Garmin 'Regional Maps' - Any differences

[craig10]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a car satnav as a backup for a Europe trip, being a bit of a tight Luddite, don't want to push the boat out for a dedicated bike one.

Looking at the specs for the 2240 v the 2350, one says "Preloaded Maps -yes (regional)" and the other just "Preloaded Maps - yes" - Anyone any idea what the difference is?

And am I right to say that I would be able to load a route on using Mapsource as they both have "Routes - 100" in the specs.

Thanks for any help, it's all confusion marketing at its best,

Craig

 

[Tomcat]

These are just guesses which might help you find the answers

Regional maps I suspect refers to only part of Europe: eg UK or France
Higher spec machine probably has full Europe maps.

If Mapsource PC route planning s/w, and a copy of maps on DVD are not included in the package then it is likely that these machines don't accept pre-planned routes from PC. Compare the descriptions with the Zumo 220/550/660models which do come with Mapsource and maps on DVD.

You'll probably be able to plan routes using the satnav screen and controls.

 

[Bumpkin]

If Mapsource PC route planning s/w, and a copy of maps on DVD are not included in the package then it is likely that these machines don't accept pre-planned routes from PC.

Both 2240 and 2350 feature the ability to follow specific routes, look in the specs sheet on the Garmin website for each, the number of routes are listed as 100 in both cases. This is the number of routes that it can keep available in the menus, you can have many more on the SD card and import as you need them.

Compare the descriptions with the Zumo 220/550/660models which do come with Mapsource and maps on DVD.

They're very unlikely to come with Mapsource and the mapping data on DVD. There are ways around this that involve installing Mapsource on your PC without mapping and then doing an on-line mapping update. During this process you need to look out for the install options button and specify that you want the mapping installed to your PC as well as the GPS. When buying a new Garmin the NuMaps Guarantee gives you 90 days to do this.

You'll probably be able to plan routes using the satnav screen and controls.

Way too fiddly to be practical. If Mapsource isn't 'your bag' you can always use ITN Converter or TYRE to plan your routes saving to the GPS as GPX files.

 

[craig10]

Thanks for the replies,

Any idea if the mapsource and downloaded data can be moved from one computer to another?

I'm at work till just a day and a half before I go and I've got a copy of the gpx files for the routes. I was hoping to install the Mapsource on the works computer then upload the stuff to the Nuvi as I've got a load of time on my hands here but no time at home.

Craig

 

[Bumpkin]

You can install it on as many computers as you like as far as I know, each has to have the mapping unlocked and it will only work, in so much as creating usable routes, with the one GPS.

The install of Mapsource for the Garmins that come without it is a bit of a hack.

If you're new to Mapsource and Garmin sat navs I would expect only frustration if you think you can buy one, plot a trip and depart in a few days without any/many problems. Sorry for the negative vibes, but IMHO, that's the way it is.

 

[craig10]

If you're new to Mapsource and Garmin sat navs I would expect only frustration if you think you can buy one, plot a trip and depart in a few days without any/many problems. Sorry for the negative vibes, but IMHO, that's the way it is.

Was thinking that, my head's spinning just reading through it all. Might just either forget it this time or get a 2240 and put the destinations in manually and forget about the route, it's only for a back-up anyway.

Last time in la belle France I missed an m-way exit at a very complicated junction, luckily one of the group dropped in behind me and got us back on track in minutes. Would have taken me a good half hour, maps out, 'Comment on arrive a Chamonix' etc etc

Thanks for your help

 

[Bumpkin]

Was thinking that, my head's spinning just reading through it all. Might just either forget it this time or get a 2240 and put the destinations in manually and forget about the route, it's only for a back-up anyway.

That's not a bad idea TBH. Entering destination way-points would be the way to go this time around.

That's unless you have the time to fiddle with Mapsource and get out there and run a few test routes.

The alternative is to set to work with ITN Converter or TYRE now and create some routes in GPX format, save these to the /Garmin/GPX folder on the device (or the same on an SD card) and try these out on the tour with the ability to resorting to the destination way-points should that fail you.

Added to which you'll need to sort out a means to mount and power the GPS on the bike. The internal battery won't last long enough to be useful each day if it's anything like my Nuvi 765.

 

[Bumpkin]

Having said all that there seems to be a bit of crafty/cheeky knobbling by Garmin in respect using the more recent Nuvi models with routes created on your PC. Have a read of this post. Maybe they're hoping that potential customers will buy a Zumo instead In reality they'll probably get a car orientated TomTom

 

[craig10]

Thanks for the link Bumpkin, wouldn't have any use for a satnav in the car so that's made the decision for me.

My maps are on order...

Craig

 

[Bumpkin]

My maps are on order...

Maps are great, especially Michelin ones, wouldn't be without them for pre planning and an over-view when required (usually in the evening, over a beer, when planning the next day) whilst on tour. However, IMHO sat nav makes a huge difference on the road allowing you to make progress over minor roads that would have you stopping to consult the map at practically every junction.

Don't be put off getting one, either a 2nd hand one or a Nuvi (considering what you want from it) would suffice.

I've recently moved from a StreetPilot 2720 to a Nuvi 765t as the latter gives me more internal memory for mapping and an MP3 player. There are other little whizzy bits with the Nuvi but they're sort of irrelevant. This model is now discontinued but NOH units are still available and represent good value for money. This model works well with Mapsource etc.