5 comments about TOPO! National Geographic USGS Topographic Maps, California.

1. I now have their latest TOPO! 4.5, but cannot use it with my California State series maps. I've been exchanging e-mails with their customer support and they basically just recycle cut and paste's from their web site. At first I took their instructions (often contradictory) seriously and did everything they said, but none of it works. To make sure I tried it on a different computer. No go. The software often hangs up for long time, so anything you try kills a lot of time. I think it is just a very badly written code with no backward compatibility. I'm going to start looking for another product.



2. With TOPO, it makes a big difference if you copy the maps from the CDs to your hard drive. That results in a much faster and better experience. Directions for copying the maps to your hard drive are on the Topo web site. Some reviewers do not realize that.
   
   The digital maps are an extremely good value compared to paper maps!! Live Map Updates is a feature of version 4. You can download the current maps and street overlays for the quads you are interested in! And that is free.
   
   I have used versions 2, 3, and 4 of this product. Version 2 was excellent. Versions 3 and 4 are incremental improvements. On Amazon, it isn't always clear which version you are buying. Go by the dates -- version 4 was released in 2006.
   
   The software is excellent. My only complaint is that it is a bit complicated to install. I don't think it has ever crashed on me. I use it a lot, and discover new features all the time. It is not hard to learn. GPS support is great, in my experience.



3. Do not waste your money on this horrible software. Even on a 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM MacBook Pro, it staggers to run. It takes an average of 20 seconds just to change zoom levels and pans incredibly slowly. Try drawing a route and half the time the whole thing freezes and crashes and you have to start over. I'll say it again - DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!



4. TOPO! has the worst user interface ever created. It doesn't follow the standard user interface designed by Apple, Adobe, and Microsoft.
   - There's no hand tool to move around the map--rather you have to move your cursor to the edge of the screen and click to push the map around. Hard to control and creates lots of cursor movement
   - The tool to draw routes is hard to control



5. this product (CA version) is listed for $149 at Amazon and at $99 at the National Geographic website and at REI. What's up with that? 50% over the MSRP?

1 comments about Garmin Suction-Cup Mount Mount your nüvi® portable navigator on the windshield.

1. I received the suction mount with my Garmin Nuvi. In general I really like it. But I have had problems. It seems to loose suction with temperature changes. I also use my Nuvi with rental cars and when I used it in Arizona the rubber partially stuck to the windshield when I removed the suction mount. So now my suction mount looses suction frequently. I was about to purchase a replacement when I noticed the large beanbag friction mount. I'm going to give this a try. The reviewers seemed to love it.Garmin Portable Friction Dashboard Mount for Nüvi Series and StreetPilot I Series, C530, C550 and C580 GPS Navigators

1 comments about Swivel Vent Mount (Dual T) (Compatible with TomTom One) (CM047-S-2+APTTO).

1. The item was received in a bulk pack (plastic bag) and did not include instructions although it was easy to figure out. The lower "leg" has two positions plus the leg can be removed and reinstalled backward giving a little more flexibility. Once installed I was afraid the lower leg would bounce out of position when driving but it has not done so. The weight of the Tom Tom unit seems sufficient to hold it in place.
   
   Unlike another reviewer, I found the adapter plate on my unit fits snugly into both my Tom Tom and to the mount itself. Although mounted to an a/c vent, you will not lose the use of that vent (at least I didn't), my Tom Tom sits far enough out that there is still plenty of room for air flow around it. On my vent, I did lose the capability of adjusting the vent vertically, but still retain side-to-side adjustment.
   
   If your vents are very narrow top to bottom you may find after mounted that your Tom Tom points too far skyward. By using the 2nd set of adjustment holes I was able to position mine at a good angle. Once mounted you can adjust the mounted Tom Tom to the left or right but there is no adjustment up or down. I have a moonroof in my car and the light coming through the glass or when the glass is retracted can make the Tom Tom hard to see. With the solid sunshade closed it is fine.
   
   I'm submitting some images of the mount with Tom Tom attached in a Suzuki Verona EX.

1 comments about Garmin US TOPO MicroSD Data Card for Garmin GPS Units, Mountain West South (010-C0902-00).

1. A great resource for those doing orienteering or other outdoor activities. Not only does it include topographical information but it adds many roads that are not in the Garmin base map.

1 comments about RAM Mounting Systems Handlebar Mount for Garmin eTrex Venture C, Legend C, Vista C, Venture CX, Legend CX, Vista CX.

1. Purchased this product due to the fact that I didn't know what I really needed. The only reason I didn't give this product a 5 star was due to the u-bolt that mounts it to the handle bars wasn't coated with anything, so the handle bars will probable have a scratch when I take it off. The product works great for my Garmin Etrex Legend. I used it for several long rides and it was nice to be able to adjust it to any angle. This is a nice item that works well.

1 comments about Garmin Swiveling Marine Mount for eTrex (010-10354-00).

1. I purchased this Marine Mount for my Garmin eTrex Vista Cx GPS unit. This GPS unit has an internal micro CD card that's mounted next to the batteries inside. Unfortunately, the mounting cover that comes with the Marine Mount that's supposed to replace the original battery cover on the unit does not accommodate the CD card access area so it won't fit. I managed to drill away the excess plastic to force fit the cover, but I don't think it's water resistant anymore. This should only be a problem for the Cx unit. Buyer beware.

5 comments about Speck Garmin Nuvi 300 ToughSkin GPS Case (Black).

1. This item fits perfect and does it's job. I recommend it to anyone. It does make the GPS a little heavy, but it is worth it for the protection .



2. This cover fits my Garmin Nuvi perfectly. It gives you a secure grip of the GPS and protects it. No need to ever remove it; the GPS fits onto the car cradle with it on. Good item to have and well worth the money.



3. This is an excellent, rugged protective case for your Nuvi 300 Series GPS. It fits perfectly and has all the appropriate port openings to allow you to connect and mount your GPS device. My wife bought the clear version, but I think the black looks nicer.
   
   It has plenty of cushioning to absorb shocks. It also comes with a screen protector to give you the 100% solution for scratch protection. The only downside was that the screen protector was a bit difficult to install. When we tried to peel the first side of the sticker off, the adhesive tab came loose. Nevertheless, it now is properly installed and looks great!



4. The only thing that seems to work here is the rubber protector. It fits well and has holes in all the necessary places (like flash memory socket, etc.)
   
   delivery time of the product was good.
   
   Cons:
   
   1. the description here on amazon says something about removable "belt clip" which I assumed is gonna be a thing that lets you fix the GPS unit to your pants' belt so you don't have to keep it in a pocket while on a hiking trip... however, in the box there was nothing even remotely resembling a "belt clip" (there was one piece of flexible transparent plastic, which looked like a protective packaging of the merchandise. I promptly dumped it in the garbage where it undoubtedly belonged)
   
   2. Like one previous reviewer I also had a problem with installing the protective screen. By the time I figured which piece of plastic foil (there are 3 of them) is the actual screen plenty of dirt and dust managed to stuck on its glue-covered surface rendering the screen practically unusable. It didn't stick very well with air trapped around the edges and in the middle.



5. Amazon doesn't sell the nuvi widescreen version of this protector, so I'm posting the review of that one here. I bought one for the 260W.
   
   The thing is cool, hopefully does its job of protecting the GPS, but:
   
   1) Their website (speckproducts dot com) claims you can still use your window mount while the protector is on. While it looks like you could, the rubber cover (although thin on the back) is too thick to allow use of the window mount clip.
   
   2) The screen protector was confusing to install and I also got mine dirty and had to throw it away. It also left a sticky film on my screen that I had to wash off.
   
   As for what one reviewer said about the belt clip, mine DID come with a belt clip. I wrote speck yesterday asking for a replacement screen protector but they have not yet replied.
   
   I would have given 5 stars had the window mount clip fit on the GPS while the protector was in use.

5 comments about RAM Mounting Systems Suction Cup Mount for Garmin GPSMAP 76C, 76CS, 76Cx, 76CSX, 96, 96C.

1. When mounted in my car this thing acts as if it is mounted via bolts, not suction cup to the windhshield. No vibration or slippage at all. I can press buttons without having to support the device at the same time. This thing is much, much better than anything garmin has to offer.
   
   It's not compact but the reach this unit offers really makes it easy to find a good position for the not so small gps underneath a sloped windshield and once installed doesn't look too big relative to the dash of the car.
   
   My only complaint is that removing the gps from the mount is a two hand affair, not easy at all. You have to pry the 2 wings away from each other to allow the gps to slide out of the bracket. When I want to stow the gps when parked I just remove the whole assembly from the windshield. That makes for a bit more work when setting the thing back up.



2. This thing is built at a very high quality level; the suction cup you can't even pull the suction cup off of anything when engaged



3. Good suction. Swivels in all directions. Stays put. Easy removal.
   
   It is practical and portable. I like the convenience of being able to place it in any car, as it is not a permanent mount. It is a little hard to place/remove the GPS in the mount, however.



4. This unit did everything it was supposed to. I have two other types of mounts and this really was the most versital. If I had to complain about anything, it would be the some what difficulty in getting the GPS into the holder. It was very easy to position and reposition. It tilted easily, held the expensive GPS very safely. At first the thought the price was a little high but now I think it was right on the money and was a very worthy purchase.



5. I like this product because it is adaptable for different bases and mounts. The suction cup holds tight and all the parts are high quality. It adjusts to different positions easily and the holder for the unit fits tightly so it won't bounce out.

1 comments about Garmin Portable Friction Dashboard Mount for Nuvi Series and StreetPilot I Series, C530, C550 and C580 GPS Navigators (010-10908-00).

1. Purchased so we can take the Nuvi off the dash and lay it on the floorboard.
   works great for the exact purpose. In theory it is not able to slide off the dashboard. Unless of course you clean your dashboard and use 303 protectant and turn the corner at a faster than normal speed. won't stay on the dash then. Luckily my wife caught it. overall, great product and provides us w/ some ability to remove the nuvi from prying eyes. we even locked in the glove once.
   recommend for those who don't want to leave their pricely GPS stuck the windshield.

5 comments about Magellan eXplorist Carrying Case with Belt Clip.

1. I had a case for a Garmin GPS and it was just a belt clip that you slide on and off your belt, and unfortunately, it can come off your belt (which it often did) and you can lose your GPS unit for good.
   
   This eXplorist case comes with a real nice strong wide and secure strip that you have to undo your belt and loop your belt through, so when you are out hiking, you don't have to keep checking and be afraid it fell off your belt, because there is no way for this case to come off without you taking your belt off! NICE!
   
   It's not just a loop of string or rope either, it is better described as a belt or strip of tough material attached real secure to the case.
   
   True, you can't quickly slide the case on and off of your belt as with a clip, but why would you need to take the case on and off, you take the GPS out when you need it and the case stays on the belt where it is safe and can't get dropped or lost.
   
   For $7 this is a great case. I can get the GPS in and out quickly and easily. I like the secure, yet easy to open zipper as opposed to the velcro flap that my Garmin case has.
   
   The only negative I would have is that I would have liked the padding to be a bit thicker, but I suppose I can always slide a strong piece of leather or something into it on the inside to better protect the GPS from an impact to the case. There is enough room to do this and still be able to get the GPS unit in and out without problem.
   
   What else can you buy for only $7 today?



2. This lightweight Magellan carrying case for the eXplorist series GPS weighs in at a mere .9 ounces (25.5 grams). It's made of Cordura nylon, not canvas, with a soft tricot fabric lining and it has a nylon web strap loop sewn on the back that will accommodate up to a two inch belt. Unfortunately, a negative is that the description says there's a belt clip of which there is none.
   
   The case is thinly padded with one small nylon pocket sewn inside that will let you carry a pair of AA batteries and the little plastic box that an SD card comes in or a spare rechargeable LiIon battery.
   
   The padding affords adequate protection of your unit when it's not in use while allowing the case to be flexible enough to keep it from digging into your waist line.
   
   If you must have a belt clip, keep looking; otherwise this well-made case will offer essential protection for your GPS without weighing you down.



3. I bought this from ANTonline.
   This product does NOT fit all Explorists as their advertisement says.
   It is not even close to fitting the Explorist XL.
   I returned it in perfect shape.
   
   I spent nearly 30.00 with shipping both ways and ANTonline refunded to me $2.43. The extra shipping was their fault and the restocking fees are ridiculous! I advise you to NOT throw your money at this poisonous enterprise.



4. Protects gps pretty well. Didn't give it the extra star because of the wide loop. It's a little too wide to use it with a 'biner instead of having to wear a belt.



5. This was a great accessory for the GSP I purchased. Made it easy to carry and was well made.