Jeeezzzzz, I just got my first car with a compass in the mirror. I thought that was pretty neat, when I can remember it's there.

Bill, I agree with you on the Simple is Better approach. I've been thinking I might like having a GPS unit; heck, I could have used it Sunday instead of fumbling around with a map with the top down in the cold wind (yes, while driving - sorry Darlene, I will try to do better).

I hate trying to use complex equipment; for example, I had an Alpine radio stuck in the 'Ole Max and it has so many options and variables I end SCREAMING when I just want to check on or change something simple - like a station or the time.

I'll have to check out the 330 (The BMW was great, I suspect the Garmin is too).

 

Rob,

I thought we both had the 2610. I've never been able to figure out the computer software. I always just plug in my GPS on the desk at home, and program where I want to go, usually by address to address. I do like that it stores many routes though. I don't know if the 330 can do that or not.

 

They are all relatively simle to use. Very few of the GPS units are that complicated. The 2720 is as user friendly as the 330. That it has features that you may not want or use is a different story, but none of the units are that difficult, once you try them.

 

Patty,

I do the same thing, but when you say program I think you are leading others to believe that you are doing some complicated task. On the 2610, 2620 or 2720 you simply punch in the location, and the unit does the rest.

Like you, I like the fact that our unit has the ability to store routes. I tend to go to the same places often in the course of my work. I keep the routes stored in the unit so that I can call on them. Its not that I need the directions after the first or second time but rather that I like to have the gps running to tell me when my turn is coming up and how far I have to go. I find that to be very nice.

I also like the remote control that came with our units. It gives me the ability to go from page to page without having to reach over the dashboard to touch the screen.

It's not that I couldn't live without these features, I certainly could, but I like them and use them a lot.

Of course the best GPS that I've ever used, much better than any portable unit, is the Navi built into my Si.

 

I like the routes because I need more than one at a time. Like for Gettysburg. I have it programed already to take me from BWI to the Hilton. Another route from the Hilton to Scozzaros. Then there are the stored ones I keep like the one that takes me to my daughter's apartment. Too many freeways for me to remember.

I have never used the remote control. I don't even know where it is.

 

Oh, sorry. FWIW, I just saw the Garmin does have a slot for an expansion card. Plus Ijust loaded the drivers, downloaded the owners manual, and the update software and found a minor update that was available for my unit which I then uploaded. It all worked very nicely.

 

My unit stores locations and can take you to them from anywhere. I'm not sure it stores routes.

Rob, I tried units that were not that easy to use. I don't know about yours. I'm not sure I tried it.

 

Fair enough. I guess there are some complicated ones out there. My experience with the few I tried is that they're pretty simple.

 

and that's one of the reasons I wanted a GPS unit. Another reason is that when we travel its great to be able to divert off and explore knowing the unit will get you back wherever you wish to be without fumbling with maps, etc. I love the portability of the unit as it works great in any of our cars. If the unit you have is a street pilot c330, then it is like mine. You can touch the little tool bar at the bottom of the screen and give it your preferences, like avoiding toll roads, highways, etc. and you can tell it you want to use "motorcycle" routes which is something I often do to search out better roads for S-car driving. I think it keeps at least 50 addresses stored and you can store favorite places, it lists interesting attractions you may wish to visit, restaurants, hospitals, etc., etc. It does even more than I need it to do, but its so easy to use that I really don't know what I did without it. We're loving not getting lost anymore. It gives advance warning of turns at least twice before you need to make the actual turn and the street name or # is displayed prominently on the screen.

 

^Me too, Val. On the way to the airport after Mystic, I had extra time, so I would see an off-ramp that looked like it had pretty trees and take it. I'd drive around and when I figured it was enough, I'd finally listen to the lady tell me how to get back on route to the airport.