Advice wanted - Which GPS ?

[ALEXG]

I am a complete non-geek but am reasonably competent at learning how to use computers and electronic devices . In the field of SatNav I am ignorant and would like some help in chosing how to go.

Up to now I have used Navman software on an IPAQ but I want to buy something more powerful , flexible and bike oriented .

My most important requirements are:

To be able to pre load a week's route with say 50 to 100 towns or specific locations on the way .

I want to be able to specify actual roads I want to take or avoid.

I would like to be able to plan a route on Microsoft Autoroute and download it .

It must have a large , easy to read screen with large easy to press buttons.

Ideally it would have a bluetooth sound output .

It needs reasonable weather proofing.

It must be reliable

I would not say money is no object but would be prepared to pay what it costs to get all of the above.

Most of you know a lot more than me - what are your thoughts ?

 

[Kropotkin]

Step 1: Read lots of the threads in the GPS Info forum. This question has been asked untold numbers of times.

Step 2: Buy a Garmin Quest. Or a Garmin 2610 if you are loaded. Or a 276C if you spend a lot of time off-road.

 

[Possu]

Quest: non-expandable memory (128mb built in?), portable (built in battery), small colour screen (2.66"/68mm diagonal). You'll need to buy a bike mount.

276c: limited to 256mb memory (Garmins own cards), portable (built in battery), large colour screen (3.8"/96mmm diagonal). You'll need to buy a bike mount.

2610: takes CF cards of whatever size you want although nothing bigger than 2gb needed, not portable unless you buy an aftermarket battery pack (rechargeable) but does come with an a/c mains adapter for use indoors when downloading from PC, similar screen to 276c. Comes with a 256mb CF card as standard. You'll need to buy a bike mount.

Navigator II: re-packaged 2610 with extra set of buttons built in to the cradle to complement the touchscreen. Comes with a 512mb CF card. Lists all BMW dealers in Europe. Comes with a 2 year warranty - regular Garmins might only come with a 1 year warranty????. Comes with a bike mount & cradle & cost about £1,300 total last year, now superseded by

Nav.II Plus: as above but with a 2gb card installed that has the whole of Europe already preloaded. Costs £985.00, price reduction due to complaints of Nav.II being too expensive, although this is not cheap itself.

I've just gone through buying a GPS, I ended up with a second hand, year old Nav.II. Worked out slightly cheaper than a new 2610, plus I appreciate the extra buttons on the mount when wearing winter gloves. Remainder of warranty is transferable.

For me, it was a case of choosing between portabilty (276c) or expandable memory (2610 & variants). The memory swung it for me, I'd have bought a new 2610 had the Nav.II not come along at the right time & price. The Quest never really entered the competition for me.

Both the Quest & 276c can store more waypoints than the 2610 but the 2610's 500 waypoints are enough for me.

Should you go for a 2610 & wish to expand the memory, just buy a Multi Layer CF card instead of the more expensive Single Layer cards.

I think all of the above come with the necessary parts, cable & bean bag mounts to run it in a car via fag lighter.

 

[Kropotkin]

Quest: non-expandable memory (128mb built in?),

Nearly right, it's 256 mb built in, except for the US units, which for some bizarre reason are 128 mb (actually 113 IIRC).

 

[Possu]

Nearly right, it's 256 mb built in, except for the US units, which for some bizarre reason are 128 mb (actually 113 IIRC).

I was told this by Josh Hogan (RTW Yank, 1150GS) on Sunday at the HU meet but thought he was wrong?

Any ideas why?

 

[Kropotkin]

Any ideas why?

I have no idea at all. Seems to me it's more expensive to produce two physically different units. Probably something to do with time to market and US pricing.

 

[Scottie]

To do with Europe having more roads than North America.