Garmin in the Kayak

Today we feature a guest post from outdoor writer and expert kayak fisherman Ric Burnley.  Ric contacted us several years ago about rigging his kayak with Garmin gear before we knew such a thing was even possible!

Think about the relationship between technology and sports.  Without key inventions, many sports would be impossible.  The invention of the wheel led to Formula 1 racing.  Who could have guessed that a pack of warriors fighting over a stuffed goat skin would end up playing soccer?  And football wouldn’t be as much fun without polypropylene for the helmet and pads. In fact, almost every sport owes its origins to a key invention. 

Kayak fishing is no different. Without the invention of the sit-on-top kayak, many anglers would not be able to fish out of these versatile boats.  And, without advancements in electronics, many kayak anglers would not be able to take their sport to the extreme. 

I started kayak fishing shortly after the dawn of the sport, when guys were still bastardizing existing boats into kayak fishing machines. Just like their boat-bound brothers, kayak fishermen won’t leave the dock without taking every advantage.  So, I pimped out an Ocean Kayak Prowler with rod holders, tackle boxes, and electronics and charged the waters around my hometown, Virginia Beach, VA.

At first I targeted speckled trout, flounder, and schoolie rockfish, but soon I turned my attention towards bigger game such at cobia, big red drum, and trophy rockfish.  As I set my sights higher and higher, it became more and more important to have high-quality gear that was reliable and accurate.  At first I burned through fishfinders and GPS units like a NASCAR team goes through tires.  Then I picked up a Garmin 250 fishfinder and 76Cx GPS and the same units are on the bow of my boat today.

Hit the open road with nüvi 465T

Designed to satisfy the navigation needs of the trucking industry, the nüvi 465T is Garmin's first truck-specific nüvi, packed with features that will help drivers make the most out of their long-haul journey. The nüvi 465T provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions; it's customizable by weight, length, width, height, no trucks allowed, no trailers allowed and hazardous materials while routing. For the ultimate in convenience, the nüvi 465T comes preloaded with the NTTS Breakdown Directory that provides truck-friendly points of interest such as tire sales repair, glass repair, towing and recovery and truck stops with repair. The nüvi 465T also lets you create custom vehicle profiles tailored to what you're driving and what you're hauling. For a closer look, watch the demo video below...over and out.

Victor's Vectors: flyGarmin.com makes database updates easy

FlyGarmin.com keeps getting better!  Recently, we added a couple of new features to flyGarmin.com that customers have been asking for.  One of the new features is a Beta version of batch updates.  That means that customers with multiple database subscriptions can now download all databases with one shot, instead of download each database separately.  Being able to download multiple databases at the same time saves time and is much more convenient.  If you haven’t already, visit www.fly.garmin.com and discover an easy way to update your Garmin aviation databases.

Elite U.S. distance runners use Garmin as 'secret weapon' in game of cat and mouse

One of the best things about Garmin's fitness line is that a first-time user can take advantage of the same technology as the world's top athletes. Just as a bike commuter can use the same Edge 705 that graces the handlebars of Team Garmin's elite professionals, a weekend jogger enjoys the same benefits from a Forerunner 405 used by world-class runners. Recent notes from U.S. distance champs Deena Kastor and Ryan Hall to our fitness team shared a rare glance into just one of the ways that these two elite distance runners use their Forerunners in training.

"You make an incredible product," Deena wrote to us, "I’ll give you a little inside scoop on how I’ve made it work for me: I get a head start on Ryan for hard training runs and he tries to catch me. I usually look at my Garmin to see what pace I’m running or how much ground I have to cover in order to hold him off. I tease him right before I start by saying 'Catch me if you can.' Then, it is only my Garmin giving me information to fend him off. It is my secret weapon."

For more reasons, why Deena and Ryan love their Forerunners, check out Jake's YouTube videos from the New York City marathon.

Garmin associates race around the world

With Boston book-ending the start of the official marathon season, this past weekend was packed with races in places around the globe. And Garmin had representation in many of the biggies. First up was Nashville's Country Music Marathon, which Garmin sponsored. Garmin associate Amy chose Music City for her marathon debut. A fitting locale since Amy confessed she spent most of her childhood planning to be a country music singer. The bands, fans and crowds kept her going through a hot, humid race. Such weather was a cruel irony for someone who logged nearly all her training miles in the rain, slow and sleet of a Kansas winter/spring. But by minding her Forerunner early in the race to hold a moderate pace and then walking more as the temps rose, Amy was able to run a smart race and avoid a post-race ambulance ride like about 40 runners experienced.

Caddy Confidential: 7,500+ Courses Preloaded, Software Updated

Down here at the caddy shack we tend to not speak too technically - unless we're talking back-swings and follow-throughs. But today, we are happy to delve into software speak so as to officially announce an additional 2,500 course maps for the Approach G5 now available for download for free here. That brings the Approach's total number of subscription-free courses to 7,500, and we're already working on the next batch.

Our trusty staff of software engineers also just released the latest software update making some significant - and from this hapless hack's point of view - very helpful tweaks to the Approach G5 software. The big change, from a golfer's perspective, is that the Approach now lets you zoom in on targets for more precision. The new zoom feature allows you to get even more exact distances when you need to carry bunkers or hit it to a specific spot for a layup.

If you want more information about the Approach, hit up the home page, check out the minisite, or drop us a line. We want to hear what you think of the Approach thus far. That's all for now. Keep checking in as we've got new YouTube videos lined up, and more tales about how the Approach can help improve your game.

Ask Garmin: Comparison shopping made easy

Two similar questions landed in our inbox this weekend. Looking for an entry-level Garmin for geocaching, Helene is trying to decide between the GPSMap 60Cx and an eTrex Legend HCx. "The display screen seems bigger and clearer," Helene notes with the 60Cx, "and it seems easier to geocache with." Meanwhile, Tony wrote in looking for a suitable replacement for his nüvi 650. This is where our Web team's work pays off through our online sort filters.

First, let's look at Helene's question. By going to the "On the Trail" section of Garmin.com, we can click on "Mapping Handhelds" and see the various models. By clicking the squares next to GPSMap 60Cx and eTrex Legend HCx, we can compare these units head-to-head. This side-by-side comparison shows that Helene is right about the 60Cx screen being larger, as that category is highlighted to show the difference. Other differences include weight, battery life, tide tables and the inclusion of a microSD card. These details should help Helene shop and get started on her way to finding a cache.

Save $$$ by driving with a GPS

Our friends at NAVTEQ recently completed a study that confirmed something we've believed for a long time -- using a GPS saves you money and time. NAVTEQ's study quantified that German drivers saved an average of 1,500 miles of driving when using a GPS. This equates to about $200 a year for a U.S. driver, and since the price of an entry-level Garmin nüvi is about $200, that means you could recoup the cost you spent on a device within the first year. Drivers saw the biggest savings when they drove during rush hour traffic, especially if their device included real-time traffic like the nüvi 1260T with free traffic. The study also found that those using a GPS had a 12% increase in fuel efficiency, which translates to an estimated .91 tons (metric) decrease in carbon dioxide emissions every year per driver. Interestingly enough, this study took place before Garmin's ecoRoutes, so just imagine the benefits to the environment if a driver used ecoRoutes!

So, there you have it. The facts are in and they nullify almost any excuse you may have had about not owning a GPS. Get a Garmin nüvi and save time, money and the environment!

NASCAR Truck Series navigates to KS Speedway

Look for Garmin on the track of the Kansas Speedway this weekend when the NASCAR Truck Series comes to our own backyard! The last time Garmin teamed up with TheGPSStore.com and the #07 truck, driver Chad McCumbeefinished third at the two-mile California Speedway in February - the best finish ever for the team. Chad has had some pretty good success at Kansas and noted that, "the track is smooth and each year the racing gets better as the surface wears." Chad is currently eight in NCWTS point standings and we'll be cheering him on Saturday from the sunflower state. The O'Reilly Auto Parts 250 will air live on the SPEED channel at 6 pm ET tomorrow. Good luck to Chad and the entire #07 crew!

Sun 'n Fun: $5,000 Rebate on G600!

Are you thinking about upgrading your panel from out-dated steam gauges to all-glass? Now is the time because we announced the deal of a lifetime at Sun 'n Fun. If you purchase a G600 between now and June 30, you'll receive a $5,000 rebate. Plus, if you plan to add more Garmin equipment to your cockpit, you have an opportunity to participate in an ongoing Garmin program where you can save an additional $4,000, for a total savings of $9,000!  We've never offered a deal this big, so don't hesitate and let it pass you by.

Jake's Journal: Carless commute? What about B-O-B?

This Sunday, Team Garmin will compete in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, part of the Belgian classics and one of five "Monuments" of the European professional road cycling calendar. The race covers 261 km and goes from Liège to Bastogne back to Liège. Yep, it's not just a clever name. And that's why my carless commute - which I did for the first time this week on Earth Day - will now be known as "Brookside-Olathe-Brookside". There are some interesting similarities between Team Garmin doing L-B-L and my B-O-B. We're both on bikes (for the most part). We both count on the Edge 705 to show us color mapping and our real-time data, such as time, speed, distance, heading, elevation and GPS location. We both use Garmin Connect. (Here's recent data from Team Garmin's Ryder Hesjedal. Here's the data from my trip home.) We both have a lot of traffic to avoid. In Belgium, they're navigating through the world's top cyclists and overzealous fans. On my bike trails, I'm dodging joggers and walkers with babies in strollers and pets on leashes. And ... I think that's where the similarities end.

At Liège-Bastogne-Liège, there are 11 recognized climbs, with one being 4km long and one heartbreaker at a 12% grade. Now don't get me wrong, Brookside-Olathe-Brookside has plenty of hills. And at least one spanned more than two blocks. L-B-L starts in the heart of town and finishes in the northern suburb of Ans. B-O-B starts in a southern suburb and finishes in a neighborhood right in the heart of KC. Oh yeah, and probably the biggest kicker aside from the distance (261km vs. 83km) is that Team Garmin gets on the bus after the ride is over. For me, the bus played a big part in the Brookside-Olathe leg (5 miles of bike, 21 miles by bus). But the 26 miles home was all pedal power. And it was exhilarating. The one regret is that I forgot to turn on Auto Lap to help me overanalyze each mile on Garmin Connect, which replays the route on its map player. I'll have to remember that for the next edition of B-O-B.  

Sun 'n Fun: Aviation weather, flight file and AOPA Directory on your phone

Got weather? If not and if you're a pilot, you know it's a must have. Trying to make go/no-go decisions is impossible without a reliable weather source, and Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is the reliable weather source you need to make those decisions from your cell phone. Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is an aviation weather application that works on just about any phone -- BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, etc -- and it shows up-to-date aviation weather radar, METARs, TAFs, winds aloft, PIREPs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, and so much more. Here at Sun 'n Fun we've announced that weather information is now available for Canada, as well as the U.S. You can trust that the info from Pilot My-Cast is the most up-to-date because the data comes directly from the National Weather Service for the U.S., Environment Canada for Canada, and the FAA.

The latest addition to Pilot My-Cast is the AOPA Airport Directory, the most comprehensive source of airport information. It includes information for over 5,300 public-use airports and more than 7,000 FBOs, such as pilot services, ground transportation, lodging, restaurants, and local attractions. 

In addition to checking the weather, you can file a flight plan directly from your phone by entering the data into a form on your phone and sending it to DUATs -- it's almost like texting them your flight plan and it can save you a tremendous amount of time.

Pilot My-Cast by Garmin is only $9.95/month. Click here to learn how to try it on your phone, or come visit the Pilot My-Cast area at Sun 'n Fun (Hangar D, in the Garmin booth) and we'll give you a hands-on demonstration.

 

ecoRoute and Edge team up on Earth Day

As we all try to find ways to help and enjoy the environment on Earth Day, Garmin offers up some simple options for making your day a little more eco-friendly. The first option, for those of you who can't get by without your car for your daily commute, is as easy as a free software download. Visit www.garmin.com/ecoRoute  and the interactive ecoRoute minisite to learn more about ecoRoute's fuel-efficient navigation and how the driving challenge and tips for fuel conservation can help you save fuel and money.

For those of you looking for alternative forms of transportation, Jake has turned his daily commute into a multi-mode relay of sorts. This morning, he biked from his house to the bus stop to catch the Garmin shuttle, which was set up to provide rides for employees in other parts of the metro area. A leisurely bus ride later - with his bike safely secured on the front of the bus - Jake was at work 10 minutes early and ready to start his day. This afternoon, he'll again saddle up on his bike for his 26-mile ride home. And rather than dodging traffic, he gets to enjoy the mixed-use trails that wind through Johnson County and Kansas City. He'll be tackling the trails with confidence, guided home by Edge 705's GPS data and color mapping. We're hoping Jake will share his car-less chronicles (and his Garmin Connect data) with us tomorrow, and we'd love to hear your Earth Day stories as well in the comment below. From major eco-friendly initiatives to tiny tweaks in your daily routine, every bit helps.

Sun 'n Fun: Learning your Garmin

We mentioned it briefly yesterday, but one of our announcements for Sun 'n Fun is a new eLearning Program where you can receive computer-based training for the most popular Garmin aviation products. Our first eLearning Program is for the GPSMAP 696/695 and it's available now on CD. We also expect to add training for other products to our eLearning library, so that you'll soon be able to access training for the GPSMAP 296/396/496, G1000, GNS 430W/530W, G600 and more.

One of the best parts of the eLearning Program is that it's self-paced so you can learn about your Garmin whenever is convenient for you. Plus, you can learn about the entire product in one sitting, or you can do training by a specific topic. The training has multiple steps to help you learn about your GPS and practice your new skills. First, you'll watch a simulated multi-media demonstration of a task, such as creating a flight plan. Then, a scenario-based guided simulation system will help you practice the task by following step-by-step, on-screen prompts. Lastly, you can practice what you learned without prompts from the computer.  The eLearning Program is a great way to make the most of your Garmin GPS.

Another great opportunity for those at Sun 'n Fun is to participate in one of the free seminars at the Garmin booth (Hangar D). Our Sun 'n Fun seminars cover a variety of topics -- from the 695/696 to G600 to G1000 -- so stop by and learn some new tips and tricks for your Garmin.

Garmin is coming to a job fair near you

How would you like to work with Jake, Peg, Victor and Carl? While they love sharing their stories about using Garmin's innovative products for traveling, hiking, running, cycling, flying and golfing, none of it would be possible if they weren't surrounded by the brightest minds in the business. So we're spanning the U.S. in our search for more software engineers to add to our team. Tomorrow (April 22), we'll be at the Rose-Hulman college career fair in Terre Haute, Indiana. Then next Wednesday (April 29), we'll be talking to students at the Oregon State Spring Career Fair.

And at the end of May, we'll be all over the place in San Diego. As Jake gets ready for the Rock & Roll Marathon, our sales team and product experts will be at the expo showing off the newly announced Forerunner 310XT and Forerunner 405CX. Meanwhile, our recruiters will be in San Diego on May 28 to talk to experienced software engineers who are interested in Garmin. Other job fairs for experienced applicants that Garmin will be attending include Chicago (June 24) and Phoenix (July 15). For more information about careers at Garmin, be sure to check out www.garmin.com/careers or if you're a college student, visit www.garmin.com/garminu.

Boston’s greatest hits

What better place to showcase Garmin’s newest fitness devices than the Boston Marathon. The oldest, most storied marathon in the world. A race where an age- and gender-graded qualifying time gets you in while a mix of mental and physical strength get you through the hilly course in one piece. Boston marathoners are serious about their training, so it’s no surprise they came in droves to get their hands on our new Forerunners. Our new spring lineup includes the swim-proof Forerunner 310XT, Forerunner 405CX with advanced heart rate-based calorie computation and the FR60 fitness watches for indoor/outdoor training. While the 310XT is ideal for triathletes, it drew a lot of attention from runners of all walks due to its rugged, swim-proof design, long battery life and large display. Garmin product trainers Kiata and John served a steady stream of customers wanting to know which product was right for them, where they could buy it and when.

They did take time out to talk to Adam, Garmin associate and athlete who’d earned his Boston spot at last fall’s Marine Corps Marathon. Adam, a Forerunner 405 devotee, said he loves traveling to races and representing Garmin. “Boston was a great race and the hardest race I have run to date. The hills were more difficult than I ever expected and there was a tough headwind.  Heartbreak Hill did not break my heart, but it about broke my legs!” Adam’s official finish time was 3:11:30 and he’s already plotting for a sub-3:00 marathon someday in the future. He said with some intense training, directed by his Forerunner 405, he’ll get there. Congrats to all who made it to Boston in ’09 and best of luck to all who will be cranking out the mileage and training time to qualify in 2010.

Sun 'n Fun: Come visit us!

Today's the first day for fun in the sun, a.k.a. the Sun 'n Fun trade show in Lakeland, Florida. This is trade show has been equated to opening day for the aviation industry, so there's lots of excitement in the air. The Garmin booth is huge this year, which is good because we have lots of products to demonstrate. Those attending the show should stop by our booth (Hangar D) to get a one-on-one demonstration of the G600, G1000, GNS 430W/530W, GPSMAP 696, Pilot My-Cast by Garmin, and more. Here's a quick recap of Garmin's announcements for the show and a more in-depth look will be coming soon. I also hope you enjoy these behind the scenes pictures of the Garmin booth -- they were taken before the show opened so you're definitely getting a sneak peek.

    * Garmin is offering a limited time, $5,000 “Spring Special” retrofit rebate on the G600 all-glass avionics system. This $5,000 rebate may also be combined with the Garmin incentive program where customers can earn up to an additional $4,000 in rebates off of a G600 package when they purchase selected Garmin aviation panel products.  The “$5,000 Spring Special – G600 Retrofit Rebate” is a limited time rebate for customer purchases starting April 21, 2009, and extends until June 30, 2009.
    * AOPA’s Airport Directory and Canadian weather data are now available on your cell phone with Pilot My-Cast by Garmin. This content is in addition to the U.S. weather and flight filing data already available on Pilot My-Cast. Pilot My-Cast is compatible with many popular phone models, such as BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices, and is available from all major wireless carriers in the U.S. including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and Alltel.
    * Garmin has unveiled a new eLearning computer-based training program that walks customers through their Garmin products step-by-step. The eLearning Program is available on CD. The 696/695 will be the first training CD available, and customers can purchase it from Garmin dealers at Sun ‘n Fun.

 

My-Cast OneLook: Intuitive Weather App for the iPhone

Our friends at Digital Cyclone (a Garmin subsidiary) have just launched My-Cast OneLook for the iPhone. If you're a weather junkie like this blogger or you want to be able to access reliable weather data on your phone 24/7, this iPhone app is for you. My-Cast OneLook is the iPhone's most concise weather app and it gives you a complete weather snapshot for anywhere in the U.S.:

    * Current conditions, hourly and extended forecasts
    * Animated NEXRAD radar
    * Cloud imagery
    * StormWatch that will tell you about watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service
    * Almanac data plotted in relation to forecast

Locations are remembered for quick recall.

Download today from iTunes!

Peg’s Posts: Garmin’s all-star lineup for Boston Marathon

As 25,000 runners swarm the streets of Boston to run the world’s oldest annual marathon, we’ll be there showcasing our newest members of the fitness family. Boston marathoners and spectators will be the first with a chance to purchase the new Forerunner 405CX with advanced heart rate-based calorie computation and multiple band options to fit any size wrist. They’ll also have a chance to get their hands on the new swim-proof Forerunner 310XT that's ideal for multisport athletes and the sleek FR60 fitness watches for indoor/outdoor training. If you’re Boston-bound, stop by our booth and find out which watch can help you get to the starting line again in 2010 … maybe even with a faster qualifying time. I’ll be following the race coverage Monday to see if my fav elites—Ryan Hall (a Forerunner user) and Kara Goucher pull off big wins for the U.S. And I’ll be tuned in to live runner tracking for friend and Garmin associate Adam, who qualified at last fall’s Marine Corps Marathon with a time of 3:10:40.

Team Garmin video: Behind the scenes in Tuscany

If you're not checking the Team Garmin blog, you're missing out on great updates, cyclist profiles and race recaps. You can even buy the Paris-Roubaix jersey off Steve Cozza's back! And in this video, you get an exclusive look at Team Garmin-Slipstream "behind the scenes" during the recent Eroica Toscana cycling race in Tuscany. Catch a ride inside the support car with director sportif Matt White as he details team tactics for the race. See Ryder Hesjedal animated off the front, finishing 10th with the support of a strong squad that rode confidently on the strade bianche.

Montepaschi Eroica - Behind the Scenes with GARMIN Slipstream from Media One Multimedia on Vimeo.

Oregon 400t Helps Bag Kansas Gobbler

We hadn't even made it to our spot when the turkeys started thundering from their roost -- back in the woods 100 yards away.  Cris, a national sales manager here at Garmin, hastily put up a couple of decoys in the plowed field in front of us, and within five minutes, a trophy Tom Turkey came charging in, irate that a rival might be stealing his hens.  Seconds later, Cris' 12 gauge thundered, and the hunt ended in success.  We had the bird cleaned and were back at the Garmin mothership before the clock struck eight.

Sometimes, everything just comes together right on a spring turkey hunt.  But a little preparation helped us, too.  The night before, we "put the birds to bed" and marked our morning ambush spot with the Oregon 400t.  Doing so made it easy to quickly and stealthily move in this morning and help Cris fill his tag.  In fact, the Oregon 400t can help a turkey hunter in all sorts of ways -- from marking strut zones to reading the topography of creek draws to knowing the precise time the sun rises.  So when you're loading up your turkey vest this season, make sure you pack the Garmin -- you'll be glad you did.

Jenna stays on track with Garmin

Garmin-sponsored triathlete Jenna Shoemaker shares her training and racing experiences with the Garmin Edge 705 and Forerunner 405.

Almost 7 months after packing up and leaving the US, I am packing up and preparing to leave the Gold Coast of Australia. From here I will fly back to LA, spend a few weeks in the US, do a few more ITU races and then move on again to Davos, Switzerland for our next training camp. My time here has been very productive and after only 2 races this season I have moved up to 61st in the World and 6th American.

Training camp here has been an amazing roller coaster. I have learned so much about myself as both an athlete and as a person and I now recognize the sacrifices and dedication required to be a world class triathlete. It has been fantastic to be able to track my progress by means of not only race results but also through my daily training sessions using my Garmin Edge and Forerunner devices. My resting heart rate is now about 5 beats lower than when I arrived to camp and my ability to train at an elevated heart rate for an extended period of time has also increased. My speeds, cycling and running, as calculated by my GPS positioning, are faster and I can reach them more efficiently expending less energy. Having this data has been so helpful for me and for my coach as it lets us know that I am on the right track. Stay tuned this summer for training uploads from my adventures training and racing around the US and Europe!

Team Garmin: How Edge 705 helped Cozza's Paris-Roubaix debut

VeloNews caught up with Team Garmin's Steve Cozza this week after Cozza's dazzling debut in the Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix. Undaunted by the famous cobblestones, known for ruining bikes and crushing dreams, Cozza vaulted himself into the day's main breakaway and led the group through the cobbles of Arenberg. Only a late-race crash dampened the day as Cozza was still to finish the race. In the interview with VeloNews, Cozza talks about two things vital to the argyle armada's success: teamwork and technology. You can read the whole interview at VeloNews.com, but we wanted to share his thoughts on the Edge 705's role in the race:

The cool thing that really helped me in the race is the Garmin computers were programmed for the entire race. The 27 sectors of cobblestones were programmed into the unit, so my Garmin would tell me all the details about each sector: how long before I arrived, how long each sector was. It was such a huge advantage. I could rely on my Garmin because you could not remember the entire course.... It’s all done with GPS, so it’s exact. It scrolled through automatically.

Next up for the team: Sunday's Amstel Gold Race, and you can bet Edge 705 will be ready.

nüvi 1490T: 5-inch screen, ultra-thin and feature rich

Super sleek with a 5-inch touchscreen display, the nüvi 1490T gives drivers a big picture of the road ahead. Driver's seeking a large screen can also take advantage of some of Garmin's newest navigation features like free, lifetime traffic alerts and lane assist with junction view that gives added confidence when driving roads with complicated intersections and turns. And with the nüvi 1490T, running errands has never been easier because with the multiple-point routing feature, the nüvi will calculate the most efficient route between multiple stops. The nüvi 1490T also comes preloaded with ecoRoute - a green feature that calculates the most-efficient route tracks fuel usage and more. When you've reached your destination, take the nüvi with you as your explore the city - with enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, users can download optional cityXplorer content to help navigate city public transit. Know where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. With the nüvi 1490T, you'll always see the big picture!

Fly Garmin-glass on the Piper Meridian

The G1000 is now available as avionics for the six-seat Piper Meridian airplane. Since certifications efforts have been going on for awhile in secret, not only will the G1000 be coming to future Piper Meridian, Piper already has airplanes certified and ready for delivery. The G1000 equipped Piper Meridian has all the bells-and-whistles you'd expect from an airplane of this caliber including a fully-integrated GFC 700 autopilot, Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), FliteCharts, SafeTaxi and more.Those attending Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, next week will have a chance to see a G1000 equipped Piper Meridian, and it's definitely something you'll want to see!

For the aviation history buffs, the G1000 was first announced in July 2003. Since that time, it has been selected by 11 different aircraft manufacturers as the avionics suite for more than 30 aircraft models.

Victor's Vectors: Flight planning from your PC

Have you ever wished you could create a flight plan on your PC and quickly load it into your Garmin GPS, without having to input points manually while sitting in your plane on the ramp?  There’s no need to keep wishing because you can now generate and transfer flight plans with the 3.20 software release for the GNS 400W and 500W series units and Garmin’s new Flight Plan Migration Kit.  The kit can currently be purchased from your local Garmin Aviation dealer and works with Jeppesen’s FliteStar and Seattle Avionics’ Voyager programs.  Also look for this kit to be added to the accessories list on Garmin’s website in the near future. 

As a side note, the kit’s card programmer is also able to update the terrain and obstacle databases on the TAWS/terrain card through www.fly.garmin.com.

If you do not have the 3.20 software, contact your local Garmin Aviation dealer and ask for the update.

Ben makes World Cup debut, wins at South Beach

Garmin-sponsored triathlete Ben Collins shares his training and racing experiences with the Garmin Edge 705 and Forerunner 405. This week, we're letting the press release below tell Ben's story of winning his first title since turning pro.

Colins Debuts in Mooloolaba World Cup & Wins at South Beach - In back to back races Ben Collins showed excellent strength, racing his first ever World Cup in Mooloolaba Australia, then winning the Nautica South Beach Triathlon just one week later.

In Mooloolaba, Collins showed no fear for the most talented professional field he has ever raced. After a great swim in the Mooloolaba River, he found himself comfortably in the main pack on the bike. Collins followed every attack (and lead several of his own) during the 40km draft-legal bike leg of the race. Although he never did establish a breakaway, he did show his competitors that he is strong and willing to work hard for a lead.

Those attacks had a price, but Collins was still able to run his way to a 17th place finish, which is the second best World Cup debut of any American triathlete (Andy Potts and Ethan Brown were 19th and 15th, respectively, in their debuts).

Blogging Boston: Send us your Forerunner stories

With the Boston Marathon less than a week away, we're hearing all sorts of inspiring tales of qualifying, training and overcoming obstacles. Throughout the year, as we work, run or visit various marathons around the world, one recurring theme is how a Garmin Forerunner helped in building toward one common goal: Boston. That's a big reason why we're excited to unveil the Forerunner 405CX at this weekend's expo. And if this expo is like all of the rest, there will be plenty of testimonials about GPS-enabled training. We want to hear them all.

So enter your comments below or send your stories to the Garmin blog's inbox and we'll share as many as we can right here on the Garmin blog. Tell us how and where your Forerunner helped you qualify, or how it helped you persevere after coming up just short. Tell us about the ways Forerunner's Virtual Partner pushed you through those long, lonely training runs - or how it kept pace for the masses during a group outing. Tell us about key moments during the race - or after, when you were reliving the run through Garmin Connect. Or tell us about how you just finished your first 5K with Forerunner and how someday, maybe a few years from now, you'll be pushing the "stop" button after finishing the best 26.2 miles you can imagine. We're listening, so take a minute and start writing.

Ask Garmin: Any freebies at Sea Otter?

It's another big week in Garmin's fitness world. Team Garmin just got done fighting through tough conditions at Paris-Roubaix and now travel to the Netherlands for Sunday's Amstel Gold Race. Meanwhile, Forerunners everywhere are fully charged for the Boston Marathon next Monday, where Garmin will be on hand for the North American unveiling of the Forerunner 405CX with heart rate-based calorie computation. But first, across the U.S., cycling pros and enthusiasts will gather this week in California for Sea Otter Classic, which we described last year as a rock concert, state fair and bike race rolled into one. And what would a state fair be without some free prizes? This year, we're partnering with fellow Team Garmin sponsors CamelBak and Clif Bar to spice up Sea Otter.

To participate, just pick up the punch card from any one of our booths. At each of the participating sponsors' booths, you'll receive a signature. Once you've visited all of the booths, just head back over to the CamelBak booth and turn in the card. The first 50 people each day will receive a free Team Podium bottle (pictured above). The team bottle will also have a sticker on it with a discount code for the Argyle shop on the team’s site. If you're not in the first 50, you'll still be entered to win daily prizes. The prizes include CamelBak hydration backs and bottles, Clif Bar products, Garmin gear and an Edge 705 cycling computer. 

Daily prize drawings will be at the Garmin booth at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and the grand prize drawing will be at Clif Bar Happy Hour at 4pm Saturday.

Peg's Posts: race brings hearty runners and Forerunners in all flavors

With the Midwest's end-of-March snowstorm behind us, the weather had to be better for last weekend's rescheduled Olathe half marathon and 5k. The races started and finished at Garmin headquarters just outside of Kansas City. While the weather was better, "better" is a relative term. Since I was there to volunteer, not run, I stood at the finish line for awhile, cheering on runners I knew or didn't know, and snapping photos. Every runner heading to that finish line faced an unseen opponent. Wind ... better known as "the Garmin wind tunnel", created by the draft between our 8-story office building and parking garage. This force that wreaks havoc on hairdos and wrecks umbrellas during our windiest days made that final sprint to the finsh look more like running in slow mo.

Despite the blustery conditions, runners were in good spirits, grateful for a chance to put those weeks of winter training to the test. Spectators had spirit too, some sporting customized signs that appeared at several points along the course. Judging from the runners I viewed milling about before the race and passing my camera lens, this had to be one of the most Forerunner-bedecked fields I've ever seen. Saw them in all sizes and shapes, back to our original Forerunner design. The field's going to keep growing with our recent introductions of the  Forerunner 405CX with heart rate-based calorie calculations and the Forerunner 310XT--our swim-proof device designed for multisport athletes. I've had a chance to take the 310XT for a couple of try-outs, including some pool running, as well as my first run in five weeks. After nursing an Achilles injury since January, I felt like I might like to keep going and see just how much of the 310XT's 20-hour battery life I could use. But my head overruled my legs and I stopped at 2 miles, hoping to survive to run another day.

Victor's Vectors: And the winner is...

I picked up my April edition of the AOPA Pilot magazine for the first time since I got it in the mail, and to my surprise I had completely forgotten about the AOPA "Get Your Glass" sweepstakes for the Piper Archer II.  My congratulation goes out to the winner and new owner of N208GG, Karoline Amodeo.  This year’s sweepstakes plane includes a pair of Garmin GNS 430W’s that will not only help Karoline get from point A to point B but, when she’s ready, will also help her navigate to the ground on any of the WAAS GPS approaches now available.  Congratulations Karoline!

 

Ask Garmin: Beyond the headlines of new Forerunners

With the exciting news of the two newest Forerunners - the multisport 310XT and wicked-smart 405CX - the focus has been on the heart-rate based calorie computation in the 405CX and the 310XT's extended battery life (up to 20 hours) and that it's waterproof up to 50 meters. And rightly so. Those features have topped the wish lists of loyal Garmin fans who were thrilled by the news. But did you know that, just like the Edge 705, the Forerunner 310XT works with any ANT+ compatible power meter? Cycling and triathlete blogs have latched on to this and are raving about this wrist-mounted (and affordable) option for displaying power data. And speaking of wrists, people of varied sizes appreciate the 310XT's comfortable wristband and the 405CX being packaged with interchangeable cloth wristbands that will fit wrists big and small. But did you know that those form-fitting wristbands will also work with the original green or black Forerunner 405 that rocked the running world? Yep, look for this adjustable band as a standalone accessory this summer.

In their words: Heart rate training sparks a running revival

The last time we saw Chris Hillyer, we overheard him giving a tutorial on his Forerunner 405 that could've doubled as one of our YouTube how-to videos. The funny thing was that this was in the Teva booth at Outdoor Retailer, where we've worked with Teva on demo days focusing on outdoor recreation and fitness. Chris embodies an active lifestyle, not only in his footwear, but also in the Garmin Forerunner and Edge that he uses to train for endurance events. In this guest blog post, Chris tells us how his training has evolved by leaps and bounds by using his 405 and heart rate monitor:

If you are anything like me, you appreciate the concept of monitoring your heart rate during exercise to maximize your workout. If you are like me, you have had a heart rate monitor for a while now and enjoy getting some data as to how your body is responding to a certain effort. When I began using my Forerunner, I especially liked being able to complete a workout and check out that wavy line on my computer screen that represented what my heart thought about my run or ride. I enjoyed analyzing trends, (accidently) discovering my max heart rate and getting a general knowledge for how my heart was reacting to my training and racing.

Caddy Confidential: Approach G5 Hits the Links

Hello Golfers! If you haven't yet had the opportunity to see what the Approach does, don't sweat it. We've officially launched the Approach minisite so that you can experience everything the Approach offers firsthand. You'll be able to see a 360-degree view of the Approach, check out all the cool features and see a video of the Approach in action.

If you still want more info, check out this page where you can view the list of preloaded courses, request a course to be added, and best of all, purchase an Approach. In the near future, as we add to the 5,100 courses already loaded on the Approach, you'll be able to update your database of preloaded maps here. So be sure to keep checking in to get all the most up-to-date courses loaded into your Approach.  

Finally, Caddy Confidential wants to hear from you! Drop us a line with your tales from the links about how the Approach is working for you. Has it cured your slice? Made those four-footers automatic? Shaved six strokes off your handicap? Whatever it may be, we're all ears. So let us know what your experience has been. Until next time, remember to keep your head down and follow through!

Peg’s Posts: Cycle for Heart heads up the East Coast

About a year ago, I met a Garmin customer, Chris Figureida, who has taken his mission — to raise awareness of heart disease — on the road. By bike. His nonprofit venture, Cycle for Heart, benefits the American Heart Association. Chris travels unassisted, yet manages to document his travels through blog posts, video and photos. And to make sure he stays on track, he uses Garmin GPS as his guide. For his latest journey, a 2-month trek from Key West to Quebec, he’s using a Colorado 400T handheld with preloaded topo maps. He said he loves the bright, colorful display. Throughout his journey, Chris makes presentations at schools and civic groups to promote his message of fitness and health. The students love to see the GPS and ask lots of questions.

Here’s the latest update we received from Chris:
I crossed into Georgia yesterday after 10 days and more than 600 miles of riding from Key West. New friends, heavy winds, and beautiful views. I spoke to Treasure Island Elementary and Landrum Middle Schools. Met the Mayor of South Miami. Presented for the South Miami and Miami Beach Rotary Clubs. And rode along some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Right now I am under threat of tornadoes and severe thunder storms, so I can only say hi and let everyone know that I am still heading north and am on schedule.

Wiggins Gets First Win on Last Stage

Team Garmin’s Bradley Wiggins picked up his first victory of the season by winning the last stage of the Three Days of De Panne in Belgium. Wiggins successfully navigated the 14.75-kilometer time trial course to win the stage by 20 seconds over the next two riders. "You never know if you had a good ride or not," said Wiggins. "I am pleased, after two close second place results in Paris-Nice and the Critérium International."

And Wiggins wasn’t the only Team Garmin rider to have a good showing in Belgium. Martijn Maaskant took seventh place in the General Classification. Congrats to Bradley and Martijn!

While the 2009 season is just starting to take shape, we’re really looking forward to what’s next for Team Garmin. And if you want to make sure you’re always in the know, subscribe to our Team Garmin RSS feed for late-breaking team news.

Waterproof Forerunner 310XT goes the extra mile for multi-sport athletes

Boasting up to 20 hours of battery life and a sleek, comfortable design, the newly announced Forerunner 310XT fills the multi-sport needs of cross-training competitors, endurance elites and weekend walkers alike.

“The waterproof Forerunner 310XT is the evolution of the iconic Forerunner 305, building off of what users love and introducing key benefits they’ve requested,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “By adding unmatched wireless connectivity, up to 20 hours of battery life and a more comfortable build, Forerunner 310XT will bring Garmin’s leading GPS technology to more athletes and events than ever imagined.”

The Forerunner 310XT will be sold on its own or packaged with a new waterproof, soft-strap heart rate monitor, which will be more comfortable than previous models and is expected to be available during summer 2009.

Make every mile count with Forerunner 405CX

Announced as the world's best runners prepare for the Paris and Boston marathons, Forerunner 405CX adds increased accuracy in heart rate-based calorie computation and improved comfort to the Forerunner 405 model that took the fitness world by storm.

Using algorithms developed by exercise scientists and world-class athletes, Forerunner 405CX monitors the micro changes in a user’s heart rate and uses that detailed information to better calculate the number of calories burned during aerobic activity. Whether out running, on a bike, in step class or on a hike, Forerunner 405CX users will get instant gratification as they see the results of their hard work. And those workouts will be more comfortable than ever, as users will have the choice of two additional form-fitting bands to accommodate large and small wrists alike. At only 60 grams and available in a new deep blue color, Forerunner 405CX fits in at the gym or around the office.

Take a Spin with Marley & Me

Want to make your next trip or your daily commute a bit more exciting? We’ve got the perfect solution – a free Marley & Me audiobook from Audible.com. It’s a great story that you’re sure to love. This audiobook is available as a free download for your compatible nüvi. And as an added bonus, we’ve created a special vehicle icon as well. So you’ll be able to let Marley guide you down the road as you listen to Marley & Me in your car. Two great downloads for the price of none! Stop by the Marley & Me download page to get your free audiobook and then swing by the Garmin Garage for your vehicle icon.

 

CTIA eyes the nuvifone

We're here in sunny Las Vegas and are ready to go for the opening day of CTIA. Even though the show doesn't officially open for another 30 minutes, people are already stopping by the Garmin-Asus booth and asking about the nuvifone G60 and M20. If you're unable to visit the show, you can visit our online press kit to get a glimpse of what we'll be talking about while we're here. CTIA will be one of the first times we'll be demonstrating Ciao!, our proprietary system that is only available on the nuvifone and it aggregates content from LBS providers like Buddy Beacon and GyPSii. Check back later for more news from CTIA.

Victor's Vectors: PIREPs for GPSMAP 396 and 496

When I was a little younger, April 1 was an interesting day. Around some of my friends it was a day to tread a little lighter, to pay attention to where your food came from, to open doors before walking through them, and to never believe what you were told... 

Luckily for you, I never participated much in this tradition.

Last week there were a couple of software updates that several people have missed out on. The GPSMAP 396 and GPSMAP 496software versions 4.70 and 3.80 respectively, were posted on the Garmin website. Normally software updates, though important, do not merit a blog post; however these updates add compatibility with a couple of new weather products. One of the weather products I’m personally excited to see is PIREPs which is included in the Aviator package from XM. Before this update the GPSMAP 696was the only Garmin portable able to receive and display PIREPs. The software updates are available to download now from Garmin’s website and better yet they are free. No fooling!

One more thing - Garmin’s engineers come out with new software versions for the portables on a regular basis and it is important to keep up to date to keep your portable operating at its peek performance.  Click on this link to download a program called the WebUpdater that will help you keep your portable running smoothly.