GPS narrowed down to 3

[thunderone]

which is the best or your opinion from all you GPS users garmin nuvi 350 garmin streetpilot 2720 or magellan roadmate 800 thanks Bernie......p.s. what mount. I have barrons 1.5 inch bars

[Lamonster]

iWay 500c ;)

[thunderone]

considered that, but its just to big. I know bigger is always better

[sa1lng]

I have the Magellan 760 which proceeded the 800. It is great. It also seems bulletproof. I move it between all my vehicles. I think the 800 has an internal battery which I wish my 760 had.

I am trying to figure out how to mount it on the bike, so I will watch with interest if someone has come up with a solution.

[twin1300]

:D I use the Megallan 200, it's small, compact, and easily removed and put in your pocket when you stop to eat or get gas so it will not be stolen. Granted it doesn't have all the streets but who needs all that, you just need to know how to get back or keep from getting lost.
It is also water proof, backlit, and cost less than $250. Plus the Megallans 200 and 300 have all the bike mounts that you need. It is also upgradable to have all the streets.

[Blade]

which is the best or your opinion from all you GPS users garmin nuvi 350 garmin streetpilot 2720 or magellan roadmate 800 thanks Bernie......p.s. what mount. I have barrons 1.5 inch bars

I personally have/use a Garmin StreetPilot III [some other specific GPS not on your list] [something older you've never heard of]. :wink:

But seriously, given the bias of ownership, it's probably a tall order to find somebody who could give you an objective opinion on one that you mention -- and harder still if they haven't used either of the other two. I can't believe any of their comparisons could actually be helpful and all we can really do is tell you how great our particular models are.

However, if that's all you're really looking for then I'm comfortable in saying two things:
1. Of all the GPS' I've owned, Garmin is the best; and,
2. I've only owned Garmin.

[NMead]

I don't know if its still true, but Magellan was getting beat up pretty bad for support issues, mapping software problems, bug fix delays, etc.

Some of the things that I had read about were like : It would route you to a gas station, but that station would be on the other side of the highway with no chance of getting to it, etc. I'm sure that particular issue is fixed now, but the length of time it took to release a fix turned me off of them.

Go check out the forums and reviews on GPS Passion http://www.gpspassion.com/

Beware, most of those guys are propellerheads and are as passionate about GPS's as we are about VTX's....


Me? I bought the Garmin 2610 and use it in my car and on my bike. My father now has the 2720 in his truck and the new 3D interface is slick.

Lamont's iWay is nice too.

Thing is, the 'mapping' part of the GPS is done by one of two companies, Navteq or Intergraph. So they are all roughly the same. You need to look at usability, functionality, support, regular updates and last but not least, the goodies (for example the iWay has MP3 playback or Garmin's 2730 has an XM receiver)

Go to a Best Buy or Circuit City and play with them all. How many buttons do you have to mash to get to where you need to be? Does it only do point to point routing (i.e. NeverLost) or can it use multiple waypoints (traveling salesman mode). Is the interface cluttered?, Will it be easy to use with gloves? Will you be able to read it at highway speeds in the sun? Waterproof/Weatherproof? etc. etc.

Good luck.
Nate

PS: which ever way you go, the RAM Mounts are great!

PSS: You cant go wrong with Garmin! :wink:

[Klattu]

Get whatever Garmin fits your needs.
They have the best tech and softwear.

[Ironshadow]

I just got a Garmin Quest 2. Small enough for the bike, works great in the car and has the whole country in it's memory. How did I ever ride without one?

[stepbill]

I don't know if its still true, but Magellan was getting beat up pretty bad for support issues, mapping software problems, bug fix delays, etc.

Some of the things that I had read about were like : It would route you to a gas station, but that station would be on the other side of the highway with no chance of getting to it, etc. I'm sure that particular issue is fixed now, but the length of time it took to release a fix turned me off of them.

Go check out the forums and reviews on GPS Passion http://www.gpspassion.com/

Beware, most of those guys are propellerheads and are as passionate about GPS's as we are about VTX's....


Me? I bought the Garmin 2610 and use it in my car and on my bike. My father now has the 2720 in his truck and the new 3D interface is slick.

Lamont's iWay is nice too.

Thing is, the 'mapping' part of the GPS is done by one of two companies, Navteq or Intergraph. So they are all roughly the same. You need to look at usability, functionality, support, regular updates and last but not least, the goodies (for example the iWay has MP3 playback or Garmin's 2730 has an XM receiver)

Go to a Best Buy or Circuit City and play with them all. How many buttons do you have to mash to get to where you need to be? Does it only do point to point routing (i.e. NeverLost) or can it use multiple waypoints (traveling salesman mode). Is the interface cluttered?, Will it be easy to use with gloves? Will you be able to read it at highway speeds in the sun? Waterproof/Weatherproof? etc. etc.

Good luck.
Nate

PS: which ever way you go, the RAM Mounts are great!

PSS: You cant go wrong with Garmin! :wink:

Thanks for posting that link. Great info there. Another forum I'll need to join!

[VTXdriver]

I've got this GPS strapped to the center post of the handlebars. Nuthin' fancy, but keeps you from getting "too" lost and is pretty cheap!

GARMIN FOREtrex

http://www.garmin.com/products/foretrex201/graphics/pt-Foretrex201Small.jpg

[Mad Cow]

Someone fill me in.

Can these track your trip then let you review the roads you took, miles average speed etc. (maybe save it to to a pc.) And do they show the county roads ?

[NMead]

Someone fill me in.

Can these track your trip then let you review the roads you took, miles average speed etc. (maybe save it to to a pc.) And do they show the county roads ?

Yes, Yes, Yes & Yes.
Not sure all of the features are found on the cheaper ones, but my 2610 does all that and more.

Here is an 'info' snapshot of my GPS after the first sturgis run:

http://www.avail-consulting.net/images/VTX/roadtrips/SturgisTrip-GPS.JPG

We were doing much better (65 or 70 :lol: i think) on the 'Overall AVG'. It went down considerably when I left the guys in SD and did 5 days in CO's Natl. Parks.

I am able to dump out my 'tracking' logs back to my PC to retrace a routes that I did (this gets overwritten though).


Nate

Oh yeah. You LEO's - Ignore the Max Speed. :lol:

[WRX STi]

I just went through the GPS selection and finally ended up with the 2720. It’s a great unit and does every thing I need. I have used a Garmin Legend for years but the display was small and black and white. I first ordered the Laurence 350c but was surprised to find the Laurence does not provide base map support for their GPS. The base map is mapping software that is loaded onto a PC, map data ( routes and waypoint ) can be transferred to and from the GPS. This is important to me because when planning routes it is much easier to visualize and plan a routes on a large PC monitor rather then a small GPS screen.
Also after the ride track log data and locations that were found on the ride can be stored on the PC along with the saved routes. I called and emailed the Laurence tech support and they confirmed that they did not provide a base map and did not support third part map software. The 2720 does come with MapSource City Navigator North America v7.

[XRATED]

Garmin 2610 here.
No hard drive to screw up.
Had mine almost 2 years now.

[Timmer]

Someone fill me in.

Can these track your trip then let you review the roads you took, miles average speed etc. (maybe save it to to a pc.) And do they show the county roads ?

Yep. The more sophisticated ones can... most of the ones mentioned in this string. And they will allow you to preplan a route that may have a lot of turns and road changes on your PC and then load it to the instrument. I tells you in advance of turns. I have a Garmin 2610 (no hard drive) on purpose... Cuz ask Lamont how reliable a hard drive is on a bike. Mine is piped into my helmet through an Autocom intercom. If you ride with the Louisville Honda Club or the Indyucky group look me up and I'll show you how this works.

[Guitar4Him]

Another great forum to learn about GPS's and motorcycles.....

http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=12

Regarding the Garmin 2720....a LOT of folks on that forum, as well as, the GPSPassion forum who had owned Garmin 2610's and then got 2720's did not like them and ended up returning them and keeping their 2610's. There are a fair amount of the features present on the 2610 that had been eliminated on the 2720....a change many referred to as "dumbing it down". To be sure, the 2720 does have some new features like 3D mapping and voice-to-text capability. Interestingly, though, many folks found these features to be "novelties" and untimately ended up turning them off.

One great aspect of getting a 2610 now....they can be gotten for around $450 and with a 2-year warranty (on the refurbished ones). A 2720 will cost you a good deal more.

[Klattu]

Someone fill me in.

Can these track your trip then let you review the roads you took, miles average speed etc. (maybe save it to to a pc.) And do they show the county roads ?

Yes,
One of the coolest tricks is to set your mapping for a known time between each point, like 1 minute.
(estimate your ride time, divide your memory)
Then plot it out to a scale matching your paper map.
You will have a overlay showing every route and turn.
The distance between each dot shows your speed...
Lots of dots = slow.................
Spaced out dots = fast . . . . . . . . . .

[HHIVTX]

which is the best or your opinion from all you GPS users garmin nuvi 350 garmin streetpilot 2720 or magellan roadmate 800 thanks Bernie......p.s. what mount. I have barrons 1.5 inch bars :?: Not to add one but I am looking at the Garmin Quest 2. It is small and has all the data base inside with upgrades for waterways, voice prompted, and a rechargable battery if needed. It also has a handlebar mount you can purchase and it is waterproof. Found some on E-Bay and pricegrabber.com for around $400-$500. Just an idea!

[Mad Cow]

Someone fill me in.

Can these track your trip then let you review the roads you took, miles average speed etc. (maybe save it to to a pc.) And do they show the county roads ?

Yes, Yes, Yes & Yes.
Not sure all of the features are found on the cheaper ones, but my 2610 does all that and more.

Here is an 'info' snapshot of my GPS after the first sturgis run:

http://www.avail-consulting.net/images/VTX/roadtrips/SturgisTrip-GPS.JPG

We were doing much better (65 or 70 :lol: i think) on the 'Overall AVG'. It went down considerably when I left the guys in SD and did 5 days in CO's Natl. Parks.

I am able to dump out my 'tracking' logs back to my PC to retrace a routes that I did (this gets overwritten though).


Nate

Oh yeah. You LEO's - Ignore the Max Speed. :lol:



Wow, 124 hours in the seat. Taking about an iron butt, and I don't think my X will run that fast carrying all this lard. Of course those feathers growing out of my ass past a hundred probably slow it down a bit. :D


I like riding a lot of the back roads. Even though I keep a map in my back pocket and download the county road maps I do miss an occasional turn. Ending up in "WherethehellamI" is kinda fun if you have the time. That seems to always correspond to the low fuel light though. It sure would be handy at times. Its probably invaluable on a long trip.

I like the Garmin Quest 2's small size and it being weatherproof. Is there reasons the 2610's or others are a better choice ?

Oh and btw isn't there a way to save the all the tracking logs on your pc so you can save all the trips you've made ?

[Cycle_Pilot]

which is the best or your opinion from all you GPS users garmin nuvi 350 garmin streetpilot 2720 or magellan roadmate 800 thanks Bernie......p.s. what mount. I have barrons 1.5 inch bars


Dude, go with Garmin whatever you do and NOT one with a micro harddrive. I would look for a used 2610 in good conditions and save the money.

just my 2cents!

[NMead]

Is there reasons the 2610's or others are a better choice ?

Oh and btw isn't there a way to save the all the tracking logs on your pc so you can save all the trips you've made ?

I like my 2610 (and several others units) for the additional functionality it provides over and above some of the smaller handheld GPS units. Some can only go point to point, similar to the NeverLost feature in Rental cars, some have base maps only, limited memory, some aren't updated as frequently (POI's, etc.). I have most of the country (100% routable w/ POI's) on my 2GB CF card. I couldn't justify the cost of the 4GB cards to fit the entire country on it (BTW, you only need 2.2GB to have it all) Now that prices have come down, I may just do that and be done with it.

I can dump out my tracking logs to my PC, I just tend to forget to bring it in the house to do it. The logs will get overwritten on the GPS (LIFO - Last in First Out).

I do like getting lost, and I'm pretty good at it too! :lol: I've taken more backroads (esp around here) that surprise you when you end up somewhere you know and always wondered where that road went. It is nice on road trips in unfamiliar territory to know where the next gas station is or more importantly, that decent food (not fast food) is just two more exits.


Nate

[pmn1]

I picked up a refurbished 2610 for $340.00 on ebay (1 year warranty from Garmin).

[Timmer]

I have most of the country (100% routable w/ POI's) on my 2GB CF card. I couldn't justify the cost of the 4GB cards to fit the entire country on it (BTW, you only need 2.2GB to have it all) Now that prices have come down, I may just do that and be done with it.


City Navigator version 7 will fit the whole country on 1 2gig card. Made it easy on my referbished 2610... Ubid.com $406. with Garmin new unit warranty.

[Mad Cow]

Read the cons on the 2610 here.
I came away confused and skeptical.



http://www.epinions.com/pr-Garmin_StreetPilot_2610_GPS_Receiver/display_~reviews/sec_~opinion_list/pp_~2#list

[Radarmile]

I have the Quest, first edition. Does not have the whole US like the Quest 2, but has all the feature of the 2610 and can run off the bike as well, can be dumped to PC, has retraceable routing, is waterproof and has bike mount. I bought it for the bike and for hiking. I like the option of parking my bike and mark where it is at so at functions like Sturgis, Hoot, Homecoming I can use the GPS to take me right back to where I parked it, so many black VTX's at Homecoming last year, made it easy to find mine.

[Mad Cow]

A little more help please.

I was looking at the 2610 and the Quest 2 here.

http://www.garmin.com/products/comparis ... lePIC.jpg# (http://www.garmin.com/products/comparison.jsp?products=010-00454-00&products=010-00357-03&products=010-00357-00&banner=/graphics/mobilePIC.jpg#)

Questions. (Beware, I'm GPS illiterate.)

Whats the diffrence in the City Select NT for the Quest 2 and the City Navigator on the 2610 as shown in the chart.

Does the Quest 2 hold as much information as the 2610 does with 2gig ?

If the memory is the same whats the benefit of having a hard drive on the 2610 ?

Price is close. The Quest 2 can be had for about 515.00 The 2610 around 400.00 off eBay Ubid but buying a 2 gig memory card bumps it up to 475.00 or so.

I noticed the Quest 2 has 10000 track log points and the 2610 only 2000 ?

Edit: Above comparison was for the 2620 not the 2610. Now it all fits. Thanks

[Guitar4Him]

Read the cons on the 2610 here.
I came away confused and skeptical.



http://www.epinions.com/pr-Garmin_StreetPilot_2610_GPS_Receiver/display_~reviews/sec_~opinion_list/pp_~2#list

How about pointing out a few of the cons that are troubling you and let us that use the 2610 EVERYDAY address them. BTW....I noted that most of the reviews are at least one year or more old. There have been updates to the unit during that time.

[Mad Cow]

Read the cons on the 2610 here.
I came away confused and skeptical.



http://www.epinions.com/pr-Garmin_StreetPilot_2610_GPS_Receiver/display_~reviews/sec_~opinion_list/pp_~2#list

How about pointing out a few of the cons that are troubling you and let us that use the 2610 EVERYDAY address them. BTW....I noted that most of the reviews are at least one year or more old. There have been updates to the unit during that time.


1. Constantly incorrect, difficult setup, software updates are expensive, small screen, very limited destinations preprogrammed(restaurants, etc.)
(Maps updates cost ?)

2. HORRIBLE customer service
(Skeptical about this one. Good name bad customer service doesn't fit.)

3. 5 1/2 hours to load ALL US/Canada maps. 1st time 'GPS'ers beware!
(Confused, what could possiably take that long.)

4. Needs perfect syntax when inputting addresses. Does not allow full postcode.

5. The Mapsource software that goes on your PC works, but is complex and non-intuitive.
(I can hack through most computer problems but dont want a hassle.)

[NMead]

1. Constantly incorrect, difficult setup, software updates are expensive, small screen, very limited destinations preprogrammed(restaurants, etc.)
(Maps updates cost ?)

2. HORRIBLE customer service
(Skeptical about this one. Good name bad customer service doesn't fit.)

3. 5 1/2 hours to load ALL US/Canada maps. 1st time 'GPS'ers beware!
(Confused, what could possiably take that long.)

4. Needs perfect syntax when inputting addresses. Does not allow full postcode.

5. The Mapsource software that goes on your PC works, but is complex and non-intuitive.
(I can hack through most computer problems but dont want a hassle.)

1. Constantly incorrect - I don't think so, almost all GPSs use NavTeq for the actual map data. The only real issue I have is that sometimes I read it wrong. Trust what your eyes tell you, not what the device is saying. Both Lamont and I went round and round trying to get to the Red Roof in IA. His iWay and my 2610 showed the exact same thing, but we were looking at and trusting the devices, not what we saw in front of us.

My (only) upgrade from v.6 to v.7 cost me ~$75. Pretty cheap for in the 2 years I've had it. As far as being outdated, the latest maps had restaurants listed around here that had only recently been built. Again, unless your GPS mfgr is releasing monthly POI updates, they are all using the same data. And for what its worth, $2000 Navi systems in cars are far more outdated and much more expensive to update than these.

2. Customer Service- Can't speak to this, as I've never had to call them. To me, thats the best kind.

3. 5 1/2 hr data load- The 2610 comes standard base maps (all major US roads are routable) and a 128MB CF card (for map details). You load 'regions' onto the CF card to get the POI's and street level routing. Microdrive GPS's ( iWay and the 2720) come preloaded with the entire US preloaded on the drive. I chose the 2610 for the CF/vibration issue. I purchased the 2GB CF card, selected all the regions that I wanted, and loaded them from my PC. This load time really depends on your PC, as it builds up the map files, indexes, etc. and transfers the 2+GB to the GPS. I've had to do it twice, once when I initally loaded it and when I did my DVD map updates. I selected the regions, hit send to GPS and went to bed.

4. Needs perfect syntax - I usually preroute my destinations, waypoints and routes ahead of time so I can quickly bring them up while travelling. While I have found that there are ~some~ (Swansey instead of Swanzey) misspellings of roads, typically I can type in 'Swan' and it will bring up the list quickly to choose what I need.


5. Mapsource complexity - I started with an older version of the software. While its a little more complex than say MS Streets and Trips, if you are familiar with software applications, you will figure it out quickly. There were several updates to the v.6 software that removed those annoyances. I have since upgraded my maps to v.7 and feel that the software is quite adequate. If you do not like it, you only need to use it for the initial region load and transferring of routes. I have used Streets and Trips for routing a trip, exported it to gpx format, read it in with Mapsource and with a button click, sent the route to my GPS.


Hope that helps,
Nate

[Timmer]

1. Constantly incorrect, difficult setup, software updates are expensive, small screen, very limited destinations preprogrammed(restaurants, etc.)
(Maps updates cost ?)

2. HORRIBLE customer service
(Skeptical about this one. Good name bad customer service doesn't fit.)

3. 5 1/2 hours to load ALL US/Canada maps. 1st time 'GPS'ers beware!
(Confused, what could possiably take that long.)

4. Needs perfect syntax when inputting addresses. Does not allow full postcode.

5. The Mapsource software that goes on your PC works, but is complex and non-intuitive.
(I can hack through most computer problems but dont want a hassle.)

If you buy a 2610 you will need to purchase a 2gig card to store the supplemental software. The unit will come new or reconditioned with the latest version of City Navigator currently 7. It has only a basic map loaded to the unit and the 256 meg card that comes with it is not sufficient to store the entire US.

I loaded my software 2 ways once using a card reader, (got something wrong here) and a second time through the unit itself with the card in place. It took a couple of hours through the unit. Not 51/2. This guy must have a very old and very slow computer. My laptop is not particularly fast at 1.6gig.

You do need to spell the name of the place you are looking for correctly. Same as yellow pages etc. Not everything is current as you might imagine but by and large you will be impressed with how complete it actually is.

The software is not particularly intuitive on the PC. It is the same Garmin software that they have been using for years but with a little practice it is not too bad. I have been mapping the Coloradical routes for the Colorado VTX Group for use by Garmin owners this summer and it does work OK when you understand it. Microsoft Maps and Streets is not particularly intuitive either, but you can learn to use it as well. I have been transposing the Colorado Routes using this software as a basis.
The best mapping software I have used is Rand McNalley Street Finder and Trip Maker but they don't publish it any more.

The display could be bigger..... but how big a diaplay do you want on the handlebars of your cruiser. For a Wing yes but many people think that the 2610 is too big as it is.

Again, I'll show you mine if you ride with the Indyuckies (what a stupid name) or the Louisville Honda Club this summer.

Timmer

[Timmer]

I have used Streets and Trips for routing a trip, exported it to gpx format,

Hey Nate-

How did you export a Streets and Trips file to GPX format? I don't see this as an option must be missing something....???

[Guitar4Him]

I have owned other GPS's and currently have, in addition to my Garmin 2610, a Magellan eXplorist 500, which I primarily use for geocaching (http://www.geocaching.com). I also have a cradle so I can use it on my bike as a backup, in case I'm somewhere and didn't bring the 2610 with me. Having a Magellan product (along with two types of Magellan software) puts me in a position to address your concerns from several angles.



1. Constantly incorrect, difficult setup, software updates are expensive, small screen, very limited destinations preprogrammed(restaurants, etc.)
(Maps updates cost ?)

I don't know where this individual came up with this. The 2610 is "dead-on accurate", as are almost all GPS receivers nowdays. Software (firmware) updates for the 2610 itself are free. When you buy the 2610, it comes with the latest (or close to the latest) version of the MapSource software and maps. Software updates for it are free...I just updated mine yesterday to the latest version, so I know. Balance this against the reality that, if you purchase a smaller unit, like my eXplorist, or one of the smaller Garmins designed for hand-held use as well as vehicle routing, you have to purchase the maps and mapping software SEPARATELY....and it's not cheap. Garmin's policy is that, if you purchase a GPS which comes with the mapping software bundled, and a newer version of the MAPS has come out within a specified time window, they will send you the newer version for free. I'm currently trying to negotiate a deal with Magellan to upgrade both my mapping software packages for free and they are not being very cooperative. My guess is that the person who made this comment that you have referenced has not had much experience with GPS's and their respective companies and is not familiar with the economic realities that, if you want to, on a yearly basis, upgrade your maps and points-of-interest, you're going to have to pay for this. Ask folks that bought new cars with factory-installed GPS units how much it costs them to upgrade their maps....it's a learning experience.

As far as the small screen comment....sheesh...how big does this person want the GPS screen to be? Lots of folks are content using Garmin or Magellan hand-held units in their cars or on their bikes and those screens are lots smaller than the 2610's screen. Once you see a 2610 mounted on a bike, I don't think you're going to want anything any bigger. I think it would look bad....too big. I find the screen on the 2610 to be just about a perfect balance of readability vs size, both on my bike and in my SUV.

"Very limited destinations"......compared to what? If this person thinks that other brands and models have a larger or more complete points-of-interest database than the 2610, they just haven't looked much at the competition. One reality that all GPS users must adjust to is that even the latest version of the mapping software is probably at least one year old (in terms of information). Hey....they have to compile information concerning new roads and road changes, new businesses, businesses that are not there any more, etc for the ENTIRE country. There's just no way that the new "mom-and-pops" ice cream store that opened up last month is going to appear on the software for at least a year. The 2610 currently ships with City Navigator Ver 7. I find it to be pretty comprehensive, considering the constraints described above.



2. HORRIBLE customer service
(Skeptical about this one. Good name bad customer service doesn't fit.)



Oh....this one is a classic. Let me preface my response here by saying I'm currently a member of five forums that deal specifically with GPS's (forums essentially like the VTXOA forum). I can say with much authority here that the majority of customers of ANY brand of GPS are not happy with the customer service they have received. There are about 20% of the posters that say they had a good experience with their brand's customer service, but about 80% report negatives. The bottom line is that GPS's have, over the past couple of years, have become quite popular and the companies just haven't added the additional customer support staff needed to keep up with the increased sales.

My own personal experience....I had to call Garmin tech support when I first got my 2610 with a question about how to use a specific feature. I was on hold less than 3 minutes and the person was very helpful. My experience was very positive. My experience with Magellan has not been nearly as good as I experienced wait times around 20 minutes or more.



3. 5 1/2 hours to load ALL US/Canada maps. 1st time 'GPS'ers beware!
(Confused, what could possiably take that long.)


A person's experience here will depend entirely on:

1 - The horsepower of their PC
2 - The transfer method (USB cable vs card reader)
3 - How large an area they are transferring

It's obvious to me that the person making this comment had a "less than optimum" PC and almost certainly, was using the USB cable.

I have a fast PC and used a card reader and it didn't take anywhere near this amount of time.

A couple of other thoughts there....it doesn't matter which brand and model of GPS you have. If you have to load maps or update maps, it's going to take a while, especially if you have a slower PC or have to use the USB cable. However, this is an operation that has to be done very seldom. I did mine one time, the first day I had the GPS, and I haven't done it since....and....won't have to unless I decide to upgrade the maps sometime.



4. Needs perfect syntax when inputting addresses. Does not allow full postcode.


The person making this comment didn't understand how to use the operator interface on the 2610.....plain and simple. Once you figure it out, it's quite easy to use. And, since I have both, I can make a comparison between the Garmin OI and the Magellan OI. Believe me....the Garmin is far superior.



5. The Mapsource software that goes on your PC works, but is complex and non-intuitive.
(I can hack through most computer problems but dont want a hassle.)

The person making this comment should try using the Magellan MapSend software. I have both and can say quite confidently that the Garmin software is absolutely superior in every way to the Magellan software. My guess is that this person isn't as "software savvy" as they think they are. I really love the MapSource software.....and I really hate the MapSend software.

After hanging out in the five GPS forums I belong to I have observed that you could basically put all the satisfied Garmin 2610 owners on one side of a balance scale and all owners of all other models and brands on the other side of the scale and it would pretty much balance. There are LOTS of folks (especially bikers) who love this unit (including me) and those in that group know why. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Lamonster]

1. Constantly incorrect - I don't think so, almost all GPSs use NavTeq for the actual map data. The only real issue I have is that sometimes I read it wrong. Trust what your eyes tell you, not what the device is saying. Both Lamont and I went round and round trying to get to the Red Roof in IA. His iWay and my 2610 showed the exact same thing, but we were looking at and trusting the devices, not what we saw in front of us.



Yep :oops: The GPS is only as good as the information that is loaded in it. Now if you could change that information that would be the ticket. 8)

[NMead]

I have used Streets and Trips for routing a trip, exported it to gpx format,

Hey Nate-

How did you export a Streets and Trips file to GPX format? I don't see this as an option must be missing something....???


I forgot. I used GPSBabel.

Sorry. :oops:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/gpsbabel

http://www.gpsbabel.org/

Cool, A web based one!
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/gpsbabel/




Nate

[Mad Cow]

I appreciate all the information.

I'm still looking at the 2610 and the Quest 2. On comparing the two I noticed the Quest 2 is preloaded with City Select. The 2610 uses City Navigator.

I called the tech support for a few questions and got an answer in about 2 minutes. I called the map support and took about 25 min and finally spoke with some guy in India. :)

Seems they both display the same information in the same detail but in the future all of them will be using City Navigator.

I had other questions about mapping and tracking routes then downloading/uploading them to the pc. If you buy the Quest 2 they will send you the DVD and software to do it on request once you've registered. The 2610 already has it.

N.America is preloaded on the Quest 2 and the 2610 can store it with 2mb memory. (1.7 for the map.) Sorry if I'm wrong but this seems like overkill on either of them.

Other things I'm considering is the Quest 2 has a 20 hour battery and 10000 track log points. The 2610 has a bigger screen and its a touch screen but only 2000 track log points. I really don't know how much emphasis to put on this but I'm guessing there would be far greater tracking detail on a long trip with the Quest 2.

The 2610 is about a hundred dollars cheaper if you go with a refurbished one off eBay for around 340.00 + 75.00 or so for the 2mb card. so 415.00
The Quest 2 can be had for 512.00 from Buydig.com

[NMead]

I appreciate all the information.

I'm still looking at the 2610 and the Quest 2. On comparing the two I noticed the Quest 2 is preloaded with City Select. The 2610 uses City Navigator.

I called the tech support for a few questions and got an answer in about 2 minutes. I called the map support and took about 25 min and finally spoke with some guy in India. :)

Seems they both display the same information in the same detail but in the future all of them will be using City Navigator.

I had other questions about mapping and tracking routes then downloading/uploading them to the pc. If you buy the Quest 2 they will send you the DVD and software to do it on request once you've registered. The 2610 already has it.

N.America is preloaded on the Quest 2 and the 2610 can store it with 2mb memory. (1.7 for the map.) Sorry if I'm wrong but this seems like overkill on either of them.

Other things I'm considering is the Quest 2 has a 20 hour battery and 10000 track log points. The 2610 has a bigger screen and its a touch screen but only 2000 track log points. I really don't know how much emphasis to put on this but I'm guessing there would be far greater tracking detail on a long trip with the Quest 2.

The 2610 is about a hundred dollars cheaper if you go with a refurbished one off eBay for around 340.00 + 75.00 or so for the 2mb card. so 415.00
The Quest 2 can be had for 512.00 from Buydig.com

The battery life is only an issue if you plan on using it as a handheld while hiking or something. The 2610 requires external power, either through a cig plug or hardwired in.

I think that the 2k vs. 20k waypoints is really an issue if you are hiking. I have several waypoints (maybe 50-60?) marked in mine. I don't need to add in all my stops as waypoints, just places I frequent. If I am routing a trip, I save the route, not ALL of the waypoints. If you search for a restaurant or street address, it stays in your 'recently found' list, so its accessible (but not a waypoint).

I don't know what you mean regarding the overkill part. You mean having all of NA loaded? I love it, I take my GPS with my when I travel for work and never have to reload regions onto my card.



Nate

[Mad Cow]

The battery life is only an issue if you plan on using it as a handheld while hiking or something. The 2610 requires external power, either through a cig plug or hardwired in.

I think that the 2k vs. 20k waypoints is really an issue if you are hiking. I have several waypoints (maybe 50-60?) marked in mine. I don't need to add in all my stops as waypoints, just places I frequent. If I am routing a trip, I save the route, not ALL of the waypoints. If you search for a restaurant or street address, it stays in your 'recently found' list, so its accessible (but not a waypoint).

I don't know what you mean regarding the overkill part. You mean having all of NA loaded? I love it, I take my GPS with my when I travel for work and never have to reload regions onto my card.
Nate


Yes, I meant all of N. America. and I guess I live a sheltered life. My travel for work has either been within 20 miles (in my teens) or moslty within the state. ( the added 30 years I just retired from.)

I guess for you travel savy guys it's pretty handy. :wink: :oops:

[NMead]

The battery life is only an issue if you plan on using it as a handheld while hiking or something. The 2610 requires external power, either through a cig plug or hardwired in.

I think that the 2k vs. 20k waypoints is really an issue if you are hiking. I have several waypoints (maybe 50-60?) marked in mine. I don't need to add in all my stops as waypoints, just places I frequent. If I am routing a trip, I save the route, not ALL of the waypoints. If you search for a restaurant or street address, it stays in your 'recently found' list, so its accessible (but not a waypoint).

I don't know what you mean regarding the overkill part. You mean having all of NA loaded? I love it, I take my GPS with my when I travel for work and never have to reload regions onto my card.
Nate


Yes, I meant all of N. America. and I guess I live a sheltered life. My travel for work has either been within 20 miles (in my teens) or moslty within the state. ( the added 30 years I just retired from.)

I guess for you travel savy guys it's pretty handy. :wink: :oops:

Yeah, I travel ALOT for work. We have 52 locations in 30 states. That does not include the 200+ retail operations.

I've been packed up and flown to HI for 3 days, flown back to CA, spent 3 weeks going between Sacramento, Fresno, & Tracy, only to come back and spend another 8 weeks on the road all over the NorthEast and Midwest. Ah fun. My dog hated me for several months afterwards. :wink:


If you only require a few states around your home location, the 128 or 256MB CF that comes standard may be more than enough for your needs. To me, the 2GB card was worth the $150 I paid for it at the time.

Check Garmin's site, they have a map of regions and how much space each takes (I think its 12MB) If you can get all the areas you care about onto the default card, you'll be all set.

Here's a good spot to see what the mapping detail is for your area. Find out how up to date the POI's are.

http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynav.jsp#



Nate

[Timmer]

Yes, I meant all of N. America. and I guess I live a sheltered life. My travel for work has either been within 20 miles (in my teens) or moslty within the state. ( the added 30 years I just retired from.)

I guess for you travel savy guys it's pretty handy.

Hey Mad Cow, didn't I read that you were planinng to make a solitary trip to South Dakota say...... about the end of August? Might want to drop down through Colorado or over to Wyoming while there or on the way home????? Last time I checked it's a little over 20 miles out there... lol.

Also does the Quest 2 talk to you? I have the 2610 piped into my helmet speakers and even when I am not paying attention to the maps Sonja... I imagine that's her name reminds me that there is a turn ahead. From her voice I really think that she's good looking but she is so repetitive and doesn't relly respond to questions.... Might be a case of CBD.

[NMead]

Also does the Quest 2 talk to you? I have the 2610 piped into my helmet speakers and even when I am not paying attention to the maps Sonja... I imagine that's her name reminds me that there is a turn ahead. From her voice I really think that she's good looking but she is so repetitive and doesn't have very much to say....

Are you using the British chic? me too. :lol:

A cool thing (or geeky) with the iWay is that you can download additional voices for it. I think there is a John Cleese add-on!


Nate

[Timmer]

I think that Tom Tom has John Cleese. Did you find a source for different voices? I just kinda dug the woman who lives in the box, but like I said CBD.

2 reconditioned 2610s right now on Ubid.com. 1 for $399 and 1 for $409 with free shipping. I think that getfeetwet.com has them for about $445.

[Mad Cow]

Yes, I meant all of N. America. and I guess I live a sheltered life. My travel for work has either been within 20 miles (in my teens) or moslty within the state. ( the added 30 years I just retired from.)

I guess for you travel savy guys it's pretty handy.

Hey Mad Cow, didn't I read that you were planinng to make a solitary trip to South Dakota say...... about the end of August? Might want to drop down through Colorado or over to Wyoming while there or on the way home????? Last time I checked it's a little over 20 miles out there... lol.

Also does the Quest 2 talk to you? I have the 2610 piped into my helmet speakers and even when I am not paying attention to the maps Sonja... I imagine that's her name reminds me that there is a turn ahead. From her voice I really think that she's good looking but she is so repetitive and doesn't relly respond to questions.... Might be a case of CBD.


Yes the Quest 2 does have a voice but I think I read the speaker is near the lighter plug ?

I sure hope to make the Sturgis trip. I may have a job offer but I've already told them I need a week or ten days off without pay end of July.
(The trip is July 31 to the 4th, before the rally. See Hals post here. )
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.p ... &start=175 (http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.phpt=107253&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=175)

I know, I know, thats a bad way to start with a new employer but I couldn't help myself. I've always wanted to do something like that, and for ten months I've been sitting on my butt with nothing stopping me. Now I plan something an this job pops up. Go figure.

The route back I haven't got around to looking at. I know I want to see Devils Tower while I'm out there. I figure to make a day of that but I have no plans for the return.

Oh, and btw I may have a room to share if anyones interested. Mama is thinking of flying out just for a couple of days but if she decides not to go it's open.

Of course rooming with a snoring, occasionally flatulent, over sized guy with a bovine nickname may not appeal to many but I thought I would offer. :D :shock: :D

[Mad Cow]

NMead

Here's a good spot to see what the mapping detail is for your area. Find out how up to date the POI's are.

http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynav.jsp#



Nate

Wow, thats impressive, not only the county roads but the small side streets as well. I think I'm going to try and get a 2610 off eBay.

Thanks Nate.

[Timmer]

Wow, thats impressive, not only the county roads but the small side streets as well. I think I'm going to try and get a 2610 off eBay.

Now for the bad new: Along with a 2 gig CF card you will need a Garmin Motorcycle Mount with Bike Power kit and some kind of mount that attaches it to your handle bars. The Garmin Mount only prepares the unit to be mounted on a motorcycle doesn't actually allow you to mount it without a Ram Mount or something similar... Ram Mount here...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... 8&v=glance (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000ESZV4/102-0913555-7760146?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance)

http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/59150 ... mb149.html (http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/59150.8.3967860234352964235/ramb149.html)