Why do I want POI files? (Zumo 590)

The "Up Ahead" feature most likely only will show the built in points of interest.

Custom POIs allow you to put locations (groups of locations) that specifically interest you on your GPS unit. For example, as a long distance motorcycle rider "doing rallys", you might want to put locations on the GPS unit that are related to those events.

You also have ability to update, add, and delete information as you need it. The built in points of interest may not be updated for YEARS.

In addition, Custom POIs allow you to set alerts for things that are of particular interest to you such as rest areas, motorcycle dealers, particular restaurants, etc.

The "Getting Started" page may be useful to you as well. http://www.poi-factory.com/node/1631

Welcome to the site.

We usually recommend the following.

There is a "Learn" button in the upper right of this page next to "red light cameras" that takes you to a Getting Started page. It is worthwhile visiting this page.

To make navigation easy, most browsers provide the following option. When you want to follow a link - but still keep your current page open - you can hold down the "Ctrl" key as you left-click on a link. That action will open a new "Tab" in your browser up on the "Tab" bar. When you then left-click on that new "Tab", you will follow the link - leaving the "Tab" you are now reading open and available to click on and return here.

So, using the "Learn" link, you might try the "Ctrl" - left-click sequence and then return here. You can return by either "X-ing" out of the "Getting Started" page (using the "X" on the "Tab" itself) or just left-clicking on the "Tab" for the page you are on right now.

Note that the Learn Button will give you access to two valuable reference pages -
the "Index" to all of the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and the Glossary of Terms and Links.

Since you are new here, I encourage you to go through a couple of the Tutorials.

The first link makes sure the settings on your computer are such that you can do more advanced POI loading.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30393

The next link helps you make a backup of your GPS by attaching it to your computer. (NEVER do anything to your GPS until you have a backup). It also assures that you put your (newer) unit into a state where you can see all of the folders there.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/30394

Let us know how we can help you enjoy your GPS.

Back when my son was still a teenager, we were coming back from something when he called out, "Burger!"

Yup, it was about lunch time and I had a hungry teen!

Hit buttons on the Nuvi and it shows us the nearest In-N-Out Burger.

I think it was something like 6 minutes away. We made it.

That's one of the things POIs are useful for!

Welcome to the family!

You've given me some good homework!

I travel all over the state of Florida as an outdoors genre photojournalist. I use the POI files from this site loaded into my Garmin Nuvi on almost a daily basis. I use it to find Publix locations to buy subs at the deli, bait and tackle shops, boat ramps, CVS and Walgreens stores, Bells Outlet stores to peruse the discount Columbia fishing shirt racks, etc, etc, etc. POI files are awesome and this site still rocks!

Pretty much going to echo what's been said, loading POI's of your own choosing in beneficial in many ways. They probably are more up to date. They can be tailored in a more specific area too, instead of find Burgers, you can look for 5 Guys Burgers and Fries only, if you have that POI and want to find one. You can also add POI's that more than likely not on the GPS by default.

I'm a truck driver so I loaded POI's for state borderlines, low clearances, weigh stations, etc.

Customizing how near/far you want an alert to sound is another pro to having custom POI's.

The POI Factory and red light camera and speed camera POI's that are updated weekly.

The list goes on, being able to keep your POI's fresh, if nothing else, is a great reason to want POI's.