Choices, choices, choices . . . I've been reading product info, the post here, and reviews on the net (gpsinformation.net has some of the best, IMHO). The c320 has most of the features I want. However, so does the 2610, and although is has been discontionued, it is still available new and can be had for about $50 more than the c320. My first impuls is, of course, to go with the c320. However, the 2610 gets much better reviews, and one (respected) reviewer said he would choose it over the c320 despite a much larger price differential when the review was written. The downside of the 2610 is that it is a bit larger and weighs a bit more--but hey, I'm a big guy and can handle that. If anyone has had experience with both, I would certainly appreciate their evaluative (i.e., critical) comments.
If this is for your primary vehicle (as opposed to a unit only used occassionally in a second car or rental car), I'd seriously consider spending the extra money for a c550 or Nuvi. The more sensitive receiver and hands-free Bluetooth support are something I'd want in a unit that I was using every day.
I've been shopping for a GPS for a bit and I've decided on 320. By the way, I found the cheapest price on buydig.com.
the c320 doesn't have the latest SiRF III chips. Does the SP 2610 have it? The SiRF III chips are much more sensitive than the SiRF IIs. Also, you'll fare better in urban canyons with the III chips.
I have the 2610. Very pleased with it. Discontinued...found it at Amazon for $449. Don't know if they have any left.
If you like the 2610 form factor, then I recommend looking at the 2720. The 2720 adds text-to-speech and can accept POI uploads. The 2720 is available for $449 for a Garmin factory refurbished unit with an extended warranty. Check http://www.getfeetwet.com/ My experience with them was very good.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jons623 @ Feb 11 2007, 07:18 AM) [snapback]388384[/snapback]</div> I currently own and use a 2610 and a IQue 3600. I had a Street Pilot III before the 2610. The 2xxx units are all very good. The suffer by comparison with the newer units ( 3xx. and Nuvi) because they have no internal batteries. They are tied to a power cord ( 12 volt DC, or 110/220 volt adapter). They prefer to have an external antenna for usage around tall buildings (NYC, Chicago, etc). Take a look at a unit with one of the new high sensitivity chip sets. The prices should be pretty close
I would not buy a GPS today that didn't have the SiRF III chipset. I also wouldn't trust the advice of anyone who recommended any of the older units like the Garmin 26xx or 27xx. Their experience is just too outdated to be useful. The new Magellan 2000 uses the SiRF III chipset and can be had for under $300. I'm planning to sell the Garmin i3 I keep for secondary and rental car use (both our Prii have factory Nav) on Ebay and pick up a Magellan 2000 to replace it. Bluetooth would be nice to have in the GPS, but I already equipped our non-Prius cars with BlueAnt SuperTooth Bluetooth speakers, as they're cheap enough to buy one for each vehicle and just leave it in the car.
I picked up the Nuvi 350 and have been extremely happy with it. It is easily updated from the Garmin website and is very accurate in its guidance. The 350 gives you the advantage of hearing the names of upcoming streets (as opposed to having to read them on the screen on some other models) which is helpful, especially when driving in the city.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bobrye @ Feb 18 2007, 12:02 AM) [snapback]392247[/snapback]</div> I have the Garmin Nuvi 660 and love it. It is extremely easy to use. It can also fit into a shirt pocket if you want to take it out of the car and use it walking or touring. It accepts dowmloads of addition info if desired. I wanted the larger screen of the Nuve 660 which is more expensive.
I had a Garmin Nuvi 360 that I was using in my old Mercury Sable. It's a great unit, with Bluetooth, spoken street names, searches for gas, food and lodging and much more. It's very easy to use. It's amazing how easy it is to get used to ... and how easy it is to find addresses ... even when it's dark outside. I *love* this unit almost as much as my Prius.
