Garmin Roads and Recreation CD ROM (USA)

First negative: manual is not concise, in addition to overlooking minor details like every time you download new maps it erases whatever you've previously downloaded. Not necessarily a bad program, but it would be nice if they told you about it instead of making you learn by trial and error.

Second negative: not very current info. I think a lot of this map is at least a couple of years old.

Still and all, I'd buy it again: the pros far outweigh the cons.


[Pricey] and Lacking   July 8, 2001
 38 out of 40 found this review helpful

Garmin has us over a barrel, so we must pay big bucks for unimpressive software like this. I use this with my Garmin eTrex Vista (great product).

Pros: Essential street level map detail, good way to save/edit waypoints and routes, good overall coverage of USA.

Cons: Lacks course-plotting directions..., is out of date, maps are slow to load (be sure to be selective and set your serial port to the fastest speed, otherwise it might take hours), Lacks moderm Win95 style interface (right clicking and such), overall a little clunky to use, wish it had a way to quickly center/zoom on an address/location. Building a route is harder than it should be.

The MetroGuide Software is twice as [much money], but probably addresses some of the flaws of this CD. Be careful though, the Metro Guide is in the process of being upgraded, don't get the old one.


Never Lost   December 1, 2000
 25 out of 54 found this review helpful

I purchased this software for my husband who likes to know where he's at and where he's headed. We travel frequently and he hikes every weekend. He uses his Garmin III plus for trails, travel and curiosity. He's not satisfied to see what is just around him-- now he knows his direction in terms of compass points and geographical slant. It's a must if you like to fulfill curiosity or if you have a reason to know.