DON’T BUY GARMIN PRODUCTS IF YOU USE A MAC

The easiest way for me to explain how terrible this software is is by including my letter to the Garmin CEO:

In April, I purchased an eTrex 20 and a BirdsEye subscription. I used the eTrex on one trip, and it worked perfectly. I wanted to use it in May, but was unable to upload BirdsEye imagery to my eTrex, following the BaseCamp software update.

I called tech support, and was informed that I should reformat the unit. I decided against this, and instead exchanged it for a new eTrex 20. I had the same problem with the new eTrex, and decided to follow the tech support agent’s advice and I reformatted the drive. After that didn’t solve the problem, I called tech support and was informed that I was given incorrect advice and that I had rendered the device inoperable. I was told that the Mac software developers were aware of the problem, and that the software should be fixed within 48 hours. I returned the unit again, and decided to wait on purchasing a new GPS unit.

Instead of going with another brand, I decided to give Garmin another chance. I was told the software would be fixed. I bought a third eTrex 20, with the faith that Garmin would have fixed the issue. I was wrong.

I called customer support once again. I was told by an agent that Mac users only constitute 5% of Garmin customers, and implied that I should just accept the reality that Garmin isn’t interested in fixing Mac software issues. I asked that the previous version of BaseCamp (the one that worked) be emailed to me, but an incorrect version was sent. This is when I decided to contact you.

I understand that we live in a PC-dominated world. I also understand that some companies don’t offer Mac compatible products.This is part of why I was so patient with Garmin, and why I was willing to continue to give Garmin my business — even after two bad experiences.

What upsets me most is the fact that Garmin claims to offer Mac-compatible products, but doesn’t deliver on that promise. Mac users may be a small minority of your customers, but please do us a favor and stop claiming that your company supports the Mac operating system. I would also like to suggest that your company change it’s ‘5% of our customers don’t matter’ policy.

eric_rosenwald about Garmin BaseCamp