Garmin 478 users/owners thread

[Lurch II]

If true I stand corrected. I wasn't aware that the MapInstall program could see the proprietary Garmin card except with the USB programmer made specifically for the Garmin proprietary (and expensive) memory cards.

Originally Posted by Steve W

There's an app for that Actually mapsource will install maps without the programmer just fine. The card programmer is a hold-over from the old serial port units. Or you can use the new "MapInstal" app, available as a download from Garmin. MapInstal is mainly for BaseCamp users but will work if you're using MapSource.

[Lobby]

Originally Posted by jonz

BTW, which Mexico maps are you talking about?

Don't ask me. Ask Lurch.



When I traveled to Mexico, I'd use the Bicimapas. But I don't go there anymore. Way too dangerous.

[Lurch II]

City Navigator North America has basic Mexico maps and Canada. Not a lot of detail for Mexico.

Originally Posted by Lobby

Don't ask me. Ask Lurch.



When I traveled to Mexico, I'd use the Bicimapas. But I don't go there anymore. Way too dangerous.

[Honkey Cat]

Ok i have a brand new never used 478. Updated new map, tried to upload my tracks. Internal says 10 but according to garmin website it says 20. What is correct.

Thanks

[BlueLghtning]

Originally Posted by Touge86

Ok i have a brand new never used 478. Updated new map, tried to upload my tracks. Internal says 10 but according to garmin website it says 20. What is correct.

Thanks

My 478 does 15 tracks with 700 pts each plus the Active log of 10k pts.
My 376c does the same also.

Have you checked your firmware version?

[spidennis]

Originally Posted by Touge86

Ok i have a brand new never used 478. Updated new map, tried to upload my tracks. Internal says 10 but according to garmin website it says 20. What is correct.

Thanks

nice find!

[eddyturn]

I guess I should otta get to doing something with my refurb 478, before it's too late.

[Jamie Z]

I've been pretty happy with my 478 since I bought it a few years ago. Aside from what I feel is a crappy antenna and outdated UI, the GPS has served me well.

The USB plug had become unreliable, probably because I took the rubber plug off it a while back. And most recently when I went to replace my Invisible Shield screen protector, it left a residue on the screen which I was unable to remove, and moreover I made worse in my attempt to clean it up.

I ponied up the $170 to get a refurbished unit from Garmin. It's indistinguishable from a brand new unit, plus when I went to re-register, I saw that I was eligible for a map upgrade.

I'm downloading it now.

I've been tempted to look at the Garmin Montana. A local guy has one, so I got to play around with it for a bit, and I've read lots about it online. Anyone go from a 478 to the Montana?

The way I see it, I could take the refurbished unit I have (which is basically brand new) and sell it for the same amount a Montana would cost me. It would essentially be an even swap. Is it worth it? I really like the custom road preference feature that the 478 has, and it appears the Montana doesn't have anything like that, though it does have two separate avoidances for interstates and major highways.

In any case, I've got a couple of dilemmas. Do I try a screen protector again? How many of you are using or not using a screen protector and would you again? Also, anyone here go from the 478 to the Montana? What did you think? What do you like about the Montana? What do you miss from the 478?

Jamie

[Lurch II]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

In any case, I've got a couple of dilemmas. Do I try a screen protector again? How many of you are using or not using a screen protector and would you again? Also, anyone here go from the 478 to the Montana? What did you think? What do you like about the Montana? What do you miss from the 478?

Jamie

I have a Zagg Shield screen protector. Glad I do - it has held up well and I have had it on my 478 for 5-6 years. Haven't tried to remove it - probably never will.

My beef with most of the other less capable GPS's is I like XM and the weather radar, both of which I have on the 478. Have to move to a Zumo 650 to get the same capabilities and I'm not willing to shell out the money even though the Zumo is faster and has more memory.

[BlueLghtning]

Jamie, not sure if you saw this Garmin Montana Collected Wisdom and FAQ thread, but its a lot easier to go through then the big Montana thread and might help your decision.

My 478 has been great, although it does really need to be sent in to be refurbished, but I've also been thinking about adding a Montana to my collection.

[eddyturn]

I went with a Clarivue screen protector and like it better than the Zagg. I am just to much of a technophope to get the Montana. I see way too much shit over my head on that thread.

[Jamie Z]

Originally Posted by Lurch II

I have a Zagg Shield screen protector. Glad I do - it has held up well and I have had it on my 478 for 5-6 years. Haven't tried to remove it - probably never will.

My beef with most of the other less capable GPS's is I like XM and the weather radar, both of which I have on the 478. Have to move to a Zumo 650 to get the same capabilities and I'm not willing to shell out the money even though the Zumo is faster and has more memory.

I wish I could like the weather, but the cost of the antenna and monthly subscription makes it too much for me. I can just stop and look at the weather on my phone if I want.

The Invisible Shield is from Zagg. I've used them on other devices and never had it leave a residue like that. Now it's left me a bit nervous about using another.

Originally Posted by BlueLghtning

Jamie, not sure if you saw this Garmin Montana Collected Wisdom and FAQ thread, but its a lot easier to go through then the big Montana thread and might help your decision.

My 478 has been great, although it does really need to be sent in to be refurbished, but I've also been thinking about adding a Montana to my collection.

I did see that thread, thanks. There's a lot of information there, though it hasn't helped me make my decision. For me, I wouldn't be adding anything, I'd pretty much have to sell my 478 in order to try out the Montana.

Originally Posted by eddyturn

I went with a Clarivue screen protector and like it better than the Zagg. I am just to much of a technophope to get the Montana. I see way too much shit over my head on that thread.

I might look into the Clarivue.

Really, I'd imagine the Montana is less technical than the 478. That's what my fear is. Most newer Garmin's have gone backwards in functionality in the name of simplicity.

Jamie

[Emmbeedee]

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

The Invisible Shield is from Zagg. I've used them on other devices and never had it leave a residue like that. Now it's left me a bit nervous about using another.

...Really, I'd imagine the Montana is less technical than the 478. That's what my fear is. Most newer Garmin's have gone backwards in functionality in the name of simplicity.

I think you have to get out of the trap of thinking that just because the Montana does not duplicate the 478's functions, it's not as useful. Your conclusion about the lack of waypoint categories in the Montana thread seems to be "I want it to work like my 478 and too bad it doesn't".

The Montana is far better at using multiple maps; unlimited profiles make the gps behave like totally different units in seconds; far better track and route capabilities, far more waypoints, wireless route/track/waypoint transfer with compatible units, landscape/portrait orientation, it's a very long list but 478 emulation is not one of 'em.

So yeah, if you're happy with your 478 then by all means, keep it, but you can't say the Montana is "backwards in functionality in the name of simplicity".

Simple, it's not.

And re: screen protectors - Garmin includes 3 with the very inexpensive, properly powered (no mini usb cable), lockable Rugged Mount. What a bargain for $33!

[caycek5]

Hopefully someone can guide me with an answer. I thought I had seen in the track log properties in mapquest besides the altitude and profile map that it also recorded a speed as well. Am I mistaken or what am I missing? Thanks for any advice.

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by caycek5

Hopefully someone can guide me with an answer. I thought I had seen in the track log properties in mapquest besides the altitude and profile map that it also recorded a speed as well. Am I mistaken or what am I missing? Thanks for any advice.

If you save the tracks to memory on a 478, the GPS strips the time/speed information out when it's saved. If you load to MapSource or BaseCamp from the active log files, the data is there. This is why I never save logs on the unit unless I'm forced to. I'd much rather move them to the computer at the end of each day and retain all of the data.