Rant: Traffic/Data receivers sold where not usable

I have come to the conclusion that Garmin should not sell add-on
traffic/data receivers in areas that do not get such service.

I checked the service coverage maps. I live in an area that is,
according to MSN Direct's maps, in a fringe area smack-dab in the
middle between not two, but three full-service areas. The metro
centers of each is roughly an hour away. The NavTeq system's map ends
before it shows my area, but based on what I can see of it, it +should+
cover me. The ClearChannel system lists my area as covered, even
though the map of the area won't show. It does list the radio stations
that transmit the data, and I can receive both of them from my car.
Unfortunately, the ClearChannel system is incompatible with my 255W.

The only Garmin traffic receiver I can find in a store is the MSN
Direct, so I bought it. First, I made sure that it was returnable.

It is completely unusable anywhere near where I live. And on top of
that, I had to travel significantly into a covered metro area before it
would indicate that it was receiving any signal.

The MSN Direct receiver should not be available here.

--
Jeffrey Kaplan www.gordol.org
Double ROT13 encoded for your protection

"Ever had a long talk with Ambassador Delenn, Commander?" "From time
to time. Why?" "She and the universe seem to have a special
relationship." "Don't we all?" (Capt. Sheridan and Cmdr. Ivanova, B5
"A Distant Star")

So there should be restrictions on ownership? Will you have to prove you
commute in order to buy one? You looked at the map and see you are not in a
service area. Those living in that area should be responsible to determine
if they will need it or now. Perhaps you live in a region of low IQ.

wrote:

Oh come on Ed. He just wants someone else to protect him from his own
mistakes.

Hey Jeffrey, what about people who live in your area and commute to
the 'big city'? Should they have to travel to the 'big city' to buy a
traffic receiver?

Do you really think it's a good business model for a manufacturer to
tell a retailer that he can't sell this product because of where he is
located?

Jack j

        I don't really think that Garmin is selling any service, or may be just
some bonus. But in general they just include the option and give 3-12
months free service, then the owner can decide to continue to use the
service or not is up the the customer.

        Or since I don't see any benefit for using MSN Traffic at my low IQ region
so I don't buy the service.

Previously on alt.satellite.gps.garmin, Retired VIP said:


They're going there anyway, aren't they?


As a matter of fact, I do. Particularly when the same manufacturer
(Garmin) does not have available anywhere near here a product they sell
elsewhere that DOES work here. The FM Traffic receiver. I'm still not
sure if the NavTeq system reaches me or not because their coverage map
ends before the signal strength overlay does, but the ClearChannel
system definitely works here, broadcasts over local stations, and is
what my previous GPS, a Navigon, used so I +know+ that one works - but
the receivers are not available at any retailer here.

As a side note, I know that the ClearChannel system is incompatible
with the Nuvi 255w, its optional FM Traffic is via the NavTeq system -
I wish I knew why Garmin did that.

--
Jeffrey Kaplan www.gordol.org
The from userid is killfiled Send personal mail to gordol

"Home is important, It's important to have a home." - George W. Bush,
Feb 18, 2001