Garmin 1040 xs review... problems

[straycat]

This is what I sent to Garmin Ideas, hope they listen:

I am considering returning this unit if I cannot get these items to work.

Keep in mind I am upgrading from the 2010, 3210 units and have 4500 waypoints in a 20 mile x 20 mile area.!!

On the 1040xs unit if waypoints are close together the icon changes to a open book of sorts and covers up all the waypoints that are around it, so you have to review the book" in order to see what should be on the chart displaying. So for instance if you have numerous waypoints with diver down icon and near each one of them is a couple of std dot icon the book shows up and covers the diver down icon. Now if you are diving a specific waypoint and want to move the boat to another diverdown icon waypoint nearby or wherever, you cannot see them on the chart. Back to reviewing each book, very tedious.

When you are navigating to a waypoint there is no screen that confirms you are navigating to the one you believe you picked. You can use the chart and pan and review the book icon but tedious and painful. Not safe. The compass nav page on the older units told you all this info and was available with the push of one button

Bezel comes off within cover or cover does not stay on if you remove bezel.

Make the waypoint font size adjustable like HomePorts. Too large, they cover the chart

If you make the chart look like Homeports it would be much easier to see/use.

[Tiny]

That sounds like crap man. Moving waypoints from one platform or unit to another can be a nightmare, I know. Good luck man.

[Cuda23]

I have a 1040xs and have no issues with the bezel. I don't have any where near that many waypoints you do so I haven't experienced that problem ether. Hope they sort it out though. So far I really like the unit. Huge upgrade from my Garmin 740s.

[straycat]

Yours must be flush mounted.
Mine is on a bracket

[Cuda23]

Originally Posted by straycat

Yours must be flush mounted.
Mine is on a bracket

Yes it is.

[seadogger]

just send the crap back !!

[kmoose]

In my opinion the 32 series has been one of the best, user friendly plotters made. I bet you got good money for the stuff you sold as the old platform is still very sought after..... most likely for the reasons you are experiencing.

Garmin and many other manufactures have really gone overboard with their user interface software. Adding hundreds of features is great from a marketing prospective but can negatively impact usability in real world boating. That and the fact use old guys are pretty resistant to change.

Try searching online for some video tutorials. Many times I find irritating features can be turned off in the user menu.

[Cuda23]

Originally Posted by seadogger

just send the crap back !!

I'll keep mine.