GARMIN HARDWARE UPGRADES G-12xl ver 4.00 and G-II+ ver 3.00 and G-48 version 4.00 Review addenda for G12xl version 4.00 (and the G-II+ version 3.00) and the G-48 version 4.00. [Note: These new features a) DO NOT apply to the G-12(not XL) which is also released in version 4.0 also, and b) CANNOT be "retrofit as a software update" into older versions of the G-12xl or G-II+ because these new features REQUIRE the additional memory provided in the new hardware platform.] Garmin's latest update to the G-12xl/G-II+/G-48 GPS line is identified by its firmware levels noted above. These new version units incorporate a new hardware platform which includes an additional 4megs of memory capacity. The added memory capacity allows the "new" G-12xl/G-II+/G-48 units to incorporate a comprehensive "City Database". Actually SIX different city data bases are available as follows: a) North and Central America, b) South America, c) Europe, d) Asia, e) Africa, and f) South Pacific. This data base is used to provide waypoints (which show up on the map screen) of cities, and even many small towns (but not necessarily villages). Note: The G-48 has the same city data base information as the G-12xl ver 4.00 and the G-II+ ver 3.00 PLUS additional waypoints showing bouys, lighthouses, & other marine navigational aids. Garmin says there are no plans to restrict the sale of the various "International Version Data Base Units" in the USA. However, this data is in PROM and is not capable of electronic update. The city waypoints provide a unique new capability in the G- 12xl/G-II+ price class. Now you can navigate using the G-12xl/G- II+, not with MAPS, but with the added advantage of having cities and towns WORLDWIDE shown as waypoints. It is possible to select the map scale where each of "small", "medium", and "large" cities are displayed. In addition, it is possible to "find city" by spelling it out and the GPS will display the lon/lat of the selected city and move the map display to that city if you select. The above is the major feature added to this version. A few other "niceties" round out the new versions. The user can now adjust the ARRIVAL alarm to either AUTO, OFF, or USER SELECTED DISTANCE. A new CDI alarm feature has been added to alarm if you get too far off track. The G-12xl has a new "bearing and distance" between waypoints and "sunrise/sunset" page. The screen lighting now has three lighting levels and off. We also noted a *slight* increase in RF sensitivity as compared with earlier models of the G-12xl. Garmin says this results from small improvements in various RF components in the GPS. Supposedly these same improvements are incorporated in the latest production G-II+ and G-48, but we have not verified this. With the exception of the above new features, the G-12xl feature set is exactly as in the "prior to version 4" models. UPDATE PATH FOR OLDER EQUIPMENT: Garmin advises that purchasers of older G-12xl, G-II+, and G-48 units will be protected as follows: Units WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE AND WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE, the GPS will be updated to the latest version without charge. ANY G-12xl, G-II+, or G-48, regardless of age, will be updated to the latest configuration for a flat US$100 fee. This last item is a great offer for people with older units. (Imagine being able to get your 18 month old laptop updated to the latest word for a reasonable fee!) Joe Mehaffey and Jack Yeazel 4/10/98 update