newbie question about the 2720

OK, I'm a nube ... so flame me already an get it out of your system ... :-)

I am preparing to buy my first GPS; I've read many reviews, feature lists
and comparisons, and I'm down to the Garmin 2720 or the Magellan 760
(leaning toward the Garmin). If anyone has any comments about the relative
merits of these two units, I'm all ears and I'd be greatly appreciative.

But the real question I have is, what does the 2720 store its map data on?
I've read that the Magellan 760 has a 20 GB hard drive, but no review I've
read says what the 2720 has. I finally found the 2720 manual; it says it has
"pre-programmed internal memory". Is this a RAM card (like compact flash),
or perhaps a fixed (i.e., not upgradeable) memory store?

Also, how does one update the maps? I imagine I'd have to buy a map
"upgrade"? Are upgrades offered frequently? (to accommodate road changes,
construction, etc.)? Are they expensive?

Lastly, I see that one can buy GPS units from online stores (I'm looking at
GpsExplorer.com, which seems to have some of the best pricing). Is there a
downside to purchasing online (like voided warrantee or some such)?

Thanks.

It's internal flash memory.


There's an update DVD that will load the new maps onto the device. The
releases are roughly annual. Current map update pricing can be seen here:

http://www.garmin.com/unlock/update.jsp

Note that pricing varies. City Nav updates started at $150 when first
released then dropped to $75 a few months later.


Cheers,
-+JLS

--
\ carpe cavy!
seagull @ aracnet.com \
http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/ \ (seize the guinea pig!)

Seagull wrote:


Is that seen as a removable drive under Windows? It is a little
mysterious as far as the size of the available memory on the 2720.

The specs say it has "indefinite" data storage but the manual does not
indicate what data that is or if the user can use or retrieve any of it
(waypoints, tracks, etc.). And it does not come with any software that
would act as a desktop application to handle any data exchange or
manipulation.

Look like this is not a GPS for those that like to tinker with the
details before or after the trip.

Jack

--
Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
(also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

I don't have one so I don't know. The 2730 looks like it will
show up as a mass storage device, based on the manual.


Last I heard, the 27x0 series devices are now shipping with a City Nav
DVD for route planning on the PC. If a unit does not come with one for
some reason, you can supposedly request one from Garmin and they'll send
it to you.


Cheers,
-+JLS

--
\ carpe cavy!
seagull @ aracnet.com \
http://www.aracnet.com/~seagull/ \ (seize the guinea pig!)

No it is not.

It is a little

There is 750MB extra memory space on the 2720.


It does if you order it from us. ;)


I dis-agree.
--


Darrel Goheen
GPS@tvnav.com
http://www.tvnav.com