Garmin 276c: $459.99 w/Rebate
- Thread starter k6uk
- Start date
Scott Brady
Founder
Wow, very nice 
k6uk
Adventurer
It made my decision easy.
I placed the order yesterday.
Around 14 dollars for shipping to California, but no sales tax.
Their prices on accessories are not as good as the units, so I turned to ebay for the memory card (124.99 for 512mb), and ordered a Garmin GPS 18 to get City Navigator + a cheap backup GPS.
I'll let you guys know how it all works out!
-Mike
I placed the order yesterday.
Around 14 dollars for shipping to California, but no sales tax.
Their prices on accessories are not as good as the units, so I turned to ebay for the memory card (124.99 for 512mb), and ordered a Garmin GPS 18 to get City Navigator + a cheap backup GPS.
I'll let you guys know how it all works out!
-Mike
k6uk
Adventurer
It arrived
Thought I'd let you know that the 276c arrived today!
Very fast response, so I am pleased.
The box wasn't shrinkwrapped, and oddly the unit itself wasn't wrapped in plastic (just was sitting in its cardboard cubbyhole & the screen had plastic over it.) but it looks brand new in every way (no fingerprints), so maybe that's just how Garmin packages these.
I also lucked out in that most of the other parts arrived today as well - so I'll get to try this out over the weekend.
Now to fill out that rebate coupon!
-Mike
Thought I'd let you know that the 276c arrived today!
Very fast response, so I am pleased.
The box wasn't shrinkwrapped, and oddly the unit itself wasn't wrapped in plastic (just was sitting in its cardboard cubbyhole & the screen had plastic over it.) but it looks brand new in every way (no fingerprints), so maybe that's just how Garmin packages these.
I also lucked out in that most of the other parts arrived today as well - so I'll get to try this out over the weekend.
Now to fill out that rebate coupon!
-Mike
edgear
aventurero, Overland Certified OC0012
k6uk said:
I believe that is correct. I'm still a noob when it comes to GPS, but from what I can tell -- just the waypoints, tracks, routes, etc. are transferrable to the GPS handheld unit from the NG Topo software. But if you have it hooked up to a laptop in your vehicle, you can see all of the topography & plot your location...
crawler#976
Expedition Leader
The Lowrance Global Map Baja 480C GPS is in the same price range - $459.00 from:
http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?p=869
and
http://www.gpscity.com/item-lowrance-globalmap-baja-480c-gps-receiver/baja480c.htm
http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?p=869
and
http://www.gpscity.com/item-lowrance-globalmap-baja-480c-gps-receiver/baja480c.htm
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
crawler#976 said:
Which raises a good question - Lowrance Baja 480C, or Garmin GPSMap 276C?
The Lowrance has some strong selling points, as it uses SD memory cards, has a larger, higher resolution, and supposedly brighter display, at a slightly lower price.
On the other hand, the Garmin unit is appealing because I'd expect better software compatibility and support due to it being more popular. Its also lighter, and at a glance - slightly more versatile.
RAM5500 CAMPERTHING
OG Portal Member #183
I also have a 276c and couldnt be happier! AWESOME unit for the price.
There are pros and cons to both units, but i have been a garmin owner/user since their first III, then the III+, then the V, and now the 276c and couldnt ask for more.
Their software is hands down the best out there for maniuplating data, plotting trips, etc.....
Also, i have a small handheld (eTrex legend) that i use on my bike and swap info from the bigger unit into the smaller one if i need it.
The lowrance on the other hand is the "standard" for the baja racers and all SCORE maps and such posted on their website are in Lowrance format which is a ********** to convert and keep the detail.
I have never actually used or fooled around with a Lowrance unit, so i cant comment on them.
There are pros and cons to both units, but i have been a garmin owner/user since their first III, then the III+, then the V, and now the 276c and couldnt ask for more.
Their software is hands down the best out there for maniuplating data, plotting trips, etc.....
Also, i have a small handheld (eTrex legend) that i use on my bike and swap info from the bigger unit into the smaller one if i need it.
The lowrance on the other hand is the "standard" for the baja racers and all SCORE maps and such posted on their website are in Lowrance format which is a ********** to convert and keep the detail.
I have never actually used or fooled around with a Lowrance unit, so i cant comment on them.
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
I am SO close. If it was an instant rebate, I'd be golden. So I'm finding stuff around the house to Ebay.
LOL! This auction looks kinda bleak.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MESE:IT&viewitem=&item=330051293152&rd=1&rd=1
I should be able to go the distance by selling the ol' PS2. That hasn't been getting much use between WoW and the DS Lite.
I'll be going from a III purchased new a gazillion years ago, straight to a 276C. I can't wait!!!
:sombrero:
LOL! This auction looks kinda bleak.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MESE:IT&viewitem=&item=330051293152&rd=1&rd=1
I should be able to go the distance by selling the ol' PS2. That hasn't been getting much use between WoW and the DS Lite.
Boston Mangler said:
I'll be going from a III purchased new a gazillion years ago, straight to a 276C. I can't wait!!!
:sombrero:
crawler#976
Expedition Leader
I've used the Lowrance 3500C and MapCreate software for a month. Love the unit - huge, clear display, easy to use interface, options up the wazoo...
The Mapping software itself is easy to use. Waypoint/route creation is fast and easy - and using a 1G SD card is so COOL! I've got NM, AZ, CO, UT, and NV loaded at 1:24000 topo level w/ 120K space left for user files.
Here's the beef:
The cartography is no where as complete as the Garmin. The Lowrance maps seem to be about 5 years out of date on several major highways, and even tho it's supposed to be 1:24000 VS 1:100000 for the Garmin, I've already found it's database is lacking detail. Thats not to say that the Garmin is flawless by any means - it's got some serious errors too - but it seems the Lowrance is worse by a fair margin. One item that I've used for visual reference in the SW are the high tension powerlines. In most cases you can spot'm from a very long distance, yet Lowrance doesn't show them on the maps. That's a bit shocking to me since the unit is touted for use as an avionics aid to nav.
I haven't gotten a reply from my comments to Lowrance on the cartography problems. If I do, I'll let ya know. I mentioned to them that I'd gladly trade off all the Point of Interest database (it's huge and quite complete) for accurate maps.
Mark
The Mapping software itself is easy to use. Waypoint/route creation is fast and easy - and using a 1G SD card is so COOL! I've got NM, AZ, CO, UT, and NV loaded at 1:24000 topo level w/ 120K space left for user files.
Here's the beef:
The cartography is no where as complete as the Garmin. The Lowrance maps seem to be about 5 years out of date on several major highways, and even tho it's supposed to be 1:24000 VS 1:100000 for the Garmin, I've already found it's database is lacking detail. Thats not to say that the Garmin is flawless by any means - it's got some serious errors too - but it seems the Lowrance is worse by a fair margin. One item that I've used for visual reference in the SW are the high tension powerlines. In most cases you can spot'm from a very long distance, yet Lowrance doesn't show them on the maps. That's a bit shocking to me since the unit is touted for use as an avionics aid to nav.
I haven't gotten a reply from my comments to Lowrance on the cartography problems. If I do, I'll let ya know. I mentioned to them that I'd gladly trade off all the Point of Interest database (it's huge and quite complete) for accurate maps.
Mark