WebUpdater Vs My Dashboard

myDashboard gives you no option to see what exactly is being updated, whether it's a simple voice update or a necessary firmware update. It just tells you something needs updating but never tells you what exactly has been "updated". WebUpdater at least shows you what needs to be updated and gives you the choice of updating (or not updating) the updates that are presented.

I asked this very question of Tech Support. They gave me some reason for the difference and advised that I go with Webupdater not Dashboard. I tried to find the e-mail response with no luck. If I come across it I will post it.

One of the former Garmin employees intimated the "My Dashboard" does more than just check for updates and download them to your unit. It also installs background programs on your computer.

I prefer WebUpdater since I can chose what to update.

Today, there were three voice updates for the nuvi 765 (maybe other units as well). I ran WebUpdater and noted this. Then without actually letting WebUpdater update the voices, I then ran myDashboard which then found an "update". Upon proceeding to download this "update", the message box stated "Updating firmware" (yes, firmware)...not voices, not anything else. Just "firmware".

Bottom line is that myDashboard does NOT tell you what exactly is being download.

That sound kinda scary. Besides the plug-in to check and download updates, what else does it install. Personally, I use both. Webupdater always seams to want to install the same voice updates even though they were just installed the day before. The version numbers never change either.

I don't know for certain what all is put on your computer with My Dashboard. I saw the warning so I never installed it - and I use a program that alerts me if something is attempting to be installed as a double check so I can at least keep it from running and eating resources.

It was hautedawg and he was actually talking about the new Garmin Communicator Plug-in 2.7.3 that would constantly run and monitor in the system tray to monitor when your GPS unit is connected. I'm not aware of anything that dashboard installs. You are not required to install Communicator 2.7.3 in order to use dashboard. I'm still using the prior 2.7.1 version of Communicator and it works fine with Dashboard and doesn't install anything in the sys tray.

Link to hautedawg's thread:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/22051

When I first ran across Dashboard and ran it on my 680, it said "Updating Firmware". Harmless, I thought. It actually re-installed all the voices I had removed. Just an F.Y.I. I now use web updater exclusively..

Jon

It is actually the myGarmin Agent that runs in the system tray, not the Garmin Communicator Plugin. Communicator is standalone and does no monitoring.

myGarmin Agent was introduced in June after the myDashboard launch. The download comes bundled with Garmin Communicator:
http://www8.garmin.com/products/agent/

Thanks for clarifying. I knew it was linked to the Dashboard, I didn't realize it was a separate release that came out at the same time.

I tried both and the Web Updater is superior. I may try the Dashboard again when they update it to the next version.

I find that My Dashboard corrupts my favorite vehicle. I prefer BestXhair. My Dashboard replaces it with a blue car and Bestxhair will not be available for selection. I have to go back and reload it from my computer.