no problems since then. They provide many software/firmware updates and support their products very well. I'm happy with my choice of GPS. Quote Link to comment
Team Sidewinder Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I have owned a Garmin 12XL for 5 years and after passing it on to my son I got a Garmin 76S. I guess I could knit-pick any product I own do death but I really have never had any real complaints about Garmin. My 12XL after 4 years lost memory but after contacting Garmin they told me to send it in and they sent me back a new factory rebuilt with all the latest updated software, case, manual, lanyard so I had no problem with that. Garmin has got me there and back too many times to count so I love GARMIN. sidewinder LOST AND FOUND DEPT Quote Link to comment
+Upham Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I have a map76. I carry it in a belt pouch. I fell off some rocks and landed right on it. I weigh 250 lbs. I figured it was junk. When I took it out it had a small gray spot in the middle of the sceen but still worked. A year later I was caching in the rain I had the Garmin in my hand and slipped in wet leaves and used the garmin to break my fall, again I thought it was trashed but it only had some scratches from the rocks. I went to the Garmin site to down load the latest version software and saw that they have a " My experience with garmin" page. People wrote in and told of their story with a Garmin product. I figured why not and wrote in my story. I really feel that this product is almost indestructable. I got an e-mail back in a couple of days. Which read, Mr. Thomas we would like to back a great product with a great service if you mail your unit to us we will fix it free of charge and Fedex it back to you. Which they did. I think they put a smart chip in it because it guides me around objects, breaks in stone walls and always finds the caches. Really though it's an awesome product and I have nothing but praise for it and their service. No, I don't work for Garmin but I wish I did. Still looking! Quote Link to comment
+rayt333 Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 Well I do have one complaint, it is not the hardware but the prices of their accessories are too high. I know for most Acc. you can use aftermarket acc. but it is shameful for them to price gouge their loyal consumers. Their GPS units are mostly great though. Quote Link to comment
+awskoa Posted January 28, 2003 Author Share Posted January 28, 2003 The complaints are what I am looking for really but I like the fact there is good too cause with every bad there should be good dont get me wrong I think some Of Garmin products are great but there are a lot of problems with alot of units and yes I know sum could be human error cause were not perfect . But false advertising ,poor craftman ship or bad service are just a few things that I have experianced as a lot of others that I have found by reading all the back formums. Tell me when you pay 500.00 for a unit that you have to put card board strips in you are happy or it says water proof and its really only water or weather resistant! me personally PISSED besides yes they will exchange the product for you but there is time waiting and not being able to cache hunt or what ever you do with your unit . My time is worth something to me and after sending something back a dozen times is it worth it no All I am really triing to do is let the company now by us the consumer where there product need inprovements so we the consumer get an even better product and they get more word of mouth which inturns they get more consumers ) sorry I will shut up now Quote Link to comment
Guyute Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I want to complain about garmin haters. People grow up. Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I gave up on hating Garmin. Turns out Magellan ain't any cheaper for what I wanted to do. Besides I actually do like my GPS. What YOU need to do is list your exact complaint/problem and get people with a similar experience. The numbers speak. Gathering random complains will not do you any good. Wherever you go there you are. Quote Link to comment
+The Treasurer Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 . . . don't give them any more of your hard earned money! And let them know that you won't. Seriously, if you use your purchasing power, you can send a very powerful message. P.S. Own 2 Magellans and love them. Quote Link to comment
+awskoa Posted January 28, 2003 Author Share Posted January 28, 2003 Never said I hated them as a mater of fact I have three different units that are garmin and two Magellen units Etrex Vista, Etrex yellow , and the Garmin 12 / Magellan 315 , Magellan 2000 not to mention I test out some of the other ones on the market cause I am always looking for something new that fits me . I have found just looking through the topics on the forums page garmin seems to come up alot mostly small complaints never the less they are the issue at hand. I do enjoy both my garmins and my magellans Thanks for listening I am just going to sit back awhile and watch and listen Quote Link to comment
shabbasuraj Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I have never has a problem with my unit yet, (knock on wood) I am worried about the clickstick though as many people have had problems it... however, the recent forum(s) regarding the H2O worthyness of Garmin units is something to worry about (i guess)... I do not care about the specifications, to whatever standard, yada yada yada, if they say the thing is water proof to 1 meter for 30 minutes or whatever, it should mean the whole unit, not everything except for the battery compartment (sometimes, depending on what angle the unit is being held under water, or what hemisphere you are on) at the very least if they say the unit floats, it should float, not depending on what type of water fresh or salt, or whatever.... GARMIN make it happen, put foam in the unit to make it float, i dunno,,, do whatever it takes... or perhaps just say it won'f float, customers will appreciate the honesty... or how about this one..... make the unit really waterproof like you say it is, then make it so,,, dont make it waterproof and say the battery compartment may get wet and require drying... if a $2.99 watch with the purchase of any sandwich you get at McDonalds or BurgerKing can be waterproof then a x-hundred dollar gps unit can also be waterproof.... what a joke,,, take some of the profits from your 'reasonably' priced software and buy a few o-rings and screws or whatever closure mechanism/system you wish to employ (as long as it seals tight) and make sure your units are really waterproof... by the way, I have never deep-sixed my legend, never intend to, and hope it never makes it way into the drink regardless... that is it for now.... lates... [This message was edited by shabbasuraj on January 28, 2003 at 09:54 PM.] Quote Link to comment
+EraSeek Posted January 28, 2003 Share Posted January 28, 2003 I have a Garmin 45xl, Garmin 12, and a Garmin Map76. No complaints here, only praise. Quote Link to comment
+Counter Fit Cache Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 quote:Originally posted by rayt333:Well I do have one complaint, it is not the hardware but the prices of their accessories are too high. I know for most Acc. you can use aftermarket acc. but it is shameful for them to price gouge their loyal consumers. Their GPS units are mostly great though. Buy your accessories on Ebay. Last week I bout a serial cable for my laptop for $4, retail on this same item is $29. I bought a car charger/adapter with the flat connector for $9, retail for the same item is $35 at Academy. I bought a handlebar mount for $6, retail on this item is $25 at gpsnow.com. CfC Counter Fit Cache ...or is it really me???? Quote Link to comment
+Desert_Warrior Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I own two Garmins, and I can't find anything to complain about! Can I complain about not having anything to complain about. Or is complaining about no complaints a non-complaint. Sheesh... this is so difficult. I will get back to you with an answer. Serioucly, the things I don't like are nit-picky at best, and easily corrected with a few seconds work. Mike. Desert_Warrior (aka KD9KC). El Paso, Texas. Citizens of this land may own guns. Not to threaten their neighbors, but to ensure themselves of liberty and freedom. They are not assault weapons anymore... they are HOMELAND DEFENSE WEAPONS! Quote Link to comment
dhaskell Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 Please drop prices on your map software. Thanks only complaint. "Live for Today as if There will be no Tommorrow" Quote Link to comment
+kevin917z Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 i think the manual with the garmin unit is great for begginers but not for advanced users or people framilar with technology the manual does not talk about DGPS or the functions when using DGPS beacons, also maybe the Demo mode could be removed and used for other info it would also be nice to have a place to enter your contact info into the unit without a homemade program Quote Link to comment
+Counter Fit Cache Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 quote:Originally posted by Desert_Warrior:I own two Garmins, and I can't find anything to complain about! Can I complain about not having anything to complain about. Or is complaining about no complaints a non-complaint. Sheesh... this is so difficult. I will get back to you with an answer. Well, it has been a long time since junior high, but as I recall two negatives = a postive. Thus, your complaint(s) cancel one another out, and it actually becomes a compliment! Now, where are we supposed to post compliments? CfC Counter Fit Cache ...or is it really me???? Quote Link to comment
+OzzieSan Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I own a couple of Garmin units and both have provided us with many hours of trouble free service. And I will continue to buy Garmin. Quote Link to comment
+evergreenhiker! Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I've never had problems with my etrex Summit. It's virtually indestructable...it fell off top of my old truck's canopy while I was driving...fortunately I was able to turn around after 20 miles of driving and still able to find it and I still use this unit to this day...over two years strong. The rubber exterior is coming off, but it still performs. Quote Link to comment
+SteveL Posted January 29, 2003 Share Posted January 29, 2003 I've had a Venture for almost 2 years now, and I've beat it up pretty good - still works great. I keep seeing these new units that have topo's, and other neat features, but I can't part with my Venture - it's been that good. Plus, it's smaller, packs nice high-res. screen and it's paid for. Sorry, I can't honestly complain! How about a Garmin "Praise" thread? SteveL These are my opinions and only my opinions, unless you share them as well, which would make them our opinions, but I am not of the opinion that I can express your opinion as my opinion without your prior expression of said opinion, and then my re-utterance of that opinion would, in my opinion, be foolish unless I were expressing agreement to your opinion, and then it wouldn't be my opinion but your opinion to which I only agree. Quote Link to comment
timf6 Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 I haven't personally had any problems and the products seem great, but what problems are you concerned about? I don't see that you have said anything about any specific problems you have experienced - only generalized complaints? quote:Originally posted by awskoa:The complaints are what I am looking for really but I like the fact there is good too cause with every bad there should be good dont get me wrong I think some Of Garmin products are great but there are a lot of problems with alot of units and yes I know sum could be human error cause were not perfect . But false advertising ,poor craftman ship or bad service are just a few things that I have experianced as a lot of others that I have found by reading all the back formums. Tell me when you pay 500.00 for a unit that you have to put card board strips in you are happy or it says water proof and its really only water or weather resistant! me personally PISSED besides yes they will exchange the product for you but there is time waiting and not being able to cache hunt or what ever you do with your unit . My time is worth something to me and after sending something back a dozen times is it worth it no All I am really triing to do is let the company now by us the consumer where there product need inprovements so we the consumer get an even better product and they get more word of mouth which inturns they get more consumers ) sorry I will shut up now Quote Link to comment
+canadazuuk Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 I do not like the tracking ability og the Garmin Vista, even with WAAS disabled. I still prefer the Magellan 315, it tracks better in moderate tree cover. Quote Link to comment
+GeoTeam Maggi Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 I have 3 yellows, a Venture & a Legend. I mount the Legend directly to my PWC. No problems at all. The Legend must have 30 or 40 days on the river -- no water problems, no complaints. I'm pleased with Garmin- I wish I held up as well at 60 mph. Tony of RAMnVAM. P.S. I agree with rayt333, an external antenna on the eTrex would be great... or maybe longer arms. Quote Link to comment
AdirondakMud Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 The MAP/Sounder 188C is not available with an internal antenna. But the 188 is. I like the way I can download and review the manuals for any of their products before buying. Quote Link to comment
flaquito Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 If I look on the box my Vista was supplied in, it says amongst other things, waterproof to 1m for 30mins. Now as far as I'm concerned it should continue functioning correctly within the limits specified, if it doesn't then there is either a fault/defect unique to my Vista, or Garmin marketing are tying to be clever. I suspect the latter as we know that even if the Vista did survive, it wouldn't continue functioning as the battery compartment would be full of water. However, also on the box it says the Vista stores 500 waypoints. Not true, it's now 1000... Garmin aren't faultless, but the fact they continue to improve the functionality and performance of their product, via firmware updates, even after we the customer have parted with our money, can't be ignored. If I was after a new gpsr, I don't know if I'd even bother looking at their competition. Quote Link to comment
+Searching_ut Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Garmin has just increased the tracklog capability to 10,000 points on my Legend, and bumped the waypoints from 500 to 1000. I now have the capability to record in the most detailed auto setting a hike longer than I think my tired old body can handle. How dare they do this to me.... Jeff Quote Link to comment
Robinhood and his princess Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 I have a Map76S, I love the unit, it seemed to be the cat's meow when I got it. Then I got my kid a cheap magellan Map 310. Standing side by side, when i lose signal he has 3 birds. In the house, i get no lock ever, he has three birds. I bought an amplified antenna, it is nice with that, but now the antenna connector in the base of the 76S is defunct and i have to send it in for a $135 flat fee repair. I'm very pleased with the functionality of it, but the sensitivity sucked. Has anyone else compared like this between various units and found big differences? Daron J. Wilson Quote Link to comment
Jackster1 Posted January 30, 2003 Share Posted January 30, 2003 Minor moaning. I bought my fourth Garmin last week so I must like them. My gripes? My first 45 stopped acquiring so I got the 45 XL fairly cheap as an upgrade from Garmin. That stopped acquiring so I sent it back to Garmin for another $90.00 upgrade. It worked until this spring when it again simply stopped acquiring and Garmin, again, wanted 90 beanski's to fix it. I said 'Uncle' and broke down and bought a Map76S. All was fine until I learned that the Blue Charts in my home state require two access codes. They split the area of the shore I haunt in my boat in half. Ouch! Other than that they seem to be fine units but I agree, Garmin does tend to 'nickel and dime' its customers to death on aftermarket gear. Quote Link to comment
+megatech Posted February 8, 2003 Share Posted February 8, 2003 I own a GPS-V and I love it! The only problem I have is with their Metroguide U.S.A. software. From time to time, the autorouting will attempt to put me on an Interstate Hwy at a point that doesn't have any entrance or exit ramps! This often time results in a lot of lost time and unnecessary miles driven. As expensive as the software is, I would expect it to be a little better than it seems to be. "The more original a discovery,the more obvious it seems afterwards" Quote Link to comment
+GOT GPS? Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 Seems like only the newer Energizers fit better in the GPS V. The others seem quite loose. Ive had less problems with the GPS III and IIIplus. New batts are aways best, because the recargeables seem to wear out enough after just a few chargings, that they become very loose in the GPS. Other than this, it seems like a great GPS. For Etrex's: They are a subcompact unit without an external antenna connection, so you will need a re-radiating antenna for the Etrex series. They are a good GPS, except for the Rubber band surrounding all etrex units, those do wear out quickly depending on the amount of use. My Etrex Vista is falling apart, but it was a good pocket unit for it's smallness. Garmins have an edge over Magellans because they have better tracklogging. Ive had alot of probs with several different Magellan units with quality, but the Platinum seems to be working great. Problem is that the proccessor in the Meridians need to be a little bit faster. You will not go wrong with a GPS IIIplus, except for the lack of mapping ability, but they are very rugged, and last quite awhile. Shuttles and GPS units are made by humans, so they are not perfect. Of course Garmin and Magellan are in it for the money. ------------------------ My home page about GPS units and information Quote Link to comment
+ESFKids Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 Have 3 Garmin Units... Love each and Every one... The V, 76, and Etrex... all work perfectly and I have yet to have a problem. (the 76 has been used severly and still works perfectly) Quote Link to comment
+GOT GPS? Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 quote:Originally posted by ESFKids:Have 3 Garmin Units... Love each and Every one... The V, 76, and Etrex... all work perfectly and I have yet to have a problem. (the 76 has been used severly and still works perfectly) Was that GPS used by the American Tourister Gorilla??? ------------------------ My home page about GPS units and information Quote Link to comment
+HartClimbs Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 I have a Rino 120 and the only complaint I have is it lacks an autorecovery feature. I dropped it in the snow and had to search for it the next day (it didn't come and find me automatically). For idiots like me - it'd be a handy feature. Seriously, headed out this morning, found it buried under 6 inches of snow (partially coated in ice). Took it home, removed the batteries, let it dry out and it was as good as new. I'm very happy with my Garmin GPSr. Quote Link to comment
+st_richardson Posted February 9, 2003 Share Posted February 9, 2003 I've been very happy with Garmin's customer service. What minor problems I've had Garmin stood behind their product. Why they even sent me a free post for my Rino when I lost one. Quote Link to comment
+trippy1976 Posted February 10, 2003 Share Posted February 10, 2003 wow dupes. [This message was edited by trippy1976 on February 10, 2003 at 01:50 AM.] Quote Link to comment
+trippy1976 Posted February 10, 2003 Share Posted February 10, 2003 I have to post here for two reasons. #1 - I can't see an Avs logo go un-challenged #2 - I love my Garmin. I have a Venture and have beat that thing to heck (for the family in the group... other people exchange 'heck' for h-e-double hockey sticks) and back and it STILL works flawlessly. I'd like to see better reception in future units but otherwise I'm 100% comfy with my unit. I've talked with the people at Garmin and they area very friendly group that is focused on customer support and approval and always open to input. -------- trippy1976 - Team KKF2A Saving geocaches - one golf ball at a time. Quote Link to comment
+Tubby Rower Posted February 10, 2003 Share Posted February 10, 2003 I've had a Garmin 72 for a few weeks and my dad has used a Garmin 12 for a few years. I just use mine for caching. He uses his for shrimping, hunting, fishing, caching, etc. I have been shrimping and fishing with him and the 12 has worked great! Waves splashing up on the thing and all. About the water issue. I don't think that the units were meant to be tested by users holding them under water. The reception would be severly compromised... Do you guys navigate under water?? Enough ranting. kc row, row, row your boat Quote Link to comment
+apersson850 Posted February 10, 2003 Share Posted February 10, 2003 I've now returned my second Vista too, due to a malfunctioning display. My replacement unit lasted only three months, and broke down while lying in a hotel room. The original one worked for four months. Will be interesting to see what happens now. Anders Quote Link to comment
+ZingerHead Posted February 12, 2003 Share Posted February 12, 2003 I have to put in my $.02 in support of Garmin. I just got my repaired Vista back today. The battery clip had broken off while changing batteries at 5 am in preparation for a day of caching. Not wanting to give up a day's caching I soldered the clip pieces together and it held together for the rest of the day. When I contacted Garmin tech support they mentioned that soldering is generally a good way to void your warranty, but they accepted it for repair. I sent it in with a cranky click stick, a chipped screen, peeling rubber rand, and the aforementioned busted battery clip. I got back a functionally and cosmetically brand new Vista. They even saved my waypoints and maps. I cannot say enough good things about a company that stands by its products so well. But I think I said it best when I went out and bought a yellow Etrex to tide me over while the Vista was in the shop. Never owned a Magellan, and now I never will. Quote Link to comment
Sliver & Lucy Posted February 12, 2003 Share Posted February 12, 2003 I have been using my Legend for just over a year now. I think the unit is Great ,, I do however have 1 small Problem,, Why would they attach the laynard to a small piece of plastic It also broke off of my unit But I do use the case for it, and the laynard attaches to it,,, all in all, the Legend has not failed me yet Quote Link to comment
+UALvolar Posted July 11, 2003 Share Posted July 11, 2003 quote:Originally posted by ZingerHead:I have to put in my $.02 in support of Garmin. I just got my repaired Vista back today. The battery clip had broken off while changing batteries at 5 am in preparation for a day of caching. Not wanting to give up a day's caching I soldered the clip pieces together and it held together for the rest of the day. When I contacted Garmin tech support they mentioned that soldering is generally a good way to void your warranty, but they accepted it for repair. I sent it in with a cranky click stick, a chipped screen, peeling rubber rand, and the aforementioned busted battery clip. I got back a functionally and cosmetically brand new Vista. They even saved my waypoints and maps. I cannot say enough good things about a company that stands by its products so well. But I think I said it best when I went out and bought a yellow Etrex to tide me over while the Vista was in the shop. Never owned a Magellan, and now I never will. I have a Legend and totally agree. I was boating and the lens over the display cracked, and they fixed it for free! It was great, and Garmin is the BEST. Quote Link to comment
+geopug Posted July 12, 2003 Share Posted July 12, 2003 I own a Magellan and think it's the greatest. From the postings I've seen most Garmin owners think the Garmin also is the greatest. Seems that both companies make good products, but like anything you buy, some people will run into a problem here and there. Watching postings in a forum is the worst way to evaluate a product, people go to forums when they have a problem/complaint, they don't just go to post "My GPS worked great today", until a thread like this starts looking for complaints and the supporters will come from everywhere. Quote Link to comment
Neo_Geo Posted July 12, 2003 Share Posted July 12, 2003 Legend owner here. My only complaint is the lack of memory and no connection for an external antenna. Garmin - if you're listening - Take an Etrex Legend and instead of giving it 8MB of permanent memory, give it an 8MB data card (so I can go out and buy a 128MB one). Add a connection for an external antenna, and audible alarms to it. Charge less than $300 for it and I'd be happier than a pig-in-slop! My biggest concern is the memory though - God I wish I had lots more memory in my Legend! Quote Link to comment
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