Not a deal breaker for me and I would probably also prefer less functions/“bulkyness” of system but more snappier overall experience of mapping and navigating [emoji106]
Thank you!! Looks like I can finally replace my phone as that is easily good enough to work with. Funny they only list the Inreach Mini and Explorer+ as compatible Inreach devices. I have a GPSMAP 66i and will be super pissed if it doesn't work with it!
One annoyance... the XT uses a MINI USB instead of a MICRO USB to connect to a computer (and the optional external traffic receiver). I understand that with Garmin Drive/Explore, you can send tracks, update maps, etc over wifi... but come on... Mini USB hasn't been used in a decade. Should be USB-C! I'm still trying to figure out my workflow with the XT. On my 595LM, make routes in basecamp, transfer to device. That can still be done on XT, but we all know how "wonderful" basecamp is. I have to run it on a Windows virtual machine because it's so much slower on 64-bit Mac :/. When you upload routes to Garmin Explore, it limits your routes to 200 points. Looks like Garmin is trying to get away from routes (even on the 595LM they called then 'trips'), which I can understand because a GPS may not take your "selected roads" when importing a track from basecamp with a different base map or different routing settings. My new workflow might be to upload a track to garmin explore, send to device, then "convert to trip" on the device. Will have to see how well this works..
Does the GPSMAP 66i have ANT+? If not, it is not going to be compatible. That's the wireless protocol that the XT uses to communicate with the inReach.
Hahaha yeah Garmin and mini USB...I don't get it either. I hate Basecamp with a passion but this work extremely well and easy https://www.myrouteapp.com/ Buy the subscription so you can use HERE maps then download the file as GPX 1.0 I got all excited when I thought explore.garmin.com was going to be used for routing like Tomtom's excellent MyDrive system but sadly not. Seems like they are so close though
Yes, it does have ANT+. Surely it must work with the XT as it's Garmin's most expensive Inreach device
It appears that you can type an address into Garmin Drive and send it to the GPS, but you can't send a GPX.
Will the XT only pair with the InReach Mini? I have the Explorer 2+. Love it and use it mostly when I'm out of cell service to check in nightly. Not a deal breaker and I'm looking to replace the Nav V I kept when the BMW RT went bye bye.
I agree about USB-C but have to say my experience is mini USB has always been less prone to fail than micro USB. ..Tom
read this from another source.. unsure of validity "You can also store MP3s on the XT, and use it to stream to your helmet comms"
Got mine today...will take it for a full day test ride tomorrow on a long loop, but quick first impression is that my 276cx is for sale...
I'm guessing there's going to a zumo xt-plus shortly with tmps integration, music options and maybe a few other bells and whistles added in. It seems like they covered basics with the xt but marketing I'm sure has much more to offer and squeak an extra 100 bucks out of buyers... Plus I'm assuming BMW won't be happy and want the nav 7 to top this device as well. I was an original 590 buyer and got kinda spanked for being an early adopter since the 595 was released so shortly after and included Spotify.
Doubt BMW will care to be honest as the interface on the Nav VI is very old looking compared to even the 595LM.