Ask Garmin: Updating your nüvi, zūmo or GPSMAP software

Some customers have asked us to follow-up about last week's mandatory software update decree, and they've specifically asked if all the new software has been released. The answer is a resounding YES! We have free software updates available for the nüvi 7x5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8x5 series, zūmo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640. Offering free software is something we regularly do and we've always recommend you update your GPS when new free software is available. However, last week was atypical because the software update was mandatory. If you own one of the GPS devices listed above and haven't experienced any problems acquiring a GPS signal, you still need to do the free software update. It's free and easy to do. All you need to do is visit our WebUpdater site, download the free WebUpdater application, follow the screen prompts, and it will do everything else for you.  

Free, mandatory GPS software available now

Today, Garmin released a free, mandatory GPS software update to correct a software issue that has been discovered to cause select GPS devices to repeatedly attempt to update GPS firmware, and then either shut down or no longer acquire GPS satellite signals.  The products affected are the nüvi 7x5 series, nüvi 800 series, nüvi 8x5 series, zūmo 660, GPSMAP 620 and GPSMAP 640.

Garmin nüvi 7x5 series products that are no longer able to acquire a GPS satellite signal may download a firmware update immediately that will correct the software issue. This firmware update may be downloaded using Garmin’s WebUpdater.

Firmware updates for other affected products will be available online through Garmin’s WebUpdater in the near future. Affected customers who have registered their GPS device will be notified about these updates through email.

Garmin nüvi 7x5 customers who are no longer able to power on their GPS device will need to visit www.garmin.com/support, and select the first FAQ titled “My nüvi 755T, 765T, 775T or 785T is giving me the message ‘Updating GPS Firmware’ or will no longer power on…” Customers will then need to follow the instructions to request a return authorization so that the device may be repaired under warranty.

We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our customers.

Ask Garmin: Why does my nüvi 7x5 not power on?

It has come to our attention that the Garmin nüvi 7x5 series has a firmware error that is causing some devices to perform an unprompted GPS software update and in some cases shut down. We are aware of this issue and we are working diligently on a solution.  We know our customers rely upon their GPS devices and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Developing quality products always has been and continues to be a priority at Garmin. For regular updates about this issue, please visit www.garmin.com/support. 

Ask Garmin: How far, how fast, and when can I rest?

One common question we get as runners and cyclists embark on new training programs is, "How do I set up intervals and workouts on my Garmin?" Fortunately for you (but maybe not for your legs), we've made the set-up for interval training and pre-programmed workouts the easiest part of your exercise. Whether you're using an Edge 705, Forerunner 310XT or Forerunner 405, you'll want to access the menu, then select training and workouts. You'll get a few options - Simple, Advanced and Interval. For Simple workouts, the Edge lets you choose two of three factors - distance, time and speed - and Forerunner sets up the workout based on either time, distance or calories. Interval training allows you to set up your workout based on distance and time, and then you determine your rest time/distance as well as the number of repetitions. You can also set up alerts (including vibrations if you're using 310XT) to help you train for time, distance, speed, heart rate, cadence and power goals. To see these and other features come to life, check out our training videos for the Forerunner 405 and Edge 705. We're in the process of shooting more product tutorials, so keep visiting our GarminBlog YouTube channel to see these tips and tricks in action.

Garmin Connect welcomes all Garmin fitness devices

Great news from everyone at Garmin Connect! This week, Garmin Connect threw open its doors to all Garmin fitness devices, so you can now download activities from all of your Edge and Forerunner devices. Also, the move is on as we've started migrating everyone's activities from MotionBased over to Garmin Connect. Because there have been millions of activities shared at MotionBased and Garmin Connect, we had to start somewhere. So we focused first on the most recent activities (the most relevant in your training) and will be uploading the largest activities this summer.

Continue reading for more details about the Garmin Connect migration and other great updates to our online training community.

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.

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.

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.

Ask Garmin: Pairing Edge 705 to read power

Between the popularity of our Edge 705 cycling GPS device and the success that Team Garmin has already seen in California, France and Italy, questions are pouring in about getting the most out of our technology. Not often do everyday cyclists get to ride with the same equipment used by the world's top pros, but such is the case with the Edge 705, the first cycling computer capable of monitoring GPS position, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude, gradient and power on the same color display. So how do you get your Edge 705 to read the data from an ANT+ compatible power meter? Check out our newest how-to videos for tips.

Ask Garmin: If I only had a heart-rate monitor

Today's Ask Garmin question comes from Chuck, who is hoping to outfit his fitness device. "A friend has an Edge 305 without heart rate or speed/cadence. I said he may be able to buy the heart-rate monitor or speed/cadence sensor separately. He said the unit probably does not have that capability. If he were to buy the accessories, would they in fact work?" Congratulations, Chuck, you win.

If you have one of our compatible devices -- the Edge 705/305 or Forerunner 405/305/50 (even Oregon and Colorado units work with ANT+) -- you can add a heart-rate monitor or speed/cadence sensor later. And because we know that Garmin fans may be upgrading from, for example, a Forerunner 305 to a Forerunner 405, we made the 405 available with or without a heart-rate monitor in the box. Since 305 owners already have the heart-rate strap, this option not only saves you money, it also saves you some space in your closet. To learn more about using your heart-rate monitor, check out our Forerunner 405 tutorial videos.

Ask Garmin: Downloading maps down the road

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from Stanley, who like many of the blog readers, has a questionabout downloading additional mapping to a Garmin device. "We will be purchasing a Garmin in the very near future (the nüvi 750 looks promising), but I'm wondering if I may download European, Asian and or Australian maps to the nüvi 750 at a later date?"  While it's true that many of our devices, like the nüvi 775T, do come pre-loaded with transatlantic mapping, if your Garmin isn't preloaded with mapping for North America and Europe, additional mapping can be purchased and added to the device. Garmin users can purchase detailed street maps, including millions of points of interest for many regions including Mexico, Australia, Middle East, Brazil, China and Russia just to name a few. A full list of available regions can be found here. And if you're interested in additional mapping for on the trail or on the water, we have those too! So when you're planning your next vacation, rest assured that Garmin's got you covered.

Ask Garmin: Which GPS is best for trail, car and bike?

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from John Schmid, who isn't alone in wanting one device to do the work of many. "I'm interested in a 'hybrid Garmin.' What would your recommendation be for a GPS device that could be clamped on a bike for road touring and yet excellent for hiking with topo maps included." While many of our outdoor handhelds could do the trick - even our Edge 605 and Edge 705 cycling computers can display optional topo maps - two of our newer devices are ideal for these situations: nüvi 500 and Oregon 400t.

Packed with detailed street and topo maps, the waterproof nüvi 500 is built for versatility. With the screen and interface of an automotive unit paired with the rugged durability of an outdoor handheld, nüvi 500 can navigate you efficiently in your car, on the trails and on the water. And with an optional handlebar mount, you can enjoy the same benefits on two wheels that you do with four.

If your focus is more on off-road adventures, either on foot or by bike, Oregon 400t provides an easy-to-use interface, wireless unit-to-unit transfer and preloaded topo maps for the entire U.S. And with its glove-friendly touchscreen, the waterproof Oregon is built to stand up to the weather. By purchasing a memory card with city mapping, you get the database with millions of preloaded points of interest as well as turn-by-turn directions displayed on the 3" color screen of the Oregon, which has various mounting options for the car or handlebars. 

Thanks, John, for the great question and enjoy the outdoors with the do-it-all Garmin of your choice!

Ask Garmin: Search online, send to GPS

Joe Constable asks a common question: "How can I enter new destinations into my nüvi using a USB port on my home computer?" You have a few options, Joe, and not just for your nüvi. As long as your Garmin device can talk to your computer via USB, you're good to go. Below (and at our YouTube channel) you'll find video demos on sending destinations from Google Maps, MapQuest and Microsoft Live Search. So now you can plan your stops using your computer, send to your Garmin in seconds and be ready to roll. (And as a bonus, these tutorials are also good for lunch recommendations.)

Ask Garmin: Getting to know your gift

Many of you followed the advice of our holiday commercials and chose to "Give-a Give-a Give-a-Garmin" to your loved ones this holiday season. And now a whole new generation of Garmin owners want to get acquainted with their nüvi or Astro or Forerunner or Edge or Oregon or GPSMap or Mobile software or ... well, we could go on for a while.

The easiest way to learn about your new Garmin is to turn it on, go outside so that it can find the satellites and then play around with it. But if you're stuck indoors (or at work) and you want to see your new GPS device in action, we have solutions on our Garmin Buzz page. There you can find the handiwork of our interactive team, who has created minisites and online demos to introduce you to the technology. The crown jewel of the Buzz page is the Land of Oregon minisite. This highly interactive - and addictive - minisite introduces you to the Oregon touchscreen handheld in ways no owner's manual or blog can. There are also specific product demos as well as informative minisites for our Marine Network, the G600 glass cockpit and Garmin Mobile solutions.

Just like new: Update your Garmin software today

Free, fast and easy. Software updates guarantee you have the latest features on your Garmin device. And you don't have to be a technician or take a day off work to get it done. Our engineers and testers put our devices through some of the most rigorous conditions known to man. But sometimes it's the little things that can make an amazing device even better. That's why our teams take customer feedback to heart and offer solutions through free software updates at Garmin.com.

Simply find your product, click on Updates & Downloads and follow the simple instructions. To see an online demo on updating your Forerunner 405, click here for our YouTube videos. As Peg wrote in last week's blog post before the KC marathon, updating your software could mean the difference between being ready to start the race when the gun fires ... or having to wait for your watch to wake up. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the newest updates offer your Oregon or Colorado several enhancements that we've detailed below.

Ask Garmin: So many favorites, so little time!

Run home, drop the dog at the vet, take your son to the dentist, stop by your in-laws, drop by the babysitter, attend a business lunch downtown and at the end of the week make time for your favorite restaurant on the opposite end of town. If this is anything like your typical week (or day for that matter), this week's Ask Garmin question is probably something you've thought about before. Janet asks: "How many favorites can I save on my nüvi 760?" If you're like Janet, and the majority of Garmin users, you've probably got a lot of places you frequent and a lot of locations you'd like to save as favorites to your device. Well, save away - almost all of the Garmin nüvi devices can store up to 500 favorites. The exception: the nüvi 5000 can hold 3000 favorites, and the nüvi 2x5 series can hold 1000.

Saving your favorites is easy and ultra convenient. Once you've entered the address or found your destination through a POI search, simply hitting "save" will store this spot as a favorite. If you've got a question like this that you would like to have answered about using your favorite Garmin device, send us an e-mail and check back here every Monday for the answer!

Ask Garmin: New heights with Forerunner 405

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from Arnie Oliver: I was wondering if the Garmin Forerunner 405 tells elevation too?

Absolutely, Arnie. The Forerunner 405's training screens can be customized to display up to three data fields each, including any combination of nearly 40 data fields: distance (current, lap, last lap), pace (current, avg, lap, last lap), speed (current, avg, lap, last lap), time (current, avg, lap, last lap), cadence (current, avg, lap), heart rate (current, graph, zone, %max, avg, avg%max, lap, lap%max), calories, elevation, heading, laps, GPS accuracy, grade, sunrise, sunset, time of day.

For more tips on using the Forerunner 405, watch Jake's quick and informative training videos in our learning center.

Jake's Journal: Tour's GC easy as 1-2-3

Anyone who saw yesterday's Stage 10 coverage of the Tour de France enjoyed some serious mountain racing, an exciting uphill finish in Hautacam and live in-car coverage featuring the Team Garmin car and Matt White, one of our always animated team directors. You also saw U.S. standouts Will Frischkorn and Christian Vande Velde sharing their views on riding through the pain. And speaking of pain, the best commercial I've seen in a long time features Team Garmin's Jonathan Vaughters talking about the agony of pro cycling's high speed crashes: "next time you're doing 50 mph in your car, strip down to your underwear, open the door and jump out."

But the phrase that has people either turning heads or scratching them is the repeated reference to the GC. More than one Team Garmin fan has assumed Robbie Ventura is talking about Garmin-Chipotle. Channel-surfers may pause and wonder if it's a reference to George Clooney, Galveston College, Good Charlotte or George Costanza. Avid cycling enthusiasts know, however, that this is a reference to the "General Classification" or overall standings in multi-stage races such as grand tours.

So what does it mean? Simply put, the GC is based on total time. So the leader in the GC is the one who has ridden the entire race in the shortest amount of time. A cyclist can win a stage or two but be so far behind in others that he is neither viewed as a contender (by viewers) or a threat (by opponents) in the overall standings (the GC). Meanwhile, a top-tier cyclist could go the whole tour without winning a stage and yet be high up in the GC. rankings. Take Christian Vande Velde, for example. Though he hasn't won a stage yet, his astoundingly steady performance has him in third place in the GC. 

Ask Garmin: Backing up Favorites and Waypoints

Planning a summer caravan? Or maybe you want to share your recent road trip hot spots with a friend or family member. Whatever the case, there are times when you want to back up your favorites and waypoints marked in your nuvi device. That's where today's Ask Garmin question comes from. Michael asks: "I have a nuvi 300 and want to save my favorites for future transfer to another nuvi model. How do I do it?" Well, Michael, this is a common question, and with a few steps you'll be on your way to archiving your favorites in no time.

1. Using a USB cable, plug the device into a PC

2. Open the My Computer icon

3. Double-click the nuvi drive, and then double-click the Garmin folder

4. Right-click the GPX folder and select Copy

5. Paste this folder to another location on your PC

6. To add the favorites to another unit, open the GPX folder and copy the current file into the second device (in the same place you found the original on the first one)

And there you have it - take a trip, save your favorites and share 'em as you please. 

Ask Garmin: Which nüvi is best for me?

Today's ask Garmin question comes from Lynette in California who is in the market to purchase a nüvi, but is uncertain about which one is best for her. Here's what Lynette needs out of her nüvi: "I want to use it in the car for navigation, and would also use the Bluetooth feature for use with my cell phone. I want to also use it in pedestrian mode so I can use it in Europe as I walk around, and I definitely want it to speak the street names." Well Lynette, while there are many devices to choose from, the good news is that because of the number of devices Garmin makes, you can almost customize the device to do what you specifically need/want. First, let's start with Bluetooth - click here for a list of compatible Garmin devices. Because you also want European mapping, you'll want to look for a device that ends in a 70, as those come standard with transatlantic mapping. Another option for European mapping of course, is to add an SD card for the region(s) you'll be visiting. But for these purposes, let's assume you want that mapping preloaded.

Now backing up a minute, since all of our nüvi devices can be switched from automotive to pedestrian mode, no worries on a specific device there. In addition, the majority of our nüvis (with very few exceptions) speak street names, but you'll want to double check on the box/product page for that feature. Therefore, Lynette, the devices that best fit your needs would be: a nüvi 370, 670 or 770. To see what bells and whistles these devices have that differentiate one from another, make sure to use the compare feature to further narrow down your search.

Ask Garmin: Taking nüvi for a walk

Jim Bove points out one of the most useful and yet often overlooked features of Garmin's automotive devices - using them outside of the automobile. "I just purchased a nüvi 670," Jim wrote, "Is there a walking mode or pedestrian mode?"

Preloaded with mapping for North America and Europe, the nüvi 670 is a comprehensive travel companion - whether you're on two wheels, four wheels (or more!) or your own two feet. To change nüvi 670 from the default automotive mode, tap the wrench (tools) on the main screen, then navigation, then vehicle. While these steps may vary from model to model, the end result is the same: You choose the mode of transportation that best suits you.

Ask Garmin: 800s are ready to listen!

We know you've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the nüvi 800 series. In fact, one of our most frequent Ask Garmin questions is: "The 800s sound so cool! When can I get my hands on one?" With it's speech recognition feature, and dynamic MSN Direct content, the nüvi 880 really is a summer (and fall, winter, spring) traveling must have. That's why we're happy to announce that the 800s are being shipped to stores right now! In case you haven't seen (and heard) one of these bad boys in action, here's another hands-on review from the guys at Postvocalic to help show you around. Keep checking back to the Blog later this week as we'll be posting more videos, tutorials and the brand new 800 commercial for your viewing pleasures. And if you have questions, make sure to Ask Garmin. We'll be here, and nüvi will be listening!

Ask Garmin: powering your Astro

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from an outdoorsman who wants to power up his Astro dog tracking system for in-vehicle navigation, too. Titch asks: "I have purchased an Astro 220 dog tracking system. According to the manual specs, the Astro 220 unit can be powered by two AA batteries, USB data cable and vehicle power cable. Where on the GPS unit would the vehicle power cable attach?" Good question, Titch. As with many of our outdoor handheld devices, the USB port is safely secured behind a rubber gasket on the back side of the device. It's a small circular port that is used to power the device from your computer or vehicle. And to further your Astro experience, you can load City Navigator maps onto your device for turn-by-turn directions before you head out for your next big hunting trip!

We'll see you back here next Monday, when someone else Asks Garmin.

Ask Garmin: Add New Vehicles to Your nüvi

Our e-mail this week comes from M. Smith: "I recently purchased a nüvi 260 and know nothing about GPS systems." As proof of the popularity of all of the new vehicles we're adding to the Garmin Garage, topping our e-mailer's to-do list was downloading new vehicle icons. "Can anyone help me?"

Absolutely. Not only is it easy, it's free! We have a cheat sheet for installing new vehicles, and we'll explain the steps in detail later in this post. In less than a minute, you can be cruising in style. For those who spend their days helping others, we have the popular service vehicles bundle. We also cater to outdoor enthusiasts, Elliott Sadler fans, or anyone looking for something sleek or pink or futuristic.

Not seeing your ideal vehicle? Draw your own and enter our Wrench 'n' Win Contest!

Forerunner 405: Get up to speed with hands-on demos

Must-have sport watch meets must-see TV in these brief training clips featuring our own blog editor and running expert, Jake. He’ll show you the hottest features of the new Forerunner 405 and teach you how to use the innovative touch bezel. We’ll be posting a whole series of these videos at this site. Catch a few now, come back for more clips later, including a segment where Jake goes head to head with Forerunner’s digital Virtual Partner. For all our customers who’ve been patiently waiting to get their hands on our newest GPS-enabled sport watch, we’re happy to say the 405 is now in stores, including our Chicago Store on the Magnificent Mile, and it's going like hot cakes. 

Ask Garmin: Viewing images on your nüvi

A picture is worth a thousand words, and that's where this week's Ask Garmin question comes to life. Jim asks, "I have a Garmin nüvi 650 and need to know how to add the pictures from my camera. Can you help me?" Don't worry Jim, the answer is simple. If you're like Jim and want to view JPEG images on your Garmin nüvi, or have your favorite image greet you when the device is turned on, follow these simple instructions and you'll be showing your favorite photo ops to all your passengers! First, download the images from your camera to your computer. Next, connect your device to a PC with a USB cord. Once connected, open the Garmin nüvi drive under My Computer. You will then see a Garmin folder, and inside there, a JPEG folder. Now, all you have to do is save your favorite images to that folder, and away you go! You'll find these images on your device under Tools>Picture Viewer. An alternative is to remove the SD card from your camera, and put it in the device itself to view images temporarily.

Remember, if you have a question, Ask Garmin... and check back every Monday for the answer.

MapQuest site sends to Garmin: A step-by-step demo

We're all about options. From the wide variety of nuvis and intuitive features we offer to the ways that you can use them to maximize your time and minimize your stress. So we're excited to show you yet another way you can search, save and find your destinations - whether it's a quick lunch or a weeklong vacation. We recently announced a collaborative effort with MapQuest that lets you send the results of your online trip planning directly to your Garmin GPS device. It's fast, free and so easy to use that Jake can show you the simple steps in just a few seconds in this video.

Ask Garmin: In case of emergency, where do I turn?

Today's Ask Garmin question comes from Dennis, who says: "I have a heart condition, and my wife and I like to travel in the Midwest. My wife wants to have an automotive GPS that will tell us where the nearest hospital is located. What options do you have available?"

The good news Dennis, is that Garmin has a lot of options that fit your needs. Our newly announced nüvi 700-series devices all boast the "Where Am I?" feature, that displays a driver's latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and gas stations. And for hands-free navigation, nüvi 800 series also displays these important locations when a driver speaks the phrase, "Where Am I?"

In addition to these powerful navigators, each nüvi 2x5 device also includes this popular feature. And don't forget, drivers can easily reference hospital locations on any automotive device by tapping the "points of interest" button, and then "hospitals." Thanks for writing in, Dennis, and enjoy your travels!

Ask Garmin: Forerunner 405 or Forerunner 305

Anticipating the release of the Forerunner 405 at the Boston Marathon, an e-mailer asks "What's the difference between the Garmin Forerunner 305 and 405?" Aside from the specs on our "click-and-compare" table, the two biggest differences with the 405 are the innovative touch bezel and the wireless data transfer. The touch-sensitive bezel controls the bulk of the functions while making the 405 look more like an everyday watch. The wireless transfer is easy to use when sharing data unit-to-unit, and any new data automatically downloads when you're within range of your PC's ANT receiver.

Available in a multi-sport bundle that maximizes its potential for duathletes and triathletes, the Forerunner 305's power, versatility and reliability have made it a must-have training tool. So it's hard to go wrong. Runner's World UK discusses some of the differences in their thorough 405 review, and Robin Adams, a New York sports anchor and fitness nut, just blogged about using a Forerunner in marathon training and said "Garmin is the way to go!"

Jake's Journal: Forerunner 405 Tips and Tricks

I grew up surrounded by teachers - both parents, my sister, aunts, uncles, friends' parents, even my grandma, who turns 90 on Saturday. I grew up not knowing that anyone worked during the summer. (I'm still not a big fan of the idea.) So I'm excited to get the chance to spread the word about the many features and functions of the highly anticipated Forerunner 405. The first tutorial video, shown below, will get you started on your first run. More quick clips will follow and focus on key features of the Forerunner 405, which will make its debut at the Boston Marathon. We'll also be covering other Garmin products, so send us an e-mail and tell us which lessons you'd like to see come to life.

Ask Garmin: Who’s right? Forerunner or the race course?

A Forerunner customer who recently ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in Chicago asked us why the distance shown on her Forerunner varied from the official race distance of 5 miles … or 4.9709695379 if you want to be ultra precise. If the distance shown on your Forerunner is slightly more than the official race distance, it just means you weren’t cutting corners—quite literally. According to the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) course measurement guidelines (pg. 20), a road race course is defined by the shortest possible route a runner could take without being disqualified. For most races, a certified measurer rides the course on a bike, staying near the curb and taking every available tangent. This ensures that all runners will run at least the declared race distance. After the race, if Forerunner shows that you ran a little farther, this just accounts for extra steps you took to run around others participants, hit a water stop or stay to the middle or outside lane.

Ask Garmin: Best device for 18 wheels

Today's Ask Garmin topic is a frequently asked question: "I'm a truck driver; which Garmin GPS is best for my job?" While I can't speak for all big-rig drivers, one commonality among the drivers we do hear from is the preference for route planning capabilities. With route planning, drivers can save 10 routes, specify via points and preview simulated turns from the drivers seat - perfect for life on the road. For those who spend their workdays on an 18-wheeler, we suggest the nüvi 5000 - a big-time navigator on a large 5.2-inch screen. For the ultimate efficiency, this nüvi automatically sorts multiple destinations to provide the best route for errands or deliveries. And in case you ever find yourself off the beaten path, this nüvi boasts the "Where Am I?" feature to help you find your way. In addition to the 5000, other units that support route planning to make traveling more streamlined are the nüvi 700 and 800 series, the StreetPilot 2820, 7200, 7500, and the Quest and Quest 2. 

Whether you're navigating life on 2, 4 or 18 wheels, if you've got a question - Ask Garmin! And we'll do our best to dig up the answer. See you next Monday!

Ask Garmin: Calling made easy with Bluetooth

This week's Ask Garmin question comes from Tom who is wondering about Bluetooth connectivity. Well Tom, it's convenient, safe and many of our devices boast this hands-free phenom. First, let's talk about what Bluetooth does for you. Once your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone has been paired with your nüvi, Street Pilot or zūmo, you'll be connected to the world of hands-free phone calls, one-touch dialing to reach points of interest (POI) and the ability to find and dial numbers from your phone book or call history log. Then, not only will you be able to use your Garmin to look up the closest movie theater after dinner, but you can even make a hands-free call to check the show times. After the movie, call home to check on the babysitter, or call your friends for a night on the town - all while staying focused on the road. If a 2-wheel ride is more your style, connect your Bluetooth-enabled headset/helmet and cell phone to make and receive hands-free calls. To find out if your phone is compatible, click here. Then check out the list of Bluetooth-compatible Garmin devices to find the perfect match for you.

That's all for today ... if you've got a question, make sure to Ask Garmin and check back every Monday for the scoop.

Ask Garmin: How can I dodge traffic?

Today's question comes from Bill, who asks: "Do you make an accessory for a nüvi GPS that provides traffic info?" Bill, you're not alone in hating highway headaches, so we offer several different nüvis and receivers that can warn of logjams ahead. Go to garmin.com/traffic for details.

For starters, we have FM traffic receivers that monitor highway traffic and road construction in many metro areas. Your Garmin device will adjust your route accordingly - or tell you if your current path is still the best way, regardless of a slight delay. Click here for more info on FM traffic and which of our products are compatible.

Then there's MSN Direct, the service that goes far beyond traffic jams. Not only will it solve your commuting concerns, MSN Direct also provides weather updates, fuel prices, movie listings, headline news items, stock listings, local events and custom locations sent directly from Windows Live Local. Click here for MSN Direct details and compatible Garmin devices.

Ask Garmin: Choices and voices of a nüvi

Today's Ask Garmin answers tap into our nüvi line. Joe wants to buy a nüvi and is interested in the nüvi 260W and the nüvi 350. "They both seem the same, except the 260W is a wide screen. Other than that, what's the difference?" With more than 30 nüvi models available to fit your specific needs, the click-and-compare feature on our Web site comes in handy. Simply by choosing the 260W and 350, and then clicking the "compare" button, you can see that the most visible differences are the size and screen (260W has 4.3" screen, 350 is 3.5"). The 350 has a flip-up antenna, is FM traffic compatible, has a headphone/audio jack and can play audio books and MP3s. Thanks, Joe, and happy shopping!

Janet Adams asks, "I have a nüvi 650 and want to know how I can get different voices downloaded on my Garmin? It only came with one voice." Glad to have you in the Garmin family, Janet. You'll find a wide range of voices and languages already available on your nüvi 650 by selecting Tools (the wrench icon) and Locale. The menus on some models differ slightly, so nüvi users can also check under Tools//Settings/Language/Voice. Enjoy!

If you have a question about a product, don't hesitate to Ask Garmin and check back here every Monday!

Ask Garmin: Access your accessories

Peter Wellsman asks: Which power meters will the Edge 705 work with? I am aware that SRM will have a unit out this spring, are there other companies on board? Thanks for the great gear and all the work going into the Mac compatibility! Thanks for the great question, Peter. The Edge 705 is designed to work with any power meter that is compatible with ANT+Sport, the wireless technology that connects our newest fitness devices to their accessories, your computer and each other. At this time, SRM and Quarq have announced compatible power meters, and you can watch our blog for the latest updates.

In a related question, Edgar asks: Is the new Edge 705 compatible with the cadence sensor that I presently use with my Edge 305? Or will I have to purchase the complete unit including a NEW cadence sensor? Good news, Edgar. Knowing that many Garmin users choose to stay within the Garmin family when they upgrade or expand their fitness devices, our engineers worked hard to make our products compatible with existing accessories. So if you already have, for example, a heart-rate monitor from your Forerunner 305 or Forerunner 50, you can use it with the Forerunner 405 when it becomes available in April. That's why you'll see two versions of each color of 405 - with and without the heart-rate monitor included.

Send your "Ask Garmin" questions to garminblogs@garmin.com and look for new posts every Monday.

Ask Garmin: Edge is on its way!

Many of you have been wondering about, well, a lot of things. We wanted to give you one easy place to turn for answers. So every Monday, we're bringing you a new feature: Ask Garmin. Just send a question to garminblogs@garmin.com with Ask Garmin in the subject line, and we'll track down an answer.

Today's question: When can I buy an Edge 705 or a Forerunner 405? OK, we're kind of cheating here, because this is a combination of two of the most common questions since we introduced these revolutionary fitness devices. And we have great news - the Edge 705 is shipping to stores as we speak! So check with your local bike shop, and get ready to lose yourself in the ride.

As for the Forerunner 405, we could tell right from the get-go that this powerful fitness watch doesn't shy away from the spotlight. So it only makes sense that it would hit the streets going stride for stride with the world's best runners. Look for the Forerunner 405, with its touch bezel and wireless data transfer, to hit the ground running at the Boston Marathon. Where it goes from there is up to you.

Thanks for your questions, and don't forget to Ask Garmin at garminblogs@garmin.com.