vtuser

I just purchased a new Magellan 1412 from Staples as a gift for Christmas for my daughter. In trying the GPS it works fine but I am confused about the system,maps etc and the SD card slot. All documentation including the manual imply that all this data, including the maps, POIs etc, are on the included SD card. The unit did not come with an SD card; infact the card slot was covered over with some tape. Since the unit works fine guess I have to assume that there is an internal memory with this data, even though all the documentation says there is an SD card. The Magellan website also implies there is an included SD card. What am I missing? Oh, if this data is on an internal memory how can it be backed up? The manual seems to imply that the backup function only saves the addressbook data. Thanks for any words of wisdom.

dav

Welcome, vtuser.

I'm not familiar with the Magellan - so this is not necessarily correct for your unit.

Most GPS units can be hooked to your computer, in what is generally termed "mass storage mode". You can then see all the data (not to use, but as files) on your GPS, both internal and SD card (if installed). You can then backup your data by simply copying it to your computer.

Many GPS units come with their map data on the SD card. On some it is optional and the map data is built-in.

Even though yours is showing map info, it may be that there was supposed to be an SD card with additional info that you do not have. I cannot really say, there.

Also, these units change pretty quickly, and the manfucaturers do not bother to make manuals that are specific to each unit. You probably have a "generic" manual that may list features not on your GPS, or omit features that are.

ericm31

My 1412 has an SD card, it in the SD slot under the tape strip. It's a blue card, where you kinda push it in and then it snaps out... I get a message that says to enter the card if It's removed.

tinker

I have a different model Magellan a 4050 so it's possible that this may not be helpful but my unit did not come with memory. It came with a blank that fit into the SD slot. It's a very good time to purchase memory, it is very inexpensive at the moment. I just purchased a 4 gig card for $8.00 (if memory serves lol) from a vendor on Amazon. My unit has internal memory in addition to the SD slot memory, when I have my unit connected to my computer via the usb cable I can see the internal memory in there it is labled "TFAT" and my sd memory shows up as a seperate drive F: and it's FAT32. If you peel the tape off the SD slot cover press in the sd card to and it will pop out, it's spring loaded. then check the sd card for metal contacts because it may just be a blank plastic card.