Garmin City Navigator North America for Detailed Maps of the United State, Canada and Mexico (DVD)
by Garmin
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List Price: Our Price: $70.99 You Save: $79.00 (53%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: GPS or Navigation System See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Garmin City Navigator North America for Detailed Maps of the United State, Canada and Mexico (DVD)
Customer Review: OK in Use, But Not Very Easy to Install
Summary: 4 Stars
Besides the usual topos for hiking & outdoors, I wanted to also use my handheld Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx as an occasional street navigator. This software allows me to do that. For that application, I would only recommend it for occasional use, because a dedicated navigation device is easier to use. The limitation is not in the software, but in the device. To be fair, the handheld Garmin was designed for portable, rugged, outdoor use, not car navigation. The software works fine, and the "find" features are great for locating gas stations, restaurants and points-of-interest. The only trouble is installation. This software is "locked", so you have to register on Garmin's web site to unlock, and it can only be installed on one computer and one device. Also, for the Garmin handheld at least, remember that all maps you want (including topos) must be staged on MapSource before downloading to the memory card. Attempts to add maps later will just erase what is on the card and replace them with the ones you are trying to add. Again, this is a limitation of the device, not the software. Enjoy if you decide to get City Navigator too.Customer Review: Nice features; some serious weaknesses
Summary: 2 Stars
I've been using these maps for about 3 years on a GPSmap 60CSx. Now I won't travel without a GPS. There are some really nice and unexpected features in City Navigator, but also some shortcomings to be aware of.
The "search" function frustrates me every time I use it. MapSource (Garmin's Windows software for mapping) has no wildcard searches. Searching for Highway 34 is not the same as Hwy 34, US 34, 34, E Hwy 34, or Highway 34 N. If the name isn't in their database exactly that way, then your search is not going to find anything.
Routing is quite good with these maps, even down to details (like U-turns where medians prevent lefts). If you miss a turn, it will re-route you within a few seconds.
Note that Garmin products purchased for one GPS unit can NOT be transferred to a new/replacement unit (except by Garmin via warranty replacement). Garmin's anti-piracy "unlock" procedure is archaic and tedious. If you ever upgrade your Garmin, you must buy your maps again. One "unlock code" is assigned to one USB-connected GPS device, by serial number, and cannot be changed.
Customer Review: Too Expensive and Not Current
Summary: 2 Stars
This item is very expensive and only allows use on one gps unit ! If you have two Garmin units then you will have to buy two copies of these maps. That gets expensive fast.
It is not that current, especially the points of interest ( POI's ).
But, we have no other choice do we ? If you own a Garmin then they force you to only use their expensive and outdated maps. We have no choice. Sad :(
Anyway, despite the big flaws, it does work and you can use it to route from A to B, assuming A and B are in the map database. You hope and pray.
I use this on my cool, new, awesome Garmin Colorado 300 ( which I love ), however I had to shell out an extra $200 for the Topo 2008 and the City Navigator NT maps to make it do anything useful. Way too expensive.
They do now have a new version of this map out for the Apple Mac and there is also the version on SD/MicroSD card. The new 2009 version is due out any time now in all these formats so if you want the latest map version wait a few weeks for it. Check the Garmin Website for all the details.
Customer Review: Maps are fine, but not for 2 GPSrs or if you upgrade your GPSr
Summary: 2 Stars
The mapping software is just fine and does everything that one needs it to do. The price point is comparable to other units.
However, the current licensing agreement is shady. You would think when you buy a map, you can use the map. On other GPSrs we have had (Lowrance), we have been able to install the map on up to 6 SD cards.
With CN NT, you can unlock the map for one unit, period. If you have two units, you need to buy a map for the second unit. If you upgrade your GPSr, you are out of luck unless you can get Garmin to relock the first unit and unlock the new one. Bottom line, plan on buying a new map for each GPSr in your purchase price and, of course, without detailed road maps your GPSr base mapes are basically useless for road navigation.
Garmin's license agreement is not explicit on this point. Yes I know that they need to find a way to prevent someone from installing the maps on hundreds of units, but most software vendors have some provision for householding. Even Microsoft gives you a PC and a Laptop install.
Customer Review: Purchase for Map Software for Edge 705
Summary: 5 Stars
I was using an older Garmin Mapping software with the Edge 705 GPS/HRM for my bicycle. I have logged over 2000 miles this summer. Using the old software the navigation was terrible. GPS was indicating me on the road, but the routing software would indicate that would have to travel back to the road that I was already on.
When I upgraded the mapping software, all the navigation issues were resolved. Even when I deviate from my basic route, by taking a side street or extending my ride, the software recalculates quickly and informs me how to get back on the route by the next intersection, a very nice feature. When I ride outside my standard riding area, I can preplan routes on City Navigator software, upload it to the Edge 705 and use it when I get there.
Garmin, as usual, develops and refines its products over time. I am extremely happy with this product and find it much more flexible than the chip based maps that are also available, just for the ability to plan a route and then upload it.