Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The software is OK, but not great. Other reviews mention its limitations and shortcomings. The main problem is that the unlock process is complex and has draconian restrictions. You don't get an unlock code with the product. Instead you get a certificate with an 8 digit code. Then submit this 8 digit code, in combination with a serial number for a GPS unit, to Garmin in order to obtain a 25 digit unlock key. Finally you enter the 25 digit unlock key. (Got all that?) Since you can't use the maps on a PC unless you also enter the serial number for a portable device, you can't buy this software just for PC use.
Garmin makes good products and I've been a longtime customer. Between work and home I own 7 of their units. But I'm losing my loyalty to them because they're constantly nickel-and-diming us for updates and making us jump through crazy hoops. Avoid this product unless you REALLY need the updated maps (which are not truly up-to-date, as others have mentioned). Instead try finding the old MetroGuide, which was much more user friendly.
Being a software developer myself I can sympathize with Garmin's concern for piracy. But they need to weigh that against the burden they are putting on honest users. I regret buying this product and will start looking at other vendors for my home and business GPS applications.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin City Navigator North America for Detailed Maps of the United State, Canada and Mexico (DVD)
Thanks to the Garmin MapSource City Navigator North America NT Version 8, which gives you access to all the data you need to navigate North America, you may never have to ask for directions again. This software automatically creates point-to-point routes in MapSource and on your NT compatible Global Positioning System (GPS), and includes detailed, premium street maps of North America, plus a hefty points of interest database at your fingertips.
Featuring full coverage of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, including metropolitan and rural areas, the Garmin MapSource City Navigator North America NT Version 8 makes it a snap to travel to a new city, look up your hotel, restaurants, and other services, and then use your compatible Garmin GPS to guide you there. For added convenience, you'll be able to take advantage of detailed maps containing highways, interstates, business and residential roads with attributes such as turn restrictions, roundabout guidance, speed categories and other navigation features. Ideal for vacation-planning, the Garmin MapSource City Navigator North America NT Version 8 also displays nearly six million points of interest, such as postal offices, attractions, shopping, and emergency services. The Garmin MapSource City Navigator North America NT Version 8 and data cards include the same detailed maps, points of interest and coverage areas as the traditional City Navigator North America data, just compressed differently for your NT compatible unit.The Garmin MapSource City Navigator North America NT Version 8 is designed for use with StreetPilot 2720, 2730, 2820, 7200, 7500 and the StreetPilot C-Series. It's also compatible with the StreetPilot i-Series, iQue 3000, M3, M4, Quest 2 and various handhelds such as GPSMAP 60Cx/60CSx/76Cx/76CSx and eTrex Legend Cx/Vista Cx.
