Garmin GPS - newbie question about the 2720

Author

newbie question about the 2720

TWCable News

2005-11-21, 11:48 pm

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.

Seagull

2005-11-22, 5:48 pm

TWCable News <markb@blaisesoftxxx.com> wrote:
>
> 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?

It's internal flash memory.

> 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?

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!)

Jack Erbes

2005-11-22, 5:48 pm

Seagull wrote:

> TWCable News <markb@blaisesoftxxx.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> It's internal flash memory.
>

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)

tvnav.com

2005-11-22, 5:48 pm

"Seagull" <seagull@aracnet.com> wrote in message
news:dlvjm9015ag@ene
ws1.newsguy.com...
> Note that pricing varies. City Nav updates started at $150 when first
> released then dropped to $75 a few months later.

A couple of years later would be closer. The first 2 updates and then
for a with the 3rd update the update unlock was $150.00. Only a few weeks
ago was it dropped to $75.00.
--

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

Seagull

2005-11-22, 5:48 pm

Jack Erbes <jackerbes@adelphia.net> 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.

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.

> And it does not come with any software that
> would act as a desktop application to handle any data exchange or
> manipulation.

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!)

Seagull

2005-11-22, 5:48 pm

tvnav.com <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote:
>
> A couple of years later would be closer. The first 2 updates and then
> for a with the 3rd update the update unlock was $150.00. Only a few weeks
> ago was it dropped to $75.00.

I was referring to CityNav 7.0. Probably should have been more clear
about that.

Cheers,
-+JLS

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

tvnav.com

2005-11-22, 11:48 pm

"Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:YJWdnVQOLf-GxB7eRVn-gQ@adelphia.com...
> Seagull wrote:
>
>
> Is that seen as a removable drive under Windows?

No it is not.

It is a little
> mysterious as far as the size of the available memory on the 2720.

There is 750MB extra memory space 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.

It does if you order it from us. ;)

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

I dis-agree.
--

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

TWCable News

2005-11-22, 11:48 pm

"tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
news:iJSdnUlOPo9vOR7
enZ2dnUVZ_tSdnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net...
>
> "Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
> news:YJWdnVQOLf-GxB7eRVn-gQ@adelphia.com...
>
> 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
>

Hi Darrel,

Thanks for the feedback. So If I buy from tvnav, full Garmin warrantee is in
effect? Do you have any idea when the 2730 will be available? (I like the
idea of the wireless FM mic, using the car radio instead of the external
speaker on the DC power adapter :-)

Cheers

tvnav.com

2005-11-23, 5:48 pm

"TWCable News" <markb@blaisesoftXXX.com> wrote in message
news:hCQgf.19057$JQ.9106@twister.nyroc.rr.com...
> Hi Darrel,
>
> Thanks for the feedback. So If I buy from tvnav, full Garmin warrantee is
> in effect?

Absolutely.

Do you have any idea when the 2730 will be available?

Garmin just told me yesterday that the ETA has been changed from Dec. to
early January. Thanks.
--

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

Jack Erbes

2005-11-23, 5:48 pm

tvnav.com wrote:

<snip>
>
>
> I dis-agree.

Thanks for the other answers. Maybe I don't get it but it seems that
the specifications are a little "sparse" and the manual less than
detailed.

When I talk about tinkering with the details I'm thinking in terms of
being able to upload and download tracks, routes, waypoint to and from
the GPS from a PC. And to be able to see things like times, speeds,
altitude, etc., in the track history. I don't see anything on the
Garmin web site or in the online manual that leads me to think that I
can do all those things.

Do you think it will be able to do those things?

I'm not too likely to buy a $1,300 +/- GPS unit in order to find out it
will or can do.

Jack

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

tvnav.com

2005-11-23, 5:48 pm

"Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:psWdnbLzcNaaLhn
eRVn-pg@adelphia.com...
> tvnav.com wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> Thanks for the other answers. Maybe I don't get it but it seems that the
> specifications are a little "sparse" and the manual less than detailed.
>
> When I talk about tinkering with the details I'm thinking in terms of
> being able to upload and download tracks, routes, waypoint to and from the
> GPS from a PC. And to be able to see things like times, speeds, altitude,
> etc., in the track history. I don't see anything on the Garmin web site
> or in the online manual that leads me to think that I can do all those
> things.
>
> Do you think it will be able to do those things?

I don't think that you can see things like times, speeds,
altitude, etc., in the track history but otherwise yes.

> I'm not too likely to buy a $1,300 +/- GPS unit in order to find out it
> will or can do.

You also need to find a new place to shop. Our price (and many others)
is no where close to $1300!
--

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

Ivor Jones

2005-11-23, 11:48 pm

"tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
news:iJSdnUlOPo9vOR7
enZ2dnUVZ_tSdnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net
> "Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
> news:YJWdnVQOLf-GxB7eRVn-gQ@adelphia.com...

[snip]

>
> There is 750MB extra memory space on the 2720.

Extra to what..?

Ivor

tvnav.com

2005-11-23, 11:48 pm

"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:3ukad8F11jddbU1
@individual.net...
>
>
> "tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
> news:iJSdnUlOPo9vOR7
enZ2dnUVZ_tSdnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net
>
> [snip]
>
>
> Extra to what..?

To save maps onto.
--

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

Ivor Jones

2005-11-23, 11:48 pm

"tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
news:CJidnZrVM9qDnxj
enZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net
> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
> news:3ukad8F11jddbU1
@individual.net...
>
> To save maps onto.

I meant extra to what capacity..? Do you mean the 2720 only has 750MB or
is that 750MB extra to something else..? If so, what..?

Ivor

Jack Erbes

2005-11-23, 11:48 pm

tvnav.com wrote:
<snip>
> You also need to find a new place to shop. Our price (and many others)
> is no where close to $1300!

I think you missed the meat of the question there. I'm beginning to
think that you are here primarily to sell stuff.

But you're right, I was thinking of the MSRP price on the 2730.

Jack

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

Dave M

2005-11-23, 11:48 pm

"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:3uki6cF11tcl3U1
@individual.net...
>
>
> "tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
> news:CJidnZrVM9qDnxj
enZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net
>
> I meant extra to what capacity..? Do you mean the 2720 only has 750MB or
> is that 750MB extra to something else..? If so, what..?
>
> Ivor
>
It has 750 MB extra for other maps.

Ivor Jones

2005-11-24, 5:48 pm

"Dave M" <davem@nojunk.cinci.rr.com> wrote in message
news:2T9hf.137341$tD4.124834@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com
> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
> news:3uki6cF11tcl3U1
@individual.net...
> It has 750 MB extra for other maps.

Like I said, extra over what..? What is the capacity the 750MB is extra
to..?

Ivor

tvnav.com

2005-11-27, 11:48 pm

"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:3uki6cF11tcl3U1
@individual.net...
>
>
> "tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
> news:CJidnZrVM9qDnxj
enZ2dnUVZ_tidnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net
>
> I meant extra to what capacity..?

It is still 750MB.

Do you mean the 2720 only has 750MB or
> is that 750MB extra to something else..? If so, what..?

The 2720 comes with City Navigator NA pre-loaded and there is an extra
750MB to load other maps onto if you so desire.
--

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

tvnav.com

2005-11-27, 11:48 pm

"Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:JvWdndmmwbIciRj
enZ2dnUVZ_sednZ2d@ad
elphia.com...
> tvnav.com wrote:
> <snip>
>
> I think you missed the meat of the question there.

I don't think so.

> I'm beginning to think that you are here primarily to sell stuff.

Why else would I be here?
--

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

Dave M

2005-11-28, 5:48 am

"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:3uljcnF11tvcqU1
@individual.net...
>
>
> "Dave M" <davem@nojunk.cinci.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:2T9hf.137341$tD4.124834@tornado.ohiordc.rr.com
>
> Like I said, extra over what..? What is the capacity the 750MB is extra
> to..?
>
> Ivor
This is the size of the maps:
North America City Navigator v7 DVD contains 111 maps, "average*" map size
13.84 MB, 1,536.3 MB total

So at the least the total size is may be the range of 2.3 or 2.4 GB.

Jack Erbes

2005-11-28, 5:48 pm

tvnav.com wrote:

> "Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
> news:JvWdndmmwbIciRj
enZ2dnUVZ_sednZ2d@ad
elphia.com...
>
>
>
> I don't think so.
>
> Why else would I be here?

Why else? Well, for the inteded purposes of newsgroups. Newsgroups are
for topical discussion, exchange of info, and the like.

That can often include references to places to buy things but newsgroups
are not intended as a place for retailers to flog their wares.

I can see from your posts that you are not really here for meaningful
discussion. I made a statement, you said you disagreed, my reply, inter
alia, mentioned a price that was incorrect, and all you had to say was
that you sell it cheaper ignoring the real question. Go back and read
the thread for context, not for places to insert a plug. Many of the
questions here are rhetorical and you ignore them.

You do not discuss GPS models in a objective, technically knowledgeable,
manner, you simply look for chances to plug your business or set the
hook on a sale.

There are a couple of other threads where you are snapshooting answers,
repeating replies, and you have still not answered the question that was
asked. In my book, you have disqualified yourself as being very
knowledgeable about the topics at hand here.

And all that's fine, I'm not a newsgroup cop and you can do what you
like here. This is not a flame, it is a discussion, there is no anger
in my reply.

Jack

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

tvnav.com

2005-11-28, 5:48 pm

"Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:jOadnWOg6K4glxb
enZ2dnUVZ_sednZ2d@ad
elphia.com...
> tvnav.com wrote:
>
>
> Why else? Well, for the inteded purposes of newsgroups. Newsgroups are
> for topical discussion, exchange of info, and the like.

Which I participate in heavily but the bottom line is I participate
hoping that my input is appreciated enough that we will once in a while gain
some business because of it. I have never intentially mis led anyone.

> That can often include references to places to buy things but newsgroups
> are not intended as a place for retailers to flog their wares.

And I don't do that.

> I can see from your posts that you are not really here for meaningful
> discussion.

Really? Then I'd suggest not reading my post.

I made a statement, you said you disagreed, my reply, inter

> alia, mentioned a price that was incorrect, and all you had to say was
> that you sell it cheaper ignoring the real question.

Exactly, I post facts not garbage like you did.

Go back and read
> the thread for context, not for places to insert a plug. Many of the
> questions here are rhetorical and you ignore them.

BS.

> You do not discuss GPS models in a objective, technically knowledgeable,
> manner, you simply look for chances to plug your business or set the hook
> on a sale.

Again more BS!!!

> There are a couple of other threads where you are snapshooting answers,
> repeating replies, and you have still not answered the question that was
> asked. In my book, you have disqualified yourself as being very
> knowledgeable about the topics at hand here.

There you go. Don't listen to me then but like it or not, if you post
incorrect information I will still correct it. It's only fair to the other
participants to have facts.

> And all that's fine, I'm not a newsgroup cop and you can do what you like
> here.

And I will continue to do so.

This is not a flame, it is a discussion, there is no anger

> in my reply.

Yeah, it's easy to see that. ;)
--

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

Jack Erbes

2005-11-28, 5:48 pm

tvnav.com wrote:

<snip>

<plonk>

Welcome to my killfile.

Jack

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

Ivor Jones

2005-11-28, 5:48 pm

"tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
news:UpqdnYH068Qv5xf
enZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net

[snip]

> The 2720 comes with City Navigator NA pre-loaded and
> there is an extra 750MB to load other maps onto if you so
> desire.

That's what I meant. I'm in the UK so if I were to buy one I'd get the EU
maps. However, on my 2610 I can swap CF cards, I have one with EU maps and
one with US maps for when I visit the US, so how would I do this with the
2720..? Think I'll be hanging on to the 2610 for a while yet, I don't
think 750MB would be enough to load the maps I'd need.

Ivor

tvnav.com

2005-11-28, 5:48 pm

Thanks Jack.
--

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

"Jack Erbes" <jackerbes@adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:SMGdnR1XiI2B0hb
eRVn-iA@adelphia.com...
> tvnav.com wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> <plonk>
>
> Welcome to my killfile.
>
> Jack
>
> --
> Jack Erbes in Ellsworth, Maine, USA - jackerbes at adelphia dot net
> (also receiving email at jacker at midmaine.com)

tvnav.com

2005-11-28, 5:48 pm

"Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
news:3v11fdFs0tt8U1@
individual.net...
>
>
> "tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
> news:UpqdnYH068Qv5xf
enZ2dnUVZ_tqdnZ2d@ne
ws.ruraltel.net
>
> [snip]
>
>
> That's what I meant. I'm in the UK so if I were to buy one I'd get the EU
> maps. However, on my 2610 I can swap CF cards, I have one with EU maps and
> one with US maps for when I visit the US, so how would I do this with the
> 2720..?

If you bought a NA 2720 you would only have the extra 750MB that is
built into the unit to load your Euro. maps onto.
--

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

Ivor Jones

2005-11-28, 11:48 pm

"tvnav.com" <GPS@tvnav.com> wrote in message
news:laidnb0fKcBwwhb
eRVn-rw@news.ruraltel.net
> "Ivor Jones" <ivor@despammed.invalid> wrote in message
> news:3v11fdFs0tt8U1@
individual.net...
>
> If you bought a NA 2720 you would only have the extra
> 750MB that is built into the unit to load your Euro. maps
> onto.

Hmm, I won't be buying one any time soon then.

Ivor

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