| Kris |
For those hunting for an aftermarket GPS system. I just ordered this one: Garmin StreetPilot C320 + 1GB memory card. Total - $485. Very good price. Just follow these two links to find this great deal:
C320
and the cupon: cupon
Enjoy |
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| Nissmo |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
For those hunting for an aftermarket GPS system. I just ordered this one: Garmin StreetPilot C320 + 1GB memory card. Total - $485. Very good price. Just follow these two links to find this great deal:
C320
and the cupon: cupon
Enjoy
Makes huge sense compared to the one time OEM $$ purchace IMHO.
Nice unit, good company. |
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| Corin |
I have the same one, and I love it. Very good. Make sure you upgrade the software. I noticed a couple of strange little issues with mine and recently did all the updates. Seemed to help. Everything for updating is free from the Garmin site.
I still haven't purchased a larger card. Comes with a 256mb card, which is enough for me to hold all of Washington/Idaho/Oregon, plus the lower half of British Columbia. Or, it can hold all of California (with nothing else). Probably good enough for me, at least for now. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by Corin
I still haven't purchased a larger card. Comes with a 256mb card, which is enough for me to hold all of Washington/Idaho/Oregon, plus the lower half of British Columbia. Or, it can hold all of California (with nothing else). Probably good enough for me, at least for now.
With the prices of those memory cards dropping daily, I would wait too Corin.
It's amazing that the entire state of California fits on a 256. How detailed are the databases?
If you had too, I guess you could upload the entire database (country) onto several cards?? Are they hot swappable?
To me at least, a portable NAV makes alot more sense than an integrated NAV. I love my Magellan, and really loved it in the Myrtle Beach rent a car....
Kris, your really gonna like that Garmin. My brother in law has the (2620?) he hooked up an (optional) external antenna and really improved his reception.
My Magellan has an external magnet antenna. I only lose signals in tunnels.
Where is the antenna for the factory NAV. Is it visible on the outside? |
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| Corin |
| The maps are pretty detailed, with a lot of POIs loaded. The main freeway map is loaded on the firmware, so that takes care of the major freeway systems for all North America. Plus Garmin re-did their software to be compressed a bit more. |
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| Kris |
I went for portable NAV system as I travel frequently. My last trip to Europe proved that NAV system is indispensable! The unit will be moved between my car, my wife’s and of course numerous rentals. I went with the Garmin for many reasons – reputation, NAVTECH maps, portability, price.
I have also ordered 1GB card, probably should have 2GB (it would definitely fit entire database!). Anyway, it should be OK for a while. As to the external antenna – I was thinking about it. However I will wait to see if it really is needed.
How good the maps are? I have checked a demo on line and my subdivision, which is 3 years old and still developing, has all the streets!!!
Corin,
Thanks for the advise. I have already read all documentation on my flight from Toledo tonight! And the unit has not arrived yet. Any advise on using it? Placement etc/
Thanks |
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| Corin |
I put mine right on the center hump of the dash. I bought some "anti-slip" material (like they use on boats, or under rugs on hard-wood floors) and have never had a problem with it falling/sliding. Found the stuff in black at Home Depot and it matches my dash color perfectly. If I remember, I'll take a picture.
The best thing about the c320 (and TomTom) is that because of the battery (which lasts quite a while, I might add) you don't have to plug it in, so the cord isn't tugging on the unit at all. You don't have to have it mounted, just needs to sit somewhere. |
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| Kris |
Thanks Corin,
the battery was one of the reasons i went for C320. It is so easy to move from one car to another without even having it plug again. I wasn't sure about TomTOm due to maps accuracy. But I guess it would have been a good option too.
I just checked the UPS and the unit will be arriving on my door steps this Thursday, just in time for weekend trip to Smokies! Cannot wait to check it out! |
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| Corin |
| Here is how I put mine: |
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| Corin |
| And here's how it sits on the pad: |
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| Kris |
Corin,
thanks for the photos. It looks like you found a good and quick option for "mounting" the unit. I may try to do the same. |
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| Gonzo |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
For those hunting for an aftermarket GPS system. I just ordered this one: Garmin StreetPilot C320 + 1GB memory card. Total - $485. Very good price. Just follow these two links to find this great deal:
C320
and the cupon: cupon
Enjoy
Were is the coupon? They first link lists the unit for $428. Coupon link goes to the same address as the first. |
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| Kris |
Oooops! Sorry is gone now.............:(
Still $429 with free shipping is a good price.... |
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| Gonzo |
| You are right I've never found it less than $500... hmmm maybe I should grab one now. Thanks for the info.... good stuff. |
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| Kris |
Just saw on the net - the GPS has arrived at my doorstep. And I have to attend a business dinner 7:30 PM tonight! Hrrrrrrr whish I was home now..........
Anyway, once "mastered" I will post a review. |
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| zebelkhan |
| I would be interested to know...:) |
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| Kris |
The dinner was canceled - weather!
Got home, unpacked the unit, loaded software very easily. Unit looks nice and slick. Problem - it does not work!!!!
It cannot detect satellites signal.....I guess Garmin support will have work to do. Tomorrow. I am really disappointed…… |
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| zebelkhan |
| The very first time you turn it on, it will take a long time to detect it. That was the case with my 2620. Hook it up, make sure antenna sees the sky and you are not near any walls, and leave it alone for a little while! After that, it will take only a few seconds. |
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| Kris |
zebelkhan
Thanks! It worked! Drove a few miles - so far so good.
:D |
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| Corin |
| I noticed that after I updated the software, it picked up signals faster. But yes, occasionally it takes quite a while to find the signal. I think it mainly depends on where you turn it on compared to where you last turned it off. If it's close by, it picks it up quickly (perhaps remembers all the satellite settings or something) but if you're in a completely different place, it can take several minutes before it's happy. |
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| Kris |
Ok I promised my impressions of Garmin Street Pilot c320.
I have ordered the unit from buy.com at a price of $413.99 for the unit and $69.62 for additional 1GB SD memory card (free shipping). The unit arrived sooner that the site promised – on Friday, just in time for trip to Smoky Mountain on Saturday. The card however did not make it and I had to do with the 128MB card included in the kit.
The kit includes: the GPS receiver, 128 MB memory card, CitySelect detailed maps for entire North America Hawaii including, windshield suction mount with cigarette lighter charger and additional charger that can be used in home, hotels etc.
The installation and registering of the software and the unit was a breeze. I upgraded the latest firmware and additional programs for POI and MapSource – a sleek program for loading required maps. The only problem I had was the initial satellite acquisition – it takes a few minutes. Afterwards, however it is only 5 – 20 sec. Not bad.
The 128 MB card is a limitation as it can fit only let’s say entire California, or Texas with Arkansas, or entire Florida. If one does not drive long distance it should be ok. I did however opted for a bigger card – 1GB. It fits entire Easter USA – Texas to Wisconsin and everything east of it. With price of $70 it is worth it.
Now how the unit performed - during our trip throughout Smokies it worked perfectly. We always knew where we were. Took only one wrong turn because my wife relied on the MapQuest! Garmin was right!
Pros.
Easy to use. 5 min training it is all one needs.
There are over 5 millions POI (points of interest) and this feature is more important than I thought.
The screen is OK, just OK, though voice prompt works very well!
There is some glare but it can be dealt with by changing the angle of the unit.
The suction mount works very well.
I can take it from car to car, especially to all the rentals!
Routing so far has been very good. I set up “Quickest” routing so it tends to put me on major roads.
Rerouting – takes only seconds. Always gets you back on the right track.
Cons.
It really needs bigger memory card. At least 512 MB.
Screen could be better – the glare can be annoying.
There is no real routing with waypoints. This can be easily overcome by defining favorite locations prior to travel and navigating from one location to other. For me this is not than important.
And the biggest one – I lost my C320! My wife drove from Atlanta to Charlotte last Thursday coming back on Friday and “borrowed” the Garmin…..Rest is history!
Ordered second C320 last night ($420 including shipping from buy.com)and a 2GB SD card ($140 from newegg) - will fit entire North America. Should have my unit on Tuesday.
So this is a C320 story. I would recommend the Garmin StreetPilot C320 to everybody. For the price you cannot bit it. And it really is easy to use. |
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| Gonzo |
Found this place selling it for $419.
Abes |
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| Kris |
| I do not like ABES. They have terrible reviews and I heard horror stories on photo discussion boards. |
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| Gonzo |
| Oh thanks for pointing that out. I've never heard of them and found the price the lowest. In general I'm always leary of NY Vendors. |
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| Gonzo |
Oh man.... its up to over $500 now!
Opps just realized its the C320. They don't appear to have the C310 anymore. |
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| Kris |
Gonzo,
I bought second unit 4 days ago for $420 shipped! It was C320. It arrived yesterday and it took me only 5 min to set it up! I guess I was lucky and took advantage of the sales.......:)
try this one: C320 |
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| Murano_driver |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
And the biggest one – I lost my C320! My wife drove from Atlanta to Charlotte last Thursday coming back on Friday and “borrowed” the Garmin…..Rest is history!
Ordered second C320 last night ($420 including shipping from buy.com)and a 2GB SD card ($140 from newegg) - will fit entire North America.
Ohohohohhhh you paid over $800 for C320. That sux:( |
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| Kris |
Murano_driver
I think you did not get it......my first unit was "borrowed" by my wife and never returned! She just love it! So I got second one for myself......no regrets....;) And 2GB card fits all of North America. |
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| Murano_driver |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
Murano_driver
I think you did not get it......my first unit was "borrowed" by my wife and never returned! She just love it! So I got second one for myself......no regrets....;) And 2GB card fits all of North America.
Ooops, I though she really lost it... |
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| Gonzo |
| Oh I did too..... Does it come with the window suction holster? Do you need to plug it into the cig lighter to use in Car? They mention the "Built-in lithium ion battery for trip planning". |
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| Murano_driver |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Oh I did too..... Does it come with the window suction holster? Do you need to plug it into the cig lighter to use in Car? They mention the "Built-in lithium ion battery for trip planning".
My Navman 510 usually works 4 hours on the internal battery. If you want to continue using it, you have to plug it DC outlet. It will charge and show the route in the same time. I assume C320 has the same thing. |
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| Kris |
Gonzo:
The kit includes: the GPS receiver, 128 MB memory card, CitySelect detailed maps for entire North America Hawaii including, windshield suction mount with cigarette lighter charger and additional charger that can be used in home, hotels etc.
The battery supposed to last up to 8 hrs. It is great as when you get to a rental or go on a short trip you do not have to bother with cigarette lighter charger (though the suction mount is equipped with it),
So far I have been happy with the unit. Shortly it will travel to Florida and then West Coast so I will test it there. |
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| TheGymKid |
I wish I could find a shop that would let me test out a few different kind. My Friend has the Megallan 700 and I've borrowed it and really like it. (One problem with it, it took from 5 to 15 min's sometimes to locate you when you first start out). But it cost over $800 for it. I don't know if I would like any others like the Garmens. Again, I wish I could take a few for a test drive.
( I went to bestbuy to look at them, they had an open box fee policy on returns.... I guess for people like me who wanted to test them out and return um.) :) |
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| Kris |
TheGymKid
It takes approximately 15 sec to lock on satellite. When you move long distance from last place it had a good fix on satellite it will take less than 2 minutes...
Tha Magellan 700 is top of the range unit. A level up on C320, but then again you pay premium. and it does not have a battery and is not so portable....important factors for me. |
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| TheGymKid |
" I wish I could find a shop that would let me test out a few different kind. "
Soooooooo... you think this site holds true?
http://www.cartoys.com/Default.cfm/...nRoadmateSeries
EDIT: I bet the battery is a good feature for when you stop at a gas station or have to turn the car off anywhere along your trip... the unit can stay on doesn't have to go off. |
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| Gonzo |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
The battery supposed to last up to 8 hrs. It is great as when you get to a rental or go on a short trip you do not have to bother with cigarette lighter charger
LEt me know how long you actually get out of it without power. I was planing on using it in the MO on batteries only. I hate wires! If it needs it then I'll have to hard wire something in which I don't want to really do.
Its a cute looking unit. I'm still trying to get my wife onboard so we can get one. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
My Friend has the Megallan 700 and I've borrowed it and really like it. (One problem with it, it took from 5 to 15 min's sometimes to locate you when you first start out). But it cost over $800 for it. I don't know if I would like any others like the Garmens. Again, I wish I could take a few for a test drive.
Your friends Magellan has something wrong with it. My 750M lights up almost immediately. The Magellans are pricey, but, like most things you get what you pay for. My unit has a battery backup, I don't think the 700's do. The battery is useful to be able to turn it on going through airport security. And I guess if you wanted to use it on a bicycle.
My brother in law has a Garmin (2620?), he loves it. We did a side by side long range routing race, it was no contest, I was routed at least 2 minutes before him.
Either way, a NAV system is a great thing. I use mine almost daily. It's probably paid for itself in fuel savings alone, let alone keeping my road rage down to a manageable level. |
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| So Ca Mo |
| I bought a 320 from buydig.com for $426 + 6.95 2 day shipping on Monday and it arrived Wed. Great unit, easy to set up and use. I plan to get a 1 GB card on EBay where they sell for $50-$60 delivered. |
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| Corin |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
LEt me know how long you actually get out of it without power. I was planing on using it in the MO on batteries only. I hate wires! If it needs it then I'll have to hard wire something in which I don't want to really do.
Its a cute looking unit. I'm still trying to get my wife onboard so we can get one.
I've had mine (c320) continuously running for 4 hours on battery without any problem. Then I was done with my trip and plugged it in so it would be fully charged next time I needed it. I'm not sure how much longer it would have lasted.
I leave it in my center console. It's probably been a month or so since I last charged it, and I've used it several times. Doesn't seem to lose the charge while just sitting. |
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| Corin |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
I wish I could find a shop that would let me test out a few different kind. My Friend has the Megallan 700 and I've borrowed it and really like it. (One problem with it, it took from 5 to 15 min's sometimes to locate you when you first start out). But it cost over $800 for it. I don't know if I would like any others like the Garmens. Again, I wish I could take a few for a test drive.
( I went to bestbuy to look at them, they had an open box fee policy on returns.... I guess for people like me who wanted to test them out and return um.) :)
I tried a "Tom Tom" from CompUSA and was able to return it. I then tried a magelllan 700 (or something) from Fry's and was able to return it as well.
I was UNABLE to find a place to try out the Garmin 320 (Best Buy was the only one, but like you said they wanted a "restocking fee" if it was returned) but by then I was pretty sure that was the one I wanted, so I just bought it online.
SOMETIMES Best Buy will waive their re-stocking fee. You can ask a manager when you're buying it. Say that you're not sure if it's really what you want, but you're not willing to pay a re-stocking fee. Sometimes they'll put a little waiver on your receipt, usually saying that if you bring it back within 5 days (instead of their 30 days) that they'll do a full refund. Might be worth a shot to ask. |
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| TheGymKid |
| Anyone try the new Magellan 760 ? |
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| Gonzo |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Oh man.... its up to over $500 now!
Opps just realized its the C320. They don't appear to have the C310 anymore.
My mistake its still there. |
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| TheGymKid |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
Anyone try the new Magellan 760 ?
Well, my girl has seen me researching it and asking people about it so she knew I was interested in the GPS and the new Magellan... today I became the owner of one. She bought for me as a gift (Wedding/holiday gift).
Now I need somewhere to drive to. |
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| SugarRushMurano |
Notice that there is a new GPS chipset coming up: SIRF star III
This is one of the most powerful chipset that you can have in any aftermarket gps unit so far. It allows you to keep signal lock inside a parking garage, surrounded by tall building with concrete walls, canyons, even inside your house.
You can read all about it here, 11 pages: http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=143
I know the article will be dull for some ppl.
But if you are in the market to buy a gps unit, you may want to wait a little bit and get a GPS unit with this new chipset in it. |
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| Gonzo |
| Are there any units on the market here in the USA that use this chip? Please say the C320.. :p |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
Well, my girl has seen me researching it and asking people about it so she knew I was interested in the GPS and the new Magellan... today I became the owner of one. She bought for me as a gift (Wedding/holiday gift).
Now I need somewhere to drive to.
Gymkid, congrats. You'll love it!
When I first got my Magellan, I plotted routes from my driveway to my front door.:D
Where did your girl get the unit from? |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Are there any units on the market here in the USA that use this chip? Please say the C320.. :p
No, C320 is utilizing Garmin own chipset. Which is pretty good anyway. SIRF III is utilized mostly in stand alone receivers for PDA based solutions.
TheGymKidd,
congratulations. You have a really good system! |
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| TheGymKid |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr3Putt
Gymkid, congrats. You'll love it!
When I first got my Magellan, I plotted routes from my driveway to my front door.:D
Where did your girl get the unit from?
Thanks Kris / Mr3putt!!
I asked her also, and she said she bought it in Bestbuy for $1000. She said she could find it on the internet for the cheapest of $960... but felt safer spending $40.00 more and getting it in a store where if I wasn't happy I could return/exchange it for one I want. Smart girl. I looked into it and it's $100 for a 4 year warrenty with BestBuy... which I believe I'm going to go get. They are then responsible for fixing or replacing it if there is any problems and I don't have to mail it to Megellan. Hopefully I'll never need it, but at least it's there if i need it.
I've played around with it in my house and in the driveway. Alot of options on there. I want to buy the weighted dash mount now. I'll have to research to find the best place to get it. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
I looked into it and it's $100 for a 4 year warrenty with BestBuy... which I believe I'm going to go get. They are then responsible for fixing or replacing it if there is any problems and I don't have to mail it to Megellan. Hopefully I'll never need it, but at least it's there if i need it.
I've played around with it in my house and in the driveway. Alot of options on there. I want to buy the weighted dash mount now. I'll have to research to find the best place to get it.
When I first got my Magellan I had some reception issues. I sent it back to Thales Navigation (Parent Co.) they had the best customer service I had ever experienced.
The service rep contacted me, fixed the issue and UPGRADED the software version, all for free. He also said that if I would have called them, they would send a free replacement unit to use while mine was being serviced. They also will send a prepaid box to send the broken unit back. I was blown away.
If your GF used a VISA card to purchase the Magellan, VISA will double the manufacturers warranty up to a year*. If your unit works for a month or more, odds are it will work forever. (I'm not sure what the Manufacturers warranty is on your GPS)
I mounted my display on a proclip. It worked out really well. My 750M is substantially different than your 760, so this may not be an option for you.
* I actually used the Visa warranty for a POS Maytag dryer. It was really a seamless claim process. I would never make another large purchase without using my Visa card. I believe ALL VISA cards have this feature. |
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| SugarRushMurano |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr3Putt
* I actually used the Visa warranty for a POS Maytag dryer. It was really a seamless claim process. I would never make another large purchase without using my Visa card. I believe ALL VISA cards have this feature.
I believe it is only the Platinum Visa. :4: |
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| TheGymKid |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr3Putt
When I first got my Magellan I had some reception issues. I sent it back to Thales Navigation (Parent Co.) they had the best customer service I had ever experienced.
The service rep contacted me, fixed the issue and UPGRADED the software version, all for free. He also said that if I would have called them, they would send a free replacement unit to use while mine was being serviced. They also will send a prepaid box to send the broken unit back. I was blown away.
If your GF used a VISA card to purchase the Magellan, VISA will double the manufacturers warranty up to a year*. If your unit works for a month or more, odds are it will work forever. (I'm not sure what the Manufacturers warranty is on your GPS)
I mounted my display on a proclip. It worked out really well. My 750M is substantially different than your 760, so this may not be an option for you.
* I actually used the Visa warranty for a POS Maytag dryer. It was really a seamless claim process. I would never make another large purchase without using my Visa card. I believe ALL VISA cards have this feature.
Thats awesome. She used American Express... I'm sure they have to have something similar. You think the 4 year warrenty is a waste, huh?
I just ordered the dash mount from Amazon.com It cost me $1.99... not bad huh? I was comparing sites and Amazon was doing an offer where if you sign up for a Amazon Visa card they give you a $30.00 credit on the card. So, I signed up and will just not use the card and then cancel it in a month or so. The item had free shipping and the cost of it was $31.99 with no tax. After all said and done, it should only cost me $1.99.
Warrenty, or no warrnety?
Thales Navigation is on the back of the manual so I have their contact info... maybe I'll call them to see what they will suggest I should do. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
Thats awesome. She used American Express... I'm sure they have to have something similar. You think the 4 year warrenty is a waste, huh?
I just ordered the dash mount from Amazon.com It cost me $1.99... not bad huh? I was comparing sites and Amazon was doing an offer where if you sign up for a Amazon Visa card they give you a $30.00 credit on the card. So, I signed up and will just not use the card and then cancel it in a month or so. The item had free shipping and the cost of it was $31.99 with no tax. After all said and done, it should only cost me $1.99.
Warrenty, or no warrnety?
Thales Navigation is on the back of the manual so I have their contact info... maybe I'll call them to see what they will suggest I should do.
Good deal on the dash mount!
Call Thales. My experience with them is Like Homer's experience with Sal Zaino. They blew me away. They want you as a customer forever and will work hard to keep you happy.
That said; I don't want to talk anyone out of buying a warranty.
My PERSONAL opinion of them is that they are not worth it. I'm sure many folks have stories where warranties rescued them, but what you don't hear are the millions of warranties that were never needed.
$100 to protect a $1,000 item?
First, check the factory warranty, if it's a year, then you're really only getting an additional 3 years, if the year is doubled with your AMEX, you're now buying only an additional 2 years.
My experience with electronic stuff is that if it's going to break, it does so within the first few weeks (sometimes minutes) of ownership (your mileage may vary).
My GPS is a perfect example. It malfunctioned within two weeks of purchase. It was covered by the factory, the store and the VISA card. Since I got it "fixed" it's been flawless for 5 years.
I was behind a guy in the checkout line at CompUSA, he bought an answering machine for $30 and the checkout guy talked him into an $18 warranty.
It was all I could do not to smack him in the head.:headslap: |
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| TheGymKid |
It took 26 min's of listening to music before someone picked up the phone. WOW. The girl sounded like she was in india, but couldn't abe been an indian girl here in the U.S, she was nice.
I asked her what kind of issues she see's and if she thinks the warrenty is worth it. She tapped dance, as she is probably not allowed to "it's junk, get the warrenty" ha ha. She said she see's a lot of problems, but they are mostly issues that just require a software update to resolve the problem. That is something they can do over the phone most of the time. She said another common complaint is not getting a signal... also updating the software fixes that. She said she can't guarentee it wont break, but it's not common.
A co-worker here told me has one and after two years of owning it he blew the sound off it. He isn't sure how, maybe starting the car while it was plugged in and blew the speaker or something he said.
Another co-worker said his antenna broke off, but he rigged he back on. That is the worse cases i could find.
I suppose you are right... it is probably not worth the $100.00, it could be if it breaks, but the chances of it breaking is probably slim. Thanks for a pointing that out 3 putt.
P.S. I'm playing 9 holes after work today. I play 2 or 3 times a week, 18 on the weekend and 9 holes after work once or twice. I shot on average 98 to 102. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Are there any units on the market here in the USA that use this chip? Please say the C320.. :p
Gnzo, here is the interesting news:
"In an unexpected move that sounds like a "mini-revolution" in the world of GPS, Garmin have just announced that they have partnered with SiRF to use the ultrapowerful SIRFstarIII chipset in upcoming GPS receivers, the first in line being the Edge 205 for cyclists. A change that will certainly be welcome by fans of all things GPS, as the Garmin chipset sometimes struggled to keep up as seen in this comparison. "
Unfortunately we will have to wait for a while. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by TheGymKid
P.S. I'm playing 9 holes after work today. I play 2 or 3 times a week, 18 on the weekend and 9 holes after work once or twice. I shot on average 98 to 102.
Man, I wish I had the time to play.......:( |
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| Gonzo |
I am about to purchase the C320. Could someone paste into a thread here what size each state is in MB? I would like to figure out what size SD card I would need for the areas of interest.
I can not find this information any on the Garmin site.....
Thanks. |
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| Kris |
Gonzo,
I am in SF now so th eearliest I can do it will be next week. However, 1GB card cost $70 and can fiit anything East of Texas/Wisconsin line (including these states). I got 2GB and fitted all of NA. In my personal opinion 1GB is th esmallest I would advise (best price to size ratio). |
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| Kris |
Don,
Gonzo was refering to Garmin GPS C320 and mape size in MB (megabytes). I know it could have been confusing...... |
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| Gonzo |
Sorry for the confusion. I've order the Garmin c320 today wit the 1GB (Thanks Kris for the suggestion).
Buy.com has the c320 for $423 (less $10 buy.com coupon) and the 1GB for $50 after rebate. For an extra $20 over a 512MB I'll get the 1 GB SD card and that should hold me.
Thanks for all the information. I'm looking forward to receiving the unit. |
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| Gonzo |
I thought was interesting. I asked Garmin if they could provide me with info on the approx file size for NAV data for each state. They could not but they did tell me that with an NT system you can fit the entirre US on a 1GB SD card..... doesn't seem right to me. Email below:
-----Original Message-----
From: TechSupp
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2005 11:52 AM
Subject: RE: c320 Question
Thank you for contacting Garmin.
The non-NT version of City Select requires about 1.5G to store. However, the NT version (whose data is much more compact) will require approx. half that size.
Since the mapping is broken down into many odd shaped grids (multiple grids per state in most cases), we don't have a table of what the memory requirements for each grid are.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Best Regards
Quentin Deck
Product Support Specialist
Garmin International |
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| Gonzo |
Buy.com is killing me... The SD card just arrived... but the c320 will not be here until Monday.......
Thats like saying:
"Here are the keys to your new MO.... you car arrives in 3 weeks..." |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by Gonzo
Buy.com is killing me... The SD card just arrived... but the c320 will not be here until Monday.......
Thats like saying:
"Here are the keys to your new MO.... you car arrives in 3 weeks..."
Gonzo,
I feel your pain.
This is one of the reasons I disdain "mailorder" (although you'd never know that by my Visa bill)
I'm a tracking number maniac.
Enjoy your Garmin. You'll LOVE it! |
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| Gonzo |
Yea me too... I just love the ability to track my Garmin across the county. Such a great feature of these shippers.
How has your experiece been with the USPS tracking? I find it lacks to that of FEDEX and UPS. |
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| biggun |
I have the iPAQ 5555 HP Pocket PC, with the GlobalSat BT-338, and iGuidance GPS software.
I am really happy with this combination, especially the BT-338 wireless GPS unit. The BT-338 contains a built-in SiRF III, WAAS, 20-channel satellite communication architecture, Bluetooth, and contains a replaceable battery with a large capacity (1700mAh), which enables BT-338 to run up to an incredible 17 hours!!
I place it on the corner of my dash with no wires and it is flawless. The software is extremely accurate when it comes to your positioning on the map. I would say within a 3-foot distance at worse. It is also very simple to use.
I purchased my GPS unit and software from Semons for $200, which also came with the Arkon vent mount. The BT-338 has a recent firmware update that Semons did for free (minus $5 bucks for me to ship).
http://www.semsons.com/igbunpac.html
The only thing I would like to try regarding software is one with Live Traffic Update like CoPilot Live. Has anyone tried this?
I will try to post some pics soon. |
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| Gonzo |
| Got the c320 this morning. Looking forward to the drive home to try it out. I was wondering about the sizes of the various states. Garmin didn't have a break down. For those interested in the C320 map foot print by state here is a breakdown. Now you can determine which SD card works best for you. The entire country is about 1.6 GB in size. |
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| Centurion |
OK guys,
I need help. I've been using the OEM navigation system in the MO for a year now and just love it. My daughter is moving to Toronto and needs to get a nav for her Sentra. I've been researching what's available for a reasonable price and it seems to be between the Garmins and the Magellans.
What bothers me is the size of the screens. I'm looking at my 7" screen in the MO and trying to imagine the info squeezed into my iPaq's screen.
Kris, is it easy enough to read? It seems that they all offer the same size screens even if you pay over double the price for certain models. |
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| Kris |
Centurion,
I had the same doubt but after renting a car in Europe with a really small b&w screen and great voice prompt I was convinced 3.5 inch screen is good enough.
My wife did not even wanted to look at anything smaller than 7”, but once she borrowed mine for a day there was no way I would get it back.
So to answer your question – yes, for me is big enough. And I do wear reading glasses, not when driving though…. |
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| Gonzo |
| So far I love the Garmin C320... for the price, size and simplicity it has been working very well for me. |
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| Centurion |
| Thanks for the response Kris. I have a spare 256 SD card. Do you think that will be good enough for her to have all the routing and info in the Toronto area? No need to spend an additional $150 for the C330. Now that I think of it,will she have enough memory to have the info for the trip between Toronto and Montreal? |
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| Kris |
Let me check it when I get back home. I have 2GB card and it fitts entire NA Canada including. I think you can fitt most of the Canada on 256MB but let me check it.
I went for C320 because the battery last 8hrs, C330 only 4hrs and as I take the unit with me to rentals it was important. |
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| Corin |
I had a similar concern when I was looking at GPS systems. 3.5 inch screen is SMALL! But once I started using it, I found that it is really plenty of screen to use for this type of application.
I did feel the TomTom was a little crowded due to where they put the sidebar info stuff, but the Garmin c320 is fine and I think they re-designed the TomToms since I played with one.
So I wouldn't be concerned about the small screen size. It will be plenty big for what it does. |
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| biggun |
Centurion,
If you want the 7" screen go with the Clarion NICE. Especially if you want to go SAT and/or Ipod Integration in the future. I think you can find them for around $800-900 (US). It has a 20 GB harddrive for Nav maps and music files.
That is not a bad price when you concider the following.
Nav( like Garmin 320 or 330) $500-$700
Memory Card (1 GB) $100
Ipod (20 GB) $300
Ipod integration adapter $200
SAT $50-100
Total $1150-1400
I'm looking for ipod intergration and regret not going with this in the beginning.
:confused: |
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| TheGymKid |
| I have the Magellan, and I never thought about needing a large view screen. The one it has is perfect I feel. Any larger and it would be like having a fireplace in the living room... center of attraction. This way it just fits in. Everything is clear and I never squant to view or read any of it. |
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| Centurion |
Thanks guys,
I just read a review where this guy got Ontario, New York and New Jersey on the 128 MB that comes with the unit.
biggun, I saw the Clarion, it's nice but out of my daughter's budget. It retails for $1500 CAD in Montreal. The cable to update maps is extra. |
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| Kris |
Centurion,
here is the data on map size. 256MB will be plenty for you.
Good luck with the unit... |
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| Centurion |
Thanks Kris,
That's great. Now I have to find out who sells them at a good price and ships to Canada. |
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| Gonzo |
New information on the Garmin C320.... Garmin has just updated their maping software (Now Version 7). City Select NT.... It appears that they have changed the compression becasue now I can fit ALL of North America, and Southern Canada with ~200 MB free on 1GB card.
So you can now easly fit the entire country onto 1GB... I think maybe even 512MB.
Great! Thanks Garmin. |
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| HuskyFan |
| I just saw a TomTom 700 model at Sams Club for $700+. It might be worth looking into. |
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| Gonzo |
| I have never used the TomTom but for $400 I am very pleased with the Garmin C320. |
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| Kris |
Gonzo,
hwen did your upgrade DVD arrive? I ordered mine mid Sep and still nothing.
Which firmware are you running? I have 4.80 as the previous one was causing lockups. 4.80 works great. |
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| Gonzo |
I'm also using 4.8.... I don't see any difference as I never had any lockups.
The updated DVD can be obtained HERE |
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| Kris |
| I did order the DVD 4 weeks ago. Even sent email to Garmin a few days ago asking what happened as I had a confirmation number. Noting yet........let's hope it will arrive shortly... |
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| Centurion |
| Well I got the Garmin 320 for my daughter and three 330s for other people in our office. They all really love them. I got Ontario, Quebec, New York State, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Michigan on a 512 SD card with a little to spare. I updated the firmware to 4.8 but I didn't notice which version the map data was. Can I see the version on the Garmin or only on the DVD? |
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| Kris |
On the unit as well:
tools > Map > Map Info
It should take you to a screen saying: "City Select Noth America V6, C320"
V6 will be map version |
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| Centurion |
| Version 6. Do I get a free upgrade? |
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| Centurion |
| That's really strange. I ordered by phone from gpscity.ca. On the Garmin site it refers costomers who are in Canada to contact gpscity.ca for map updates. Why didn't they tell me about that when I ordered two weeks ago? |
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| pumice99 |
I just picked up the C340 and the text to voice navigation is an excellent addition.
I tested the TomTom Go last year before returning it because the screen washed out in the sun and it was fairly expensive.
The interface is excellent and it's much cheaper than the TomTom. You can get the C340 for about $600 online.
Instead of using the permanent mount adhesive, I placed a $5 sticky pad on the dash and then applied the suction mount with a little water. Suprisingly, the mount is very stable and can be removed easily at anytime. |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by pumice99
The interface is excellent and it's much cheaper than the TomTom. You can get the C340 for about $600 online.
For those of you searching for a decent name brand aftermarket GPS. Walmart.com has a sale on this Garmin. $199.
Cnet reviews look pretty good too...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...181163300871682
WAAS enabled; 12 parallel channel GPS
Built-in patch antenna; MCX-type connector for optional external GPS antenna connection
Audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings
Includes MapSource City Select North America NT DVD, which contains mapping detail of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico-featuring nearly six million points of interest, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Users load the City Select data onto an included 128MB Transflash data card via a fast USB connection
Display: StreetPilot i2 — 1.3"W x 1.7"H, 176 x 240 pixels, high contrast, FSTN, monochrome display with backlight
Unit dimensions: 3.00"W x 2.74"H x 2.15"D
Weight (unit only): 6.2 oz with two "AA" batteries
Features a scrolling wheel with click-to-enter, making it quick and easy to scroll through the menus
Offers a 3-D map perspective or a "bird's eye" overhead perspective
Battery life: up to 6 hours typical use on two "AA" batteries (Max. 7 hours)
Does not include batteries
Includes 12-volt power cable for external power while in your vehicle
Includes a vehicle suction cup mount which allows for easy adjustment and quick release
Includes an adhesive dashboard mount disk
USB interface
PC Requirements:
IBM-compatible Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating system
Minimum 32 MB of RAM
Minimum 1 GB of free hard drive space
With a DVD drive and an available USB port
Internet access is recommended |
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| Kris |
i-3 and i-5 are the budget GPS systems from Garmin. For $200 you cannot go wrong. My C320 save me so many times now in many cities that I believe everybody should have a kind of a GPS system in their cars...
Mr3Putt
good find. I cannot believe it how cheap these things are getting |
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| Gonzo |
You can't beet $200. I would still recommend the C320... handy have the built in battery, no need to worry about batteries and as I recall the screen was a little nicer.
The only thing that hte C seriers needs is a removable faceplate that could be replaced with a built in sun visor of some type. You know, something like a radar scope has on a boat but not that "deep". This would help keep the sun off the screen. |
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| jaak |
When travelling I use iGuidance on my iPAQ so I don't have to carry anything else, other than my little Bluetooth GPS with me on the plane.
In the car, I use the same thing, but with a serial port connected GPS that also charges the iPaq.
Next vehicle will have the OEM navigation system, as I don't like the clutter. OEM nav, OEM sat. But I doubt either can keep up to the aftermarket for price and features. |
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| DavidBW |
I've had my Garmin IQ3600 for about 3 years now....with the beanbag mount and adapter.....its the best thing I've found...plus its a nice Palm to boot.
I am constantly using rental cars when I travel and it goes anywhere :)
Fits nicely on the top of the Dash.
David |
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| Gonzo |
| I also have 4.8.... CD was sent via First class mail. |
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| hfelknor |
Hmmnnn.
Has anybody ever used this Streets and Trips with it's "GPS Receiver"?????
Don't like "add on accessories" that don't play well with my car, for instance I would never spend $600 for the worlds greatest NAV with it's cables hanging loose or it's screen in the way, etc.
But for 80 bux................:2:
Homer |
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| Gonzo |
| Its from Microsoft.... it must be perfect. :2: |
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| Mr3Putt |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
Hmmnnn.
Has anybody ever used this Streets and Trips with it's "GPS Receiver"?????
But for 80 bux................:2:
Homer
I've never used it, but the reviews on Amazon look pretty good. It averaged 4 out of 5 stars. I guess if someone already had a "carputer", this might integrate well. |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr3Putt
I've never used it, but the reviews on Amazon look pretty good. It averaged 4 out of 5 stars. I guess if someone already had a "carputer", this might integrate well.
I have never used it either but my understanding is that it is one of the best in the market. Microsoft has improved it over the 2005 version by adding voice prompts. They are not natural (recorded) voices but from what I hear they are acceptable. One major flaw (if you want to call it that) is that it is not "touch-screen" friendly if you have a small 7 inch screen because things will show just too small. So it will not be that great for the average carputer screen but it is good on a large screen such that of a laptop. |
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| hfelknor |
Ordered it.
Someday I'll post a review here.
We are planning a trip to Arizona sometime in the spring. The intent is to cover the whole state.
Being retired and financially "OK" we have no time limit but expect that it will take us from the Canyon to Tucson with everything in between (not Phoenix?Scotsdale as we lived there many moons ago) over a two or three week (or longer) period of time.
This poor mans nav could help, I suppose.
Homer |
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