For BurnieM-----Garmin 276C

[TerryM]

Burnie

Still going over the options and noted that you have the 276C which I know has a bigger & brighter screen(getting old and needing reading glasses) but I think uses the Garmin specific(expensive)memory cards with max 256mb capacity. However I am not convinced that having all the towns and cities in europe loaded simultaneously is an issue for me, and I like the versatility for sailing.

Not having any personal experience with either 2610 or 276C I will welcome your input.

Terry

 

[Wraithwrider]

Terry

I have a 276C and I'm really pleased with it. It seems to be more commonly used in the US so there's quite a bit more info on it's performance in ADVrider.

The screen is great and the controls function well. It is a fast high spec unit and it's not cheap. It's got its own battery too.

I think that the Garmin 256MB card is a must but if you load the map area around the route planned, an available option, you can get a lot on one card. I think that wo cards would give enough capacity for just about anyone although I've not experimented planning longer European routes (now there's an idea).

PB

 

[ebbo]

I’m sure Bernie will be along soon, but I too have a 276c with the 256mb Auto Nav kit, not the cheapest GPS option, but an excellent screen/display and that’s what sold me.

 

[TerryM]

Thanks a lot for your inputs, I must say that the screen size and general layout looks very attractive. And though not, as you say, the cheap option I certainly am tempted. Now off to AdvR to see what our American cousins have to say.

Terry

 

[BurnieM]

Afternoon all

Yes, the GPSmap 276C definitely has the sharpest screen.

Garmins data cards are a negative but not a big one if you can load all you need for a trip in 256MB
(see http://home.online.no/~sigurdhu/CS_Europe-v6.htm)

The SP2610 is a more focused car/bike unit and the touch screen does make entering street addresses easier.

The GPSmap 276C is a more multi-purpose unit with more technical navigation features.
It still performs 'turn by turn' autorouting with all the features of the SP (except touch screen).

Garmin does not recommend loading the BlueChart marine mapping on the SP2610, something to do with not displaying all the colours properly and some features not being readable.

http://www.gpsriders.net/gps_sv1000.html

 

[richie]

Yep the 276C gets my vote too, over the 2610 that is...

 

[TerryM]

The price for a Euro 276C with the in car kit added seems to be over GBP700 on the sites I have visited, Anyone seen any good deals I am missing?

 

[steady away]

276c from sportextreme £431.54
car kit £199.95 from global positioning systems

 

[TerryM]

Thanks, appreciate that info.