Is Garmin software forward compatible?

[Mike]

I have Garmin's MapSource Ver 3.02 and MetroGuide Ver 2.00 that was
purchased with a GPS V about five years ago. I'm thinking of getting a
etrex Vista and was wondering if the older software will work with a
new unit? The software date is 1999.

Has anyone tried this?
I really like the Vista C but the software has no usb support.

[Peter]

Post by Mike
I have Garmin's MapSource Ver 3.02 and MetroGuide Ver 2.00 that was
purchased with a GPS V about five years ago. I'm thinking of getting a
etrex Vista and was wondering if the older software will work with a
new unit? The software date is 1999.

Yes, it should work fine, but of course the maps are going to be
rather dated so newer roads, modified freeway interchanges, and
other road changes won't be shown correctly. Many of the business
POI listings will also be incorrect. Also note that this older
version of MetroGuide-USA uses rather large regions of about
7 - 8 MB each, so you'll only be able to load about 3 regions to
your Vista. The newer versions use smaller regions of about
1 MB which allows you more flexibility in defining exactly what
area you want covered.

I'm a bit puzzled by your comment on the GPS V. That model
came with CitySelect, not MetroGuide. And at the time
the GPS V was introduced the version numbers were 4.0 of
CitySelect and 4.01 of MetroGuide.

[Stuart Middleton-White]

...wondering if the older software will work with a new unit? The software date is 1999.

Well the PC software has nothing to do with it. I suspect that the map
data (MetroGuide Ver 2.00) will work fine but I can't guarantee it.

I really like the Vista C but the software has no usb support.

You can update the MapSource software (not the map data) for free to
the latest version (6.5). Just download the updater and run it.

http://www.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209

You might also try the (also free) nRoute software.

http://www.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=575

Both come with Garmin's USB drivers so they'll work with the newer
units.

[Bob]

You can upload your v2 maps into a Vista C, but you will be losing the
ability to do routing on the GPS using the uploaded maps. (It should
however route using built in maps.) For routing from uploadde maps you
need Metroguide 4 which is now out of date, or City Select.

Incidentally, you can update Mapsource to v6.5 for free by downloading
it from Garmins site.

The Vista C does have a USB port. Its the old Vista that does not.

Bob

[gomez]

Post by Mike
I have Garmin's MapSource Ver 3.02 and MetroGuide Ver 2.00 that was
purchased with a GPS V about five years ago. I'm thinking of getting a
etrex Vista and was wondering if the older software will work with a
new unit? The software date is 1999.

You can download the latest MapSource (v6.5) for free from Garmin's
website

http://www.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=209

Note, this is the program only and will not update the map data. This
version *does* include USB support for newer devices such as the Vista
C. Your MG map data is not one of the ones recommended for use with
the Vista C but you will much of the basic functionality from it.
Have a look on the the Garmin website for a liste of recommend maps

http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistac/

[GeorgePSW]

1. You can update MapSource to 6.x for free at garmin.com
2. You must get MapSource updated to have USB
2. You'll probably have to pay something to update the MetroGuide
3. If you don't update the maps, you can live with the old ones.
4. With old maps, you sacrifice a few higher level Route features.
5. You can download LOTS of maps segments into the 24mb Vista
6. Big cities take up more map space per segment than rural areas.

Go for the Vista C unless you have the $$$ for the 60C which is how I
replaced my Vista. It is one hot puppy.

George
TX

[Mike]

Thanks for the tip on the 60C. This unit will spend most of its time on
a motorcycle so I'm a little reluctant to put too much money in it but
I'm seriously considering a GPSMAP 60.