randy Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 well up to about Dec 15 i was pretty sold on the 376C. I really love my XM radio, but the idea of waterproof and one item on my bike was pushing me to upgrade from my iQue 3600 to the 376C Now the 2730 comes along. Still some questions, I have e-mailed Garmin, but here are some difference I noticed 376C has better weather capablility (if you subscribe) 376C is larger screen with better pixel rating 2730 has the touch screen 2730 has larger memory and can hold all maps 2730 has MP3 capability. I have actually liked this with my iQue 3600, but with the XM radio in the 2730 not sure how much I would use it going forward. The deal breaker is if the 2730 does not allow route planning or downloading of other members routes. Also waypoint creation on PC. I sent an e-mail to Garmin requesting clarification If the 2730 allows route creation and way point creation on the PC,then will probably go with the 2730. If not, then go with the 376C Any major item I missed? And yes I know the 376C is limited to 512, I am ok with that for the other features. Link to comment
randy Posted January 5, 2006 Author Share Posted January 5, 2006 I just got this from Garmin The 2730 should be shipping with a City Navigator DVD that will load Mapsource to your computer and will allow you to create routes as I'm sure you're familiar with having used our products before. The memory in this device is built in flash memory and has available space of 750MB, this is not expandable and is fixed internally in the unit. This will allow you to load your mp3 files. The unit will hold up to 50 saved routes at any given time with up to 254 via points within the route. Link to comment
RokRide Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 what are you choosing based on the response? I was looking at teh 26xx,27xx models then have been thinking of the 376c. I am trying to let other people do the leg work then I can just buy the unit... Link to comment
smiller Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 As Randy said I do believe that Garmin provides an application that will let you do route planning on a PC and transfer waypoints, etc., with the 2730 so I think you're OK there. If not I agree that would have been a significant limitation. Link to comment
MattS Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 If not I agree that would have been a significant limitation. Track logs, Seth ... tell him about the track logs. Link to comment
smiller Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 All right already, no steenkin' track logs. Or just one to be more precise. That's all I've ever needed but if you are a track log junkie then the 2730 won't give you your fix. Link to comment
Mainuh Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I have a 276C, so I'm not fully up to snuff on the 2 models you're looking at. But one item that was a dealbreaker for me a year ago, when I was comparing the 2610 to the 276C was the lack of battery on the 2610. My daughter and I enjoy Geocaching and it wouldn't possible if the unit didn't operate on battery. I'll grant you the 276C isn't the best unit for Geocaching, but it does that, great auto navigation, and also works as a plotter in the boat. I think the 376C does all that and much more. Good luck with whatever you choose! It's great to know where you're going! Link to comment
RokRide Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 AFTER SPEAKING TO SOME PEOPLE it seems the only difference between the 276c and 376c is the XM functions... Is this true? Link to comment
WestTX RT Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 What about antennas? I'd assume you need an external antenna for XM in a vehicle, but do you have to have it on the bike? Link to comment
Spinner Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 Rob, you are correct - the only difference a motorcyclist is concerned with between the 276 and 376 is the XM & XM/Radar. For the XM-related features, a special antenna is supplied. I checked the Garmin site about a spare antenna to have one to mount both on the car and bike. The antenna is over $250. This implies to me that the antenna is actually an XM reciever, not just an antenna. I suspect the 276 is missing the firmware for XM, but it would be interesting to check (assuming the 276 has the same mini-USB port on the 376). Since the antenna is actually a complete XM receiver, I want to hook it up to my computer and see if I can figure out the protocol Link to comment
BeniciaRT_GT Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Now I'm confused again!!! The 2730 shares memory with your mp3s? i.e., the more mp3s you load, the less maps you can store? Or...does the 2730 have the maps already loaded in seperate memory? Does anyone make a mount for the 376 yet? I saw somewhere a motorcycle kit should be available in Jan. I really want that nexrad weather, but like my 2610 an awful lot, (except for the tracks). The touchscreen is handy, but how are the buttons (376) for trying to "navigate" while moving? Link to comment
smiller Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 The 2730 shares memory with your mp3s? i.e., the more mp3s you load, the less maps you can store? No, per Randy's note above all of the City Navigator maps are always available, plus there is 750 mb of additional memory for other uses, such as additional maps from another product line or MP3 files. Of course some out there (you know who you are) may consider that much extra memory obscene. Link to comment
RokRide Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Rob, you are correct - the only difference a motorcyclist is concerned with between the 276 and 376 is the XM & XM/Radar. I actually own a boat as well... Is there anything new and great about the 376C. I am not an XM fan so I am curious to know what else is available with the 376 Link to comment
randy Posted January 6, 2006 Author Share Posted January 6, 2006 there are a couple of items that make one branch i.e 376 vrs 2730. for example as noted above, if tracks or battery are a top priority then the 376 is the choice. if 100% map coverage or touch screen are it, then the 2730 is the answer. If like me, you sometimes think tracks sound cool, ( but have never actually used one) or you do use your unit off the bike, car or boat, but not a lot etc, etc, etc, then the decision between the two is more difficult. At first, XM radio, the better weather option, bigger screen, and track log of the 376 was a major advantage over the 2610. And I was willing to pay a premium for those features. But now that the 2730 has come out with XM radio. I will probably go with that for the bike, and purchase the Garmin 7200 for my car. Originally I prefered the 376C for use in my car, or on the bike. But now that Garmin has come out with the 7200 and all the features it incorporates, I think that will be my car unit, and just keep the 2730 on the bike full time. Of course, as David B always comments, I "noodle" (his term not mine) decisions to death ( and yes he is correct I do) so I will probably change my mind again before May. Link to comment
velomoto Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Just did an somewhat exhaustive (exhausting?) comparison of 276 and 2720 (sorry - no interest in XM or XM weather). The basic differences are: - Battery in unit (276) or about $60 for aftermarket battery unit (2720) to connect via standard power cord (read: if you REALLY want it in the restaurant with you, then yes there is a way). - About $1000 for 276 after purchasing car kit (road maps, mount, etc), 512MB memory card and USB card unit. The 2720 is $750 from Costco, GPSCity and others including everything for a car. Motorcycle mounts extra for both devices and will cost about the same. - 2720 has ALL US road maps in internal flash and has 750MB left over for MP3's or other (European?) maps. The 276 with 512MB flash card will fit approx 1/3 of the US road maps with no room on flash card. - Both have motorcycle mounts available (2730/2720/2610 all use the same mount). - Both "now" support route planning on PC (allegedly early 2720 units didn't include necessary software). - If you want to use gps for hiking or boating then 2720 is useless - get the 276. - Both will talk to you - tho neither will replace your favorite 900 number... - If touch screen is important, then get the 2720. - Both have good displays. - Interfaces and features differ slightly so you'll want to look into this if you're a "detail" person. If the 276 would have used a standard Compact Flash or SD Flash card (instead of the proprietary Garmin flash card) I'd have probably gone that direction. But alas Fed Ex says my 2720 will arrive tomorrow. Cheers, Greg Link to comment
PASSMORE Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I own a 376c, I will try to answer some of the questions I have seen thus far. Mounting - any 1 or 276c mount will work with the 376c. I currently use a Touratech mount for it on my KTM, the supplied mount (and a Gadget Guy bar) on my RT, and a car mount for my vehicles. There are a lot of other choices out there. WX/XM Antenna - it is a seperate and exterior antenna and yes it is a receiver. Unfortunately this also excludes using multiple antennas unless you want to also pay for multiple subscriptions. I am experimenting with different mounts now for the different uses. Magnetic works great on my vehicles, however it is not suitable for bikes. Link to comment
PASSMORE Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I actually own a boat as well... Is there anything new and great about the 376C. I am not an XM fan so I am curious to know what else is available with the 376 WEATHER - works well for me thus far. Link to comment
RokRide Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I actually own a boat as well... Is there anything new and great about the 376C. I am not an XM fan so I am curious to know what else is available with the 376 WEATHER - works well for me thus far. I believe in order to get the weather you need to purchase XM... So that would be an XM related Issue... Is their any other boater features? Link to comment
PASSMORE Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I actually own a boat as well... Is there anything new and great about the 376C. I am not an XM fan so I am curious to know what else is available with the 376 WEATHER - works well for me thus far. I believe in order to get the weather you need to purchase XM... So that would be an XM related Issue... Is their any other boater features? Not absolutely sure, but I think you are incorrect in that you have to purchase XM to get the WX. WX was available seperately when I did my subscription and there are several boater packages available with varyig degrees of maritime information. Link to comment
RokRide Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 I just spoke with XM, granted I really couldnt understand the guy...... He stated the fee for the boater package is 49.99 a month for the 376c. Does this sound crazy? it does to me.. They claim there is no piecing out of the services.. all or nothing... Ok i did a little more looking. the Master mariner is 49.99 a month(they do have two other options that are 29 or 39). To get weather and Radio you need to add 6.99 to the 49.99. YOu can also get just the radio for 12.95. try here and you can see the packages for the 376c Link to comment
WestTX RT Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Passmore, WX/XM Antenna - it is a seperate and exterior antenna and yes it is a receiver. Thanks, for that information, that's a deal killer in my estimation, since I want to move it from my pickup to the bike on a regular basis. Link to comment
Spinner Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Get the fisherman or sailor package at $29/mo. It gives you everything you'd need for land use. I chose the sailor package over the fisherman as I thought I'd use the wind feature more often than surface pressure. The Nexrad radar is impressive - it will even come in handy during the daily commute. The weather warnings are nice, too, as well as the forecast info. In all, I like the 376 a lot! As far as other boater-related features, go to the Garmin site and take a look for the details - it is sonar compatible, dcs capable, has tide charts, etc. For mounting on the GT, I use the supplied marine mount attached to a GadgetGuy bracket - screws right into it. I added a thin metal plate between the bracket and the GPS mount containing a bend to horizontal to attach the XM antenna. It ends up sitting right behind the GPS between it and the windscreen. The excess cable is coiled up and secured underneath. This also allows easy removal to put the system in the car if desired. Link to comment
MattS Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 that's a deal killer in my estimation, since I want to move it from my pickup to the bike on a regular basis It's not altogether huge. And included in the box is a magnetic marine pole mount, handy for the motor: Also supplied is a 6 foot USB extension cable, I keep mine in the car, running out to the trunk, and install the magnetic antenna there when needed. Link to comment
BMWGreenRT Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Just did an somewhat exhaustive (exhausting?) comparison of 276 and 2720 (sorry - no interest in XM or XM weather). The basic differences are: - Battery in unit (276) or about $60 for aftermarket battery unit (2720) to connect via standard power cord (read: if you REALLY want it in the restaurant with you, then yes there is a way). - About $1000 for 276 after purchasing car kit (road maps, mount, etc), 512MB memory card and USB card unit. The 2720 is $750 from Costco, GPSCity and others including everything for a car. Motorcycle mounts extra for both devices and will cost about the same. - 2720 has ALL US road maps in internal flash and has 750MB left over for MP3's or other (European?) maps. The 276 with 512MB flash card will fit approx 1/3 of the US road maps with no room on flash card. - Both have motorcycle mounts available (2730/2720/2610 all use the same mount). - Both "now" support route planning on PC (allegedly early 2720 units didn't include necessary software). - If you want to use gps for hiking or boating then 2720 is useless - get the 276. - Both will talk to you - tho neither will replace your favorite 900 number... - If touch screen is important, then get the 2720. - Both have good displays. - Interfaces and features differ slightly so you'll want to look into this if you're a "detail" person. If the 276 would have used a standard Compact Flash or SD Flash card (instead of the proprietary Garmin flash card) I'd have probably gone that direction. But alas Fed Ex says my 2720 will arrive tomorrow. Cheers, Greg Actually I purchased the 276C with auto kit for $779 Total price from Water and Woods in West Allis, WI This was an upgrade for me from my Garmin V.(Which is now in the car) It was well worth the money. Link to comment
PASSMORE Posted January 7, 2006 Share Posted January 7, 2006 Passmore, WX/XM Antenna - it is a seperate and exterior antenna and yes it is a receiver. Thanks, for that information, that's a deal killer in my estimation, since I want to move it from my pickup to the bike on a regular basis. IMO, I would not let it kill the deal for you. I regularly move mine from RT, to KTM, to my truck. Basically, whatever I am driving/riding it attaches too. I switch often. Different vehicles definitely call for different mounts. As said earlier, the magnet mount for riding (on the RT and for sure on the KTM) has not been suitable for me. Works great in the truck, but for now I am just tossing it on the dashboard and it has functioned fine. That said, I am looking at machining a "locking" mount for this antenna so it can mount securely from bike to bike. think something cleaner and more compact than the dash mount you can purchase from Garmin... Link to comment
WestTX RT Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 Another question along that line. Does the cable plug into the antenna where you could run all the cables permenantly and just move the GPS and antenna? I'd really rather not have a lot of exposed cable, and I'd think you get a better ground plane w/ it mounted externally. Link to comment
PASSMORE Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 Another question along that line. Does the cable plug into the antenna where you could run all the cables permenantly and just move the GPS and antenna? I'd really rather not have a lot of exposed cable, and I'd think you get a better ground plane w/ it mounted externally. The plug is at the GPS, not the body of the antenna. I have my cable bundled and generally just unplug the audio and power. Not ideal, but not everly cumbersome either. Link to comment
Spinner Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 Ground plane is not an issue for XM antennas. As has been said, I unplug the antenna from the back of the unit, and connect to the extension cable run in my car. By the way, you aren't limited to the 6' extension - there are longer ones available on the market. I swap the 376 between the car and bike regularly with no difficulties - unplug the power/audio and the antenna cable. Link to comment
Tom02RT Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Do any of you listen to XM radio via the 376c? I was told that you "may" not get stereo music ... just mono? Is that correct? Like many of you I'm debating between the 276c, 376c and the 2730. Currently I have a XM Roady that is plugged into the AutoCom. Any thoughts are much appreciated. Link to comment
MattS Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Do any of you listen to XM radio via the 376c? I was told that you "may" not get stereo music ... just mono? Is that correct? Yes and no. There is a 2.5mm mono lead incorporated as part of the motorcycle cable ... but there is also a 3.5mm port on the back of the 376C providing stereo output. Link to comment
Tom02RT Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 MattS .. Thanks for the information. Now another question for you. I was told that if you subscribe to the weather service via XM and if you are showing the weather radar image on your unit that it may not show your location or route. This person I was talking to was under the impression that the unit can NOT show the weather, your location and give your route directions at the same time. Link to comment
PASSMORE Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 This person I was talking to was under the impression that the unit can NOT show the weather, your location and give your route directions at the same time. FALSE. I can get routing (both visual and audio), indicate my position, and view the weather. Link to comment
MattS Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 the unit can NOT show the weather, your location and give your route directions at the same time The only issue that would resemble this is that, with the satellite mosaic view enabled (cloud cover), some map details are obscured. This does not affect either routing or location, rather a quirk of the rendering engine. Link to comment
Tom02RT Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Hey Guys ... Thank you again, for the clarification. Yet another question. This one about the unit being somewhat waterproof. I understand that this unit meets some standards to be called "waterproof". It can take being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Is it safe to say that it can take being in the rain on a motorcycle without being covered? How about being in the rain all day, while being on a motorcyle? Link to comment
DavidEBSmith Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 How about being in the rain all day, while being on a motorcyle? 2610, on an RCU shelf behind the windshield, in the rain (actually, a Flippin deluge) all day, haven't had a problem. Theoretically* the IPX7 immersion-resistance standard does not include the IPX6 and below spray-resistance standards, but in the real world, it appears that it does. * (I first typed "Theorectally", which isn't a word, but should be for some of the discussions around here). Link to comment
Pat_Da_Geeeze_Donahue Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 My 2610 lived on my bike through 10 hours of driving rain with only partial coverage from my windshield and mirror. The screen fogged slightly but cleared later. Then it lived in the same spot for the ride home which amounted to 11 hours under similar conditions. Lots of time in the rain for it and no issues. The 2730 won't have as much access for water incursion as the 2610. Pat Link to comment
MattS Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 I understand that this unit meets [the IPX-7 standard for] "waterproof". It can take being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Is it safe to say that it can take being in the rain on a motorcycle without being covered? How about being in the rain all day, while being on a motorcyle? The GPS itself, and the power connection, are waterproof. The USB connection to the XM antenna, and the 3.5mm audio port ... are another story. I haven't had a driving rain to test it, but my 376C was none too happy in the mists coming off the ocean. I'd imagine to fully waterproof these connections would require some, ahem, auxilliary materials in key places. Link to comment
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