Garmin 276C questions

[STeve1300]

OK, I'm this close http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00002254X.01._SCMZZZZZZZ_.gifto buying a Garmin 276C, and here's where I'm at....

Rather than buy the unit plus a package, I am buying or have:

- Ram mount stuff & garmin 276C specific plate (I bought at "Cycle Gadgets" @ cycle show)
- I ordered an Autocom audio splitter to combine GPS audio & cell phone (per advice from Autocom dude @ cycle show)

I will buy from gpsdiscount.com :

-GPSMAP 276C $584.00
-City Navigator DVD (same price as City Select) $104.00
-Additional Cigarette lighter power/speaker for car use $35.00
- Blank 512MB Memory $149.00

Questions:

Eric at "Premier Cycle Products" (my Autocom dealer, yes he sells Garmin, but not at discount), suggested I order a 256MB card as the 512 is having compatability problems...anyone experience this???

He also suggests I use the power/Data cable that comes w/ unit & buy a generic jack to attach to the bare wires (no problem) to get the audio. Anyone else do it this way vs spending $25 more for the Motorcycle specific Power/Audio cable??? (2d option will require yet another jumper lead from the GPS to the Autocom under the seat)

How about my idea to use City Nav vs the City Select, which typically comes w/ unit? (Garmin web site shows it as compatible)

And finally, I am under the assumption that the 276C will run under bike power and/or internal battery.....easy to take inside for mapping etc on breaks.... Is this correct?

[STeve1300]

Doing it "ala carte" is going to cost me $872.00.
Display and portability are the exact reasons this unit interests me. As well as water resistance!
I share your concern on the memory... I need input from anyone who has this unit, on the 512MB vs the 256MB issue. Even if the 512 doesn't have compatability issues, is it enough for a Midwest trip starting point, to a point on either coast? ( I would know the basic route...wouldnt need the whole west coast for example)

[ST090]

I have a 276C and I am using a 256 MB card. There is a limit to what you can put on the 256 card. I can get west of the Mississippi to the coast if I eliminate certain large cities and metro areas I do not intend to be riding. For example, I usually eliminate all Los Angeles. Garmin tech has been very good to respond to my e-mails timely regarding the new mapping software and whether it is compatable with the 276C. For example I believe City Select and City Nav newest versions are compatible with the 276C but Garmin does not recommend Metroguide NA. I contacted Garmin and was told metroguide NA does not provide auto rerouting in the GPS (only on the computer). The auto reroute was not that important to me but that is the reason Garmin does not recommend Metroguide. Metroguide NA is fully compatable with the 276C, it just does not have auto rerouting on the GPS.

[STeve1300]

I called Garmin support.....I am shocked...no wait, live tech. He says 512 card now works (with free software update) Soooooo unless I hear any negatives from current owners.... I'll probably order tonight. Any leads on lower prices???

John - I'm assuming it's quick & easy to custom load map areas and change them as well... Also I know the 276 is praised for viewing in sunlight, but how is it at night...My night vision sucks.

Rob - Thanks for the usual quick response and suggestions!!

[Biddyman]

I called Garmin support.....I am shocked...no wait, live tech. He says 512 card now works (with free software update) Soooooo unless I hear any negatives from current owners.... I'll probably order tonight. Any leads on lower prices???

www.getfeetwet.com (http://www.getfeetwet.com) bundle prices have 11.00 off the 512 card. 276C doesn't seem to have the second year warranty free, but ask them.

www.buyeretail.com (http://www.buyeretail.com) 577.95 with shipping and handling.

[dannyk]

Steve, google up 276C and in the right hand column scroll down to bizrate, they will give you the top lowest prices I think I saw it for around 550 bucks

[STeve1300]

Cool!!! My very last concerns... Is it just as easy to read the screen at night as it is in the day?? And can I get half the country on 512 MB?

PS I'm emailing you if I have any questions on the bare wire hook up! Thanks!!!

note to everyone else....after lots of research, I could save up to $30 max by splitting my order between 3 distributers, but then the low price City Nav DVD was listed (perhaps in error) as ver.6 instead of the most recent ver.7. Gpsdiscount gets my vote.

[ST090]

Viewing the screen at night. The 276C has a toggle for changing the brightness and contrast of the color screen. The screen is very nice at night--actually a little too bright which tends to mess up might night vision and I usually toggle down the screen brightness for night/early morning riding. At night, the selector buttons are illuminated which makes selections easy at night.

[STeve1300]

I feel like an expecting father.....Thanks guys!