why I went for the 276C...

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ALHTHS

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Dear all,

After a lot of deliberation on what GPS unit to get I decided to go for the 276C over the 26xx, 60C and 76C (and Quest). I am planning a trip to Morocco this spring and I realized that Mapsource software doesn’t’ provide any coverage in those areas, so I started looking in to the off-road abilities of the units.

My main reason for picking the 276C (over the 60C and 76C) was mainly memory, as the 276C can be used with the (EXPENSIVE) Garmin memory cards (up to 256Mb) thus giving flexibility to add maps of for those who can spare a dime more have an extra card with additional regions loaded on. What I liked best about these units (276C, 60C and 76C) was that they are rugged, they have better off-road/tracking abilities (and the highway page, very good for off-road/hiking/marine), they can be used for hiking and marine and they have autonomous power. Still these units can maintain the usefulness in auto routing (especially with the recent software updates) as well as the 26xx family.

One more attractive feature (for me) of the 276C is that has integrated Li-ion battery and therefore makes the unit more rugged and also solves some of the problems other members reported (there are also report on the web about this issue with some devices) with vibrations and battery movement.

Also the magnificent display has played a decisive role in my decision.

My problem with the 26xx family is that they are very focused units and expensive for what they offer. I understand that the 276C with all the add-ons (mapping software memory cards, and holders) can be more expensive but I’d rather pay for a versatile unit. Just to remind you what happened to V, SP, SPIII (and eventually to Quest and 26xx since a new unit came out. To me the 176, 60, 72/76 and eTrex series seem to have outlasted the “automotive” units.

Once I receive my unit and mount it to the bike I will try to post a short review.


A (useful) comparison of the 276C and the 2610 can be found here:

http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/276vs2610.htm
 
Agreed

Also been agonising over this for a while. Come to pretty much the same conclusions - especially after the recent firmware update added the custom routing functions most people cited as one of the major plusses of the 26xx units.
What are your thoughts on mounting the unit (oooh err)? I am tempted by the Migsel speedo mount as I want to use the visual directions rather than the voice prompts, but I'm worried about any weight\vibration issues. I think the 276 actually weighs less than the 2610 so maybe its not a problem. I guess you could always remove the battery :D
Post pics of your install.

Now to track down a cheap source of 256MB Garmin memory ;)
 
simonm

I am thinking of getting either a RAM mount or a Touratech mount but haven’t decided yet.

Forgot to mention that Aspid export does the 296C for £399 with the automotive kit (City Select Europe, full unlock, friction mount, dash mount, 256MB datacard and 12-volt power cable) for £200 and a 256Mb data card for £107

For those with software a unit and a 256Mb card is just over £500, a very good price!!
 
ALHTHS said:
simonm

I am thinking of getting either a RAM mount or a Touratech mount but haven’t decided yet.

Forgot to mention that Aspid export does the 296C for £399 with the automotive kit (City Select Europe, full unlock, friction mount, dash mount, 256MB datacard and 12-volt power cable) for £200 and a 256Mb data card for £107

For those with software a unit and a 256Mb card is just over £500, a very good price!!
All prices are plus VAT though............

So that's £475, £239 and £127

Not trying to put you down ALHTHS, I think the 276C is a cracking unit, but maybe you're self employed or can claim the tax back. Most people on the board can't.

:beerjug:
 
The only thing I would say is do not buy the GPSmap 276C if it is your first unit and you do not have a navigation background.

A SP2610 is more straight forward to operate.

The GPSmap 276C has a lot more navigation features but you need to understand them or be prepared to go thru a learning curve.
 
BurnieM said:
The only thing I would say is do not buy the GPSmap 276C if it is your first unit and you do not have a navigation background.

A SP2610 is more straight forward to operate.

The GPSmap 276C has a lot more navigation features but you need to understand them or be prepared to go thru a learning curve.

BurnieM I have experience with gps' in the past as well as navigation experience and that is why I specifically went for the 276C
 
Jon said:
All prices are plus VAT though............

So that's £475, £239 and £127

Not trying to put you down ALHTHS, I think the 276C is a cracking unit, but maybe you're self employed or can claim the tax back. Most people on the board can't.

Hi Jon,

I will say this with no further comment:

All aspid asked is provide a valid VAT (you can check the validity yourself onlide). THEY NEVER SAID TO ME THAT THEY WILL BE CHARGING THE VAT TO ANYONE but only that the sale will be vat free. Normally you have to pay VAT in order to claim it back, if it is never charged then... must be a new European thing!

Now draw your own conclusions.
 
Quick update with order

As I mentioned in my previous post I ended up ordering from Aspid Export. I have placed my order yesterday (07/12/2004 @ 14:00) and today (08/12/2004 @ 10:15) my parcel arrived with FedEx.

Now given the fact that Aspid trade online from Lisbon (Portugal) and I am in UK that is very impressive!! Most impressive of all it was that delivery charge was around about £FREE , that puts in shame a lot of UK companies.

And a quick follow on to my previous post:

Many people in this forum and others buy online or in person (e.g. eBay, trips abroad, friends from abroad, etc) from outside EU without paying any VAT. How come Aspid can ship VAT free without charging VAT to EC??????


Just try it!! :eyebrow :doh
 
I ordered mid morning yesterday from Aspid, it was in Lisbon last night, this morning it was at Stanstead after travelling via Paris overnight.

There was a guy on telly the other day representing UK retailers, he was hopelessly defending UK rip-off prices. He blamed high fuel prices as being a significant issue in prices, then he tried to put down Internet shopping as unreliable… hohoho :clap :clap :clap
 


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