Is a base computer needed?

[Shep]

Hi all

Just about to make the jump into GPS, i've been studying the threads and sort of made a decision on a 26xx

Problem is i've not always got access to a computer to plan routes etc

1. Can these units be used efficiently without a base computer

2. Would the 2620 be better as a stand alone unit

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated

Regards Shep

 

[MikeO]

The 2620 is the one with the micro-drive - yes? If so, it's not suitable for use on a bike - the vibration does the drive in. Do a search and find out all about it...

Mike

 

[Jimb]

Shep

You will find a PC is a big advantage either desktop or laptop, but before you choose check out the GPSmap 276C, this has a much better screen, much larger, higher resolution, it is the smallest of the marine plotters but it has an optional automotive pack that makes it better than a 26** family device, and it offers some usefull features that the 26**/ streetpilots don't have.

An internal hard drive is a no no on a GS

Check out www.aspidshop.com, you should get both for about £600

 

[Eddy802]

What do you need?

Jim's "it has a better screen" comment is debateable depending on how much screen you want or need.

I have a 2610 and considered moving to a Quest (smaller screen again) because my planning is done on a PC/Laptop and the way I use the GPS means that I depended mostly on voice guidance not screen use whilst on the move. Having its own power whilst not on the bike was attractive too, for an A-Z of the city I was visiting and relocating the bikes after being dragged around the shops there!

That said, it still proves useful to get a plan view of some junction layouts as you approach them and a bigger screen helps in that respect.

I understand the 279 depends on Garmin proprietary memory, this is a further consideration. Generic Compact Flash is not that expensive and so one large unit or a few in the 512mb size range may hold all the detail you need to make a 2610 and occasional PC access just the ticket.

Bottom line is, what are your needs and what are your wants ...

Hope this helps.

 

[Shep]

This is good info

I had a feeling that the 2620 was NFG on a bike if it had the micro drive but had also gathered that if i did not wan't to use a base computer the 2610 wouldn't be as good?

Most of my travelling is in the UK with maybe 1-2 European tours per year

I've never used GPS before but I envisaged being able to find Hotels/Service stations etc at the touch of a button, and the ability to traverse strange towns & cities with ease. I'm more of a credit card & toothbrush traveller than a planner so I don't want to carry a laptop around on my travels if I don't need to.

Regards Shep

 

[Eddy802]

With occasional PC access, I'd be inclined to buy the 2610 and an extra 512mb CF card (about £60) and put the entire UK detailed maps on the 256CF that comes with the unit.

Putting the port and route detail you need for each trip on the additional card prior to each trip, or as and when you have PC access and swapping the two cards at an appropriate opportunity.

With a further card you'd pretty much have the entire mapset uploaded to CF and ready to swap out as and when you liked....

 

[BurnieM]

Re: What do you need?

Jim's "it has a better screen" comment is debateable depending on how much screen you want or need.

snip

I understand the 279 depends on Garmin proprietary memory, this is a further consideration. Generic Compact Flash is not that expensive and so one large unit or a few in the 512mb size range may hold all the detail you need to make a 2610 and occasional PC access just the ticket.

Bottom line is, what are your needs and what are your wants ...

Hope this helps.

Sorry but the 276C screen is much better than any other GPS screen currently available.

You are right about other considerations tho; the 276C does use proprietary memory with a size limit of 256 MB.

The SP2610 will let you buy a 2 GB CompactFlash card and load all of Western Europe at once.

Table with individual country sizes from City Select Europe v6;
http://home.online.no/%7Esigurdhu/CS_Europe-v6.htm
City Navigator is similar

 

[Shep]

Thanks for your info

But still don't answer the question, can these unit operate effectivley without a base computer?

Regards Shep

 

[BurnieM]

After the map are loaded, yes.

Many of the specialist GPS dealers will reload the maps at no charge.

 

[Shep]

Hi BurnieM

Thanks for that!

Regards Shep

 

[BurnieM]

Let me correct that;
I meant PRELOAD the maps

If you later decide to load a different area then you would need a PC

 

[schnauzer]

quest memory takes all the maps for the whole of UK plus around 50 miles or so of frog land