Garmin MapSource BlueChart CD-ROM for Garmin GPS Units, Americas (010-10317-00)

Whether you're exploring new coastline or cruising your favorite bay, BlueChart Americas v7 contains the most detailed marine cartography around. These electronic nautical maps give you peace of mind when navigating offshore. Version 7 additions include rigs and artificial reefs for the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.

Main Features

Manufacturer: Garmin, Ltd

Manufacturer Part Number: 010-10317-00

Manufacturer Website Address: www.garmin.com

Software Sub Type: Maps & Traveling

Software Name: BlueChart Americas v.7.0

Features & Benefits:

Now with rigs and artificial reefs for the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico

Chart-specific information, including chart name and number, scale, revision date, latest Notice to Mariners date

Object-oriented cartography

Shaded depth contours

Intertidal zones

Spot soundings

Navaids with view range and coverage

Port plans

Port services including marina names, addresses, telephone, and types of services provided

Tides, wrecks, restricted areas and anchorages

Trip and waypoint management function lets you transfer waypoints, routes and tracks between your GPS and your PC

Real-time track plotting allows you to interface your Garmin chartplotter or handheld GPS with a PC laptop and must have compatible GPS with unlock code

Note: These functions of this product work with nearly all Garmin GPS units, excluding the GPS 100 family and panel mount aviation units.

Platform Support: PC

Compatibility:

Handheld GPS devices:

GPSMAP 162

GPSMAP 168 Sounder

GPSMAP 172

GPSMAP 172C

GPSMAP 176

GPSMAP 178 Sounder

GPSMAP 178C Sounder

GPSMAP 182/182C

GPSMAP 188/188C Sounder

GPSMAP 192C

GPSMAP 196

GPSMAP 198C Sounder

GP
Customer Review: Blue Chart Data for Newfoundland
The Blue Chart Data on this CD for Newfoundland is considerably overpriced. I purchased the same data for Polynesia two years ago and was able to get chart data for the entire area we anticipated being in from the Marquesas to Western Polynesia--a fair amount for the money involved. This time, however, I was able to unlock on SW Newfoundland. I would have needed to unlock two-three more regions for the rest of Newfoundland and nothing in Labrador. Not sure why this region should be so expensive for so little. My second complaint with Garmin is that they still do not provide support for Apple computers--my platform of choice. Many promises, but no delivery.
Customer Review: Amazon shipped old version
Amazon doesn't specify which version of BlueChart you will get. Amazon sent me version 9.0. I later found out that the current version is 9.5. Garmin now charges $75 to upgrade from 9.0 to 9.5. The charts are good, but Amazon should tell you which version you are getting.

If you've been thinking about buying a GPS, then your first step is to compare GPS navigation systems to find the right one for you. Although they all do basically the same thing, there are a number of differences you need to know about. Also, the price range varies enormously--from less than $200 to over $700! Figuring out your budget and what you can buy for the money is the trick to getting a system you're going to be happy with.

When I talk about GPS navigation systems, I'm usually talking about those made by the three big manufacturers, Garmin, Tom Tom, and Magellan. I'm not saying the others are not good. There are plenty of other companies that make excellent systems. I guess I have a personal preference for staying with the big companies.

Also, when I think about GPS systems, I mean the after-market, car variety. Not the kind you take hiking!

All GPS systems essentially do the same thing. They show you where you are on an electronic map and plot a route to where you want to go. So, at base, all GPS navigation systems share the same basic features. Those are:

• Spoken directions


• Touch screen


• A list of destinations--called Points of Interest, or POIs


• Maps of the lower 48 States--or at least regional maps


• Auto calculation of the best or shortest route

If those are what you get with any system, what other features are there?

Common features you can get are:

• More extensive maps--including Mexico and Europe


• Integration with Bluetooth technology


• Real-time traffic and weather--usually by subscription


• Plays music and serves as a audio book reader


• Much larger database of POIs

There are other features that you can get with specific manufacturers. Garmin is coming out with a unit that responds to voice commands. Magellan has teamed up with AAA to include their Tour Book with many of their GPS navigation systems. And Tom Tom is experimenting with a user generated database of points of interest, which is neat because users can record changes much faster than the company can.

Comparing GPS navigation systems is not hard once you learn what's out there and how much it costs. Your next step is to visit some sites and gather more information about price and exactly which units do what.

Lee Cole is a true GPS enthusiast! You can check out his website and find more information about how to compare GPS navigation systems!