Quest or 2610

[~Stef~]

I'm looking at getting a GPS to replace my ageing Streetpilot III Which seems archaic after comparing it to a cheap modern car unit. I've used the car GPS (Nuvi 250W) in a waterproof zipper bag and its fine but doesn't have an audio out socket. So being on a tight budget I was thinking of a Quest or 2610 as I want a unit that I can load Mapsource routes into from my laptop.

Whats the advantages disadvantages over each ?

TIA

 

[Bumpkin]

Maybe consider a StreetPilot 2720 if you can find one, a bit rare these days. They run NT mapping where the Quest and 2610 run non NT mapping with support and updates ceased for in 2009. The Quest2 runs NT mapping but has issues and is best avoided.

I got an SP2720 off eBay for £150 over two years ago, loads of extras with it. Being NT compatible mapping updates are the same as Zumos etc. so continuing into the future. Having fixed memory (2GB) not all of the current version (NT 2011) of Europe fits on but enough for my purposes. If I was to go to Northern Norway then I do have a technique for changing the mapping. However, this is no mean feat on this model as it has no card slot.

Keep any eye on this, you'd need a bike cradle (same for 2610/2720/2820) and probably a mapping update (about £60 ISTR)

If it must be a 2610 or Quest then the 2610 can take Compact Flash cards (ISTR max size is 2GB) where the Quest has fixed memory (beware US versions with only 128MB, the Euro version has 243MB). This translates into having virtually all of of Europe on a 2610 or, on a Euro version, having the UK and a chunk of Northern France on a Quest. If you get a US Quest you'll only fit part of the UK. You can always have a 2nd CF card for the 2610 with more mapping anyway. With both units you can select which bits of your mapping (City Nav Europe presumably) you want to load, you just get a lot more on with the 2610.

If you're just riding in the UK then the Quest is fine and is much more portable off the bike being both small and having an internal battery. If you do continental touring this is possible with a Quest but having all the mapping you need already on the GPS is an advantage with the 2610.

With the Quest beware the following:

• The flip-up antenna can get broken, I think the ribbon cable breaks.
• The battery will probably be a bit old by now, you can replace these but it's not easy, needs to be soldered in. ISTR that its a Samsung battery.
• The Garmin powered bike cradle is very hard to come by these days and can suffer from broken/corroded contact pins. There is a RAM powered cradle but I'm not sure about availability.

If buying a used Garmin make sure you get all mapping an unlock codes as well as a promise from the seller to de-register the GPS from their myGarmin account.

 

[jimbo]

I'm looking at getting a GPS to replace my ageing Streetpilot III Which seems archaic after comparing it to a cheap modern car unit. I've used the car GPS (Nuvi 250W) in a waterproof zipper bag and its fine but doesn't have an audio out socket. So being on a tight budget I was thinking of a Quest or 2610 as I want a unit that I can load Mapsource routes into from my laptop.

Whats the advantages disadvantages over each ?

TIA

I have both.
Quest is great for smaller bikes and runs on batteries if required and fits in a pocket.
None of the above is really true for the 2610.

I think the quest has better track logs?

Other than that I'd go 2610 every time
nice big touch sensitive colour screen too.

Both can be used with mapsource
Whilst clearly there are newer models about, both do a fine job of nagivation.

 

[~Stef~]

The 2720 sounds like the better bet for getting updates, which I've always found a hassle with the Garmin units.

I did consider buying something like the Nuvi 765 which has an audio out socket but don't think you can download routes to it.

 

[Schtum]

I did consider buying something like the Nuvi 765 which has an audio out socket but don't think you can download routes to it.

The high-end nüvis such as the 765T will allow you to upload routes. ISTR that you can save a maximum of 10 routes on the unit. However, you don't get a copy of City Navigator on DVD, only the preloaded maps.

I could probably be persuaded to let you play with my nüvi 760 if you wanted to try that.

 

[Keyframe]

I have a quest 1 and think it's great! However, if you've not used one before and are used to modern satnavs, the buttons will drive you nuts and no post codes. You'll need a number and street name. (or use a dash) Battery lasts far longer than you'll be able to stay in the saddle. Don't get too obsessed with having audio prompts, the quest blinks brightly when you need to make a turn.

Mines lasted 5.5 years, I'll be gutted when it gives up...

 

[Kritou]

Using City Navigator 2009 my Quest was able to load the map tiles, routes and waypoints to get me from Lancashire to the Turkish border and back. If you are using motorways/main roads those can be handled by the built in basemap leaving memory available for even more detailed mapping

 

[richie]

Hi Stef, just for your info, I have a Nuvi 550. It"s basically crap... HTH

In your position just for the bike I would take a 2610, have had both the units you mention and just for the bike that is the one to go for, just due to screen size...

 

[Steptoe]

Quest has a small screen. 2610 has a large screen.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I had a Zumo 550, crap

Went back to a Quest and a 2610

I have the Quest and the left side of the bars, near the clutch lever and the 2610 on the right side of the bars, near the front brake lever

Set the same route or destination into each unit................bingo

Neither unit can decide which way to turn at the same time

Does my fecking head in & I end up going round in sodding circles

 

[richie]

Quest has a small screen. 2610 has a large screen.

I said that, pardon....

 

[~Stef~]

Hi Stef, just for your info, I have a Nuvi 550. It"s basically crap... HTH

In your position just for the bike I would take a 2610, have had both the units you mention and just for the bike that is the one to go for, just due to screen size...

LOL cheers for that I'll avoid the 550 then.

 

[richie]

I had a Zumo 550, crap

Went back to a Quest and a 2610

I have the Quest and the left side of the bars, near the clutch lever and the 2610 on the right side of the bars, near the front brake lever

Set the same route or destination into each unit................bingo

Neither unit can decide which way to turn at the same time

Does my fecking head in & I end up going round in sodding circles

I bet you already knew which way to go though John.......first rule of GPS.......never use it to take you on a journey you already know........ the dots are due to another thread

THE GPS26 series is probably the best ever..... The quest is excellent but the screen is small...

 

[Giles]

Stef, I have a quest sat in my cupboard that I haven't used for a couple of years. (Have a zumo 550).

I havent looked on Ebay, or in the wanted/sales section here, so I don't know what they go for, but for not a lot of money its yours!! (you can have it for less than the cheapest you can find!!).

I can't remember what's in the box with it, (is there a cradle with it? mounting bracket? Not sure - I'll have to have a look).

Drop us a pm if yer interested, its sitting there doing nothing!

 

[~Stef~]

Just to throw something else into the mix...Tomtom Rider ?

 

[andyclift]

Just to throw something else into the mix...Tomtom Rider ?

Now wash your mouth out

 

[~Stef~]

Now wash your mouth out

 

[~Stef~]

So if the 2610/2720 doesnt have an onboard battery how do you power it to download routes from Mapsource or does it run off the USB ?

 

[richie]

So if the 2610/2720 doesnt have an onboard battery how do you power it to download routes from Mapsource or does it run off the USB ?

they have a mains lead so you hook it up to that...

 

[~Stef~]

they have a mains lead so you hook it up to that...

Now you see thats just clever that is