Customer Reviews

Garmin Auto navigation kit (City Navigator NA, full unlk, auto mount, friction mount, dash mount and vehicle power cable)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The picture of the product shows City Select version 6, but version 7 is in the package. However, the problem is City Select was discontinued in July 06 by Garmin and replaced by City Navigator. All newer Automotive kits from Garmin now have City Navigator, but the one I got from Amazon in early August didn't. I called Garmin and they offered to send me City Navigator version 8 free via next day delivery. Thus order with confidence that you will get the latest software version in the end until Amazon's inventory turns over; just do not register the City Select version - wait for City Navigator to show up.

I have had mine for a week. I had a non mapping garmin gps 12 for years, which was misplaced. I bought the navigation kit at the same time I ordered a 60 CS. It makes what I bought for backpacking usable as a car navigation tool both in the city and out in the boonies. I had no problems loading software and maps, upload or download from/to my gps.

I am impressed by the softwares ability to "recalculate" in navigation mode. If I ignore the suggested route, it continually adapts to suggest a new route based on where I am.

I am sure that some portions of the database is not current as far as new roads etc. are concerned but I am impressed with the degree of information that is currently contained. I have gotten messages regarding keeping right for example (to avoid being caught in what becomes a left turn only lane), and knowledge of one-way streets etc.

The real test is yet to come to negotiate San Francisco's endless no left turns, one way streets, construction and limited freeway on ramps!!!

Great kit at a great deal. And, it came with v7 of the map data so I didn't even have to bother waiting for an update from Garmin.

I purchased a GPSmap 60CS and am very pleased with it's basic performance. The base functons do exactly what they claim to do. I purchased the North America Navigation kit because I wanted to use the unit for driving, as well as hiking and fishing.
The hardware in the kit is great - the GPS fits perfectly in to the bracket and the friction mount can be used almost anywhere. I keep wanting to install the permanent mount, but why? So far the friction mount works great.
Now, the software. Of the 2 CDs, the second one was corrupt - right out of the box. I knew what was going on because I used to work for a software company that sent out the same kind of crappy product from time to time.
I heard bad things about their tech support, but I called them anyway. After a 20 minute wait, I got to talk to someone who seemed to care and really know their stuff. In a short while, the tech offered to personally burn new CDs and sent them to me. I got them in 2 days and they worked perfectly. I called again a few days later about some other questions and their support was great.
My biggest complaint is about tidal information on the GPS. On the base maps, there is detailed high/low tide information on many cities - which I love (being a fisherman). But when you install the maps, the tide information is gone. You can get the tide information back, but you have to wipe out the street info to do so.
As a computer geek, this package has very few flaws and many great features.

If you have the Garmin MapGPS 60CS
this accessory is a must. The friction style base is secure and easily portable from 1 vehicle to the next. The power cord is indispensable when traveling. CitySelect CD is easy to use and download to the unit. An EXCELLENT product and well worth the money.

Everything works but mounting the unit into the holder can be a bit of a pain and the power supply cord has to be connected AFTER the GPS is secured and removed BEFORE removing the GPS from the mount. The sandbag base does not slide on the dash because of the tacky bottom. Adjustments for viewing angle is good. It does need to have some kind of brace between the mounted GPS and the base or it shakes too much to be readable.

I was a GPS-trail guy before buying the navigation kit. I would take the GPS hiking, but I rarely felt like recharging batteries, setting the GPS on the dash, and using the limited street maps when driving in car. Since then, the power adapter, mount, and thorough maps have changed my driving experience. I have used the autonavigation feature much locally and I found out how valuable it was last weekend, when I was in an unfamiliar city, and my car load kept using the GPS to find the locations of our bar-hopping groups of friends.
I do not claim this product is somehow superior to similar products, because I have not used any similar products. I am only stating that this product has allowed me to get much more practical, everyday use from the GPS.

This pack is WELL worth it if you don't have the US Street maps for your GPS unit. For an extra few bucks on top of just buying the maps, the car charger adapter and the permenant and temporary GPS fixtures work well and are decent quality. Highly recommended.

The cool friction dash mount is almost worth the price of the whole kit! No need to drill or glue. Well designed, non-slip "bean bag" filled with lead shot! City Select will be my third Garmin map set... already own MetroGuide and Topo USA... Even though all maps come from the same sources, it's hard to beat Garmin's overall maps. Their PC interface to the maps is great. So easy to pre-plan trips, print maps and trails on the PC and download to the GPS. Top notch...

Good add on for you GPS -- just make sure you have the correct GPS for the holder that is provided with this pack. I got the most out of my GPS 76cs with the City Select North America. Adding this to my PC made all the differance. Making trip plans was very easy and uploaded to the GPS in no time at all. The dash mount is a big help and kept the GPS ON THE DASH.