Modern Garmin Connect website not an improvement

I also can't stand the new look Connect.

The Windows 8 look is a total show stopper. So much of the available screen is wasted and I can't find a way to enlarge the route map. I originally had a plan to run Connect and Strava in parallel so that I had 2 sets of data. However, Connect just doesn't offer me anything extra over Strava that I can't get elsewhere via other free training analysis software. Express has gone wrong too many times for me so that the unreliability is also a show stopper.

The new Connect looks like an early concept idea that should have been killed off during the first development meeting. For the entire time that I have tried to use Connect I get the message "We're currently experiencing a high volume of segment activity. It may take a few days to process your activity and match it to the segments you crossed."

I am also stunned at the amount of requests on these forums for the repair of Garmin files before they can be loaded up to Connect. Connect should do this automatically and seamlessly during upload.

I have lost all confidence in Garmin to create good training logging and analysis software. This is a big shame as Connect appears to be a big part of what Garmin are offering in their promotion of the newer Garmin devices and future strategy.

While Strava is not perfect, there is an elegance about the way that it does what it does and the reliability of how it works whether that be on an iPhone, iPad or a browser.

Sometimes Garmin get it right and are the best at what they do, but other times they get it so wrong.

PS. I have read countless threads outlining how to fix these issues. None have worked reliably. Also, I have checked Connect on multiple browsers, some as new clean installations with no luck. These are hoops that nobody should have to jump through to get Connect to work.

Well for many, me included, there were no 'hoops', Connect worked 'straight out the box'. With the updates planned here http://gpstracklog.com/2014/08/garmin-connect-update-adds-third-party-compatibility.html#more-22754 it can only get better.

Well for many, me included, there were no 'hoops', Connect worked 'straight out the box'.

I don't doubt that it does work out of the box but the point is that judging by all of the problems here, that it doesn't work for all.

With the updates planned here http://gpstracklog.com/2014/08/garmin-connect-update-adds-third-party-compatibility.html#more-22754 it can only get better.

I totally agree that it can only get better.

The irony of that update is that if you connect to Connect, it makes it easier to use Strava and does not really enhance Connect. As a Gramin user, I just cut out Connect and go straight into Strava.

I have tried Connect and experienced too many problems and just do not like how it is presented, how it functions or the features offered. There comes a point with any product when enough is enough. If there was no alternative to Connect the situation would be very frustrating but as there are alternatives, it just isn't a big thing not to use Connect.

I do hope that Garmin take note of the many comments here, but in many ways, IMO they suffer from the Microsoft syndrome of convincing themselves that they do everything right.

Garmin device users deserve better that what is offered in Connect today and my experience is certainly that I don't get what the latest Garmin advertising videos shows.

I think the issue is is that whatever Garmin do some won't like it. In the big scheme of things there are very few unhappy in comparison to the vast majority who are. I don't particularly like the all singing all dancing MS Word which is complicated and contains hundreds of features that I can never see myself using, but there is nothing more 'basic' out there that does what I do want so I'm stuck with it.

As you say, if you don't like it there are other ways to achieve what you need.

I think the issue is is that whatever Garmin do some won't like it.

The reality is that most users don’t express their opinion at this forum, most Garmin device users don’t even know this forum.
For many of the design mistakes there is simply no excuse. I and others have listed a few. When designing websites, there are basic universal do’s and don’ts. There are quite simply too little do’s and too many don’ts visible in the new design. The real problem is that (given their history) Garmin doesn’t understand the difference between good and bad webdesign. They don’t know their mistake. The second problem is that on a structural basis, Garmin doesn’t listen to their customers. It’s a common problem for large organizations sitting in their ivory towers thinking they are doing good, while many customers think otherwise…

As you say, if you don't like it there are other ways to achieve what you need.

That can never be an argument for making bad websites.

Well 'bad' is subjective. When Garmin switched from MapSource to BaseCamp I didn't like it at all, but having spent a bit of time learning how to use it I haven't touched MapSource in years, and IMO BaseCamp is far better. Simple fact is most people don't like change.

I don't use Connect a lot but have no issues at all with Connect Modern. The switch (for me) from Classic to Modern was seamless and Modern does everything I want. For those still struggling see here http://connect.garmin.com/en-US/help/how-to/

Comparison with MapSource and Basecamp underlines my point. Basecamp might be better than MapSource, but in terms of user friendliness, Basecamp also is so far behind market standards of just about any piece of software. For 25 years now, in both my personal and professional live I’ve used all kinds of software. Basecamp (like the new website) stands out in a negative way. To the point of irritating. I use it only when there is really no other option left. That can’t be the purpose of Garmin. Basecamp, as well as the “modern” website, needs a fundamental redesign to meet today’s usability requirements. As mentioned, for that the Garmin organization first needs a fundamental overhaul.

You're missing the point. Your view, like mine, is subjective. I don't find BC irritating at all, I use it practically every day. I don't mind Connect Modern ... it does what I want. Clearly neither suit you ... but that doesn't make it 'bad' :)

I certainly don't want what you suggest ... 'a fundamental redesign'

I agree that to some extent bad is subjective but in this area we are limited to subjective opinions in some areas as we are not party to information that tells us how many users do or do not like the software and/or have issues with it.

For many of the individuals posting here the software is certainly "bad" in that it has been or continues to be problematic to use or install.

I myself am steeling myself to attempt to reinstall express and use it with my 610 (although I am unclear whether it will work with my Garmin swim yet) now that (hopefully) it will be more bug free.

I understand that you have not had issues upgrading - but many have - I myself have had issues installing on several different PCs with different OS browsers etc - also you say you are not a big user of connect so change is probably less significant for you.

Only time will tell whether Garmin's decision to try and be all things to all people whilst "dumbing down" in some areas is the right one - I expect that they have taken a commercial decision to upset a minority of users in order to appeal to a larger whole but at present they look like they have a clunky version of some of the key independents (like strava) without offering much that is uniquely Garmin.